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What's Your Name, Who'd You Kill?
Not yet published
Expected 8 Dec 26In this wickedly clever short story by the bestselling author of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, murder, mirth, and mystery combine when a stand-up comedian discovers a body at a comedy club - and realizes the killer could be in the crowd.
A comedian. Murphy Shaw is MC-ing a sold-out comedy club when he’s approached by audience member Shannon Pearl, an off-duty cop. There’s been a murder.
A killer.
Shannon can’t evacuate. The culprit has left a threat: The show must continue. She’s convinced they’re in the crowd. And that the only person who can talk to them without arousing suspicion is Murphy, hosting the show.
An impossible crime.
Can Murph use his observational skills to interview suspects under the guise of crowd work before a killer strikes again? Or will the murderer get the last laugh?
A comedian. Murphy Shaw is MC-ing a sold-out comedy club when he’s approached by audience member Shannon Pearl, an off-duty cop. There’s been a murder.
A killer.
Shannon can’t evacuate. The culprit has left a threat: The show must continue. She’s convinced they’re in the crowd. And that the only person who can talk to them without arousing suspicion is Murphy, hosting the show.
An impossible crime.
Can Murph use his observational skills to interview suspects under the guise of crowd work before a killer strikes again? Or will the murderer get the last laugh?
68 pages, ebook
Expected publication December 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A whodunit set during a stand-up comedy show is a new one for me, so this was a fun change of scenery. Murphy Shaw’s comedy career hasn't exactly gone to plan, and a rough night at the mic takes a shocking twist when a fellow comedian is found murdered.
Murphy is a great protagonist. He’s cynical, sarcastic, a bit bitter about his stalling career, and clearly jealous of the younger comics coming up, even if he won't admit it. His running commentary consistently cracked me up, and it was clever seeing how his knack for reading an audience and catching tiny details suddenly became a major asset for solving a murder instead of just landing a joke.
The setting is another huge plus because you get a really fun look into the comedy world, from the backstage banter and crowd work to all the little tricks of the trade. Stevenson also does a great job keeping you guessing with plenty of misdirection, and it’s cool to see how seemingly random, tiny details from early on end up being major clues for the mystery.
The investigation itself was entertaining, packed with breadcrumbs to follow and some really sharp, satisfying twists. I will say the method behind the murder got a little convoluted, and a few character choices definitely had me giving the book side-eye. Still, I liked seeing how the puzzle pieces clicked together, even if I had to turn my brain off and just enjoy the ride for a couple of the crazier details.
It’s impressive how much story is squeezed into such a quick book, and I loved how beautifully Murphy’s arc wraps up by the end. This was my first time reading Benjamin Stevenson, and I thought it was a great introduction to his writing and sense of humour. I’m definitely hooked and can’t wait to dive into the rest of his backlist.
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Murphy is a great protagonist. He’s cynical, sarcastic, a bit bitter about his stalling career, and clearly jealous of the younger comics coming up, even if he won't admit it. His running commentary consistently cracked me up, and it was clever seeing how his knack for reading an audience and catching tiny details suddenly became a major asset for solving a murder instead of just landing a joke.
The setting is another huge plus because you get a really fun look into the comedy world, from the backstage banter and crowd work to all the little tricks of the trade. Stevenson also does a great job keeping you guessing with plenty of misdirection, and it’s cool to see how seemingly random, tiny details from early on end up being major clues for the mystery.
The investigation itself was entertaining, packed with breadcrumbs to follow and some really sharp, satisfying twists. I will say the method behind the murder got a little convoluted, and a few character choices definitely had me giving the book side-eye. Still, I liked seeing how the puzzle pieces clicked together, even if I had to turn my brain off and just enjoy the ride for a couple of the crazier details.
It’s impressive how much story is squeezed into such a quick book, and I loved how beautifully Murphy’s arc wraps up by the end. This was my first time reading Benjamin Stevenson, and I thought it was a great introduction to his writing and sense of humour. I’m definitely hooked and can’t wait to dive into the rest of his backlist.
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was only a matter of time before Benjamin Stevenson set a book in a comedy club with a comedian as the protagonist. I saw this in NetGalley and couldn’t hit the Read Now button fast enough. One of my favourite Australian authors and genuinely lovely guy, Benjamin Stevenson never disappoints.
A short story set in a comedy club in Sydney where Murphy Shaw is the MC for this night. His comedy career hasn’t gone the way that he had hoped it would and his first few jokes don’t hit the mark on this particular night. He comes into his own when he discovers that there has been a murder in the club, and a detective in the audience asks for his help.
As always this was funny, smart and massively entertaining. Combining his love of writing and comedy was perfect, he knows his stuff.
Thanks so much to Amazon Original Stories for the early copy. It comes out on December 8th.
A short story set in a comedy club in Sydney where Murphy Shaw is the MC for this night. His comedy career hasn’t gone the way that he had hoped it would and his first few jokes don’t hit the mark on this particular night. He comes into his own when he discovers that there has been a murder in the club, and a detective in the audience asks for his help.
As always this was funny, smart and massively entertaining. Combining his love of writing and comedy was perfect, he knows his stuff.
Thanks so much to Amazon Original Stories for the early copy. It comes out on December 8th.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I have been intrigued by Benjamin Stevenson's Ernest Cunningham series for a bit now, I have yet to pick it up, so I thought this would be a good way to test the water and see if it would be something I would like. And now, I can say it definitely jumped up my list.
This is such a quick, fun whodunit that managed to masterfully capture the essence of the genre and squeeze in all the elements of it in such a short amount of pages. Murphy is a great main character, and so fun to follow. He's witty and bitter, maybe not the easiest to like, but, to me, that makes it all that much better.
The setting is so good, and it makes for such a perfect way to wrap the investigation quickly, which is obviously needed. I liked the mystery itself, it kept me guessing the entire time, and also managed to surprise me, which I didn't expect— I do unfortunately always think I know better. It's not always the case.
Honestly just such a fun time, maybe a little surreal, but it also is just such a short one, I think a little suspension of disbelief is due in works like this. Would absolutely recommend, will definitely read more by this author.
Many thanks to Amazon Original Stories & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
This is such a quick, fun whodunit that managed to masterfully capture the essence of the genre and squeeze in all the elements of it in such a short amount of pages. Murphy is a great main character, and so fun to follow. He's witty and bitter, maybe not the easiest to like, but, to me, that makes it all that much better.
The setting is so good, and it makes for such a perfect way to wrap the investigation quickly, which is obviously needed. I liked the mystery itself, it kept me guessing the entire time, and also managed to surprise me, which I didn't expect— I do unfortunately always think I know better. It's not always the case.
Honestly just such a fun time, maybe a little surreal, but it also is just such a short one, I think a little suspension of disbelief is due in works like this. Would absolutely recommend, will definitely read more by this author.
Many thanks to Amazon Original Stories & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this ARC.
“What’s Your Name, Who’d You Kill?” follows comedian Murphy Shaw as he gets involved in a murder investigation at a comedy gig he is MC-ing. The investigator is convinced the murderer is still in the crowd, and he left a message – The show must go ON. Can Murphy’s special brand of observational comedy help them find the killer?
I enjoyed the other books by Stevenson I have read, so I was really looking forward to this. If you liked the Ernest Cunningham books, you will absolutely enjoy this one too.
The story was super fun, and I especially enjoyed how it made fun of the tropes it was making use of. The mystery was also executed wonderfully.
If you want a quick pallet cleanser that is actually enjoyable, I highly recommend this one.
“What’s Your Name, Who’d You Kill?” follows comedian Murphy Shaw as he gets involved in a murder investigation at a comedy gig he is MC-ing. The investigator is convinced the murderer is still in the crowd, and he left a message – The show must go ON. Can Murphy’s special brand of observational comedy help them find the killer?
I enjoyed the other books by Stevenson I have read, so I was really looking forward to this. If you liked the Ernest Cunningham books, you will absolutely enjoy this one too.
The story was super fun, and I especially enjoyed how it made fun of the tropes it was making use of. The mystery was also executed wonderfully.
If you want a quick pallet cleanser that is actually enjoyable, I highly recommend this one.
Want to Read
November 5, 2026ARC received. Thank you, Amazon! I'll read absolutely anything by Benjamin Stevenson at this point. I'm planning to get to this one this weekend. I can't wait!
October 29, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
In *What’s Your Name, Who’d You Kill?*, Benjamin Stevenson’s new short story, his hero Ernest Cunningham takes a step back and cedes the limelight to Murphy Shaw, a stand-up comedian whose career isn’t going as well as he’d like. So what better way to get it back on track than by solving a murder while trying not to bomb at his latest gig?
This has everything you’d expect from a Benjamin Stevenson novel: quirky characters, a clever mystery, and tongue-in-cheek writing that, in this case, leaves the rules of mystery writing behind and pokes fun at the world of stand-up comedy.
A perfect story that will delight both longtime Stevenson fans and newcomers alike.
In *What’s Your Name, Who’d You Kill?*, Benjamin Stevenson’s new short story, his hero Ernest Cunningham takes a step back and cedes the limelight to Murphy Shaw, a stand-up comedian whose career isn’t going as well as he’d like. So what better way to get it back on track than by solving a murder while trying not to bomb at his latest gig?
This has everything you’d expect from a Benjamin Stevenson novel: quirky characters, a clever mystery, and tongue-in-cheek writing that, in this case, leaves the rules of mystery writing behind and pokes fun at the world of stand-up comedy.
A perfect story that will delight both longtime Stevenson fans and newcomers alike.
November 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the Read Now ARC! Publishing December 8.
I picked up this short story because this author is so good at adding humor to mystery. His Ernest Cunningham series is always entertaining, and what better setting for a humorous murder mystery than a stand-up comedy show?
The beginning was a little slow for me, with quite a bit of the comedian’s inner dialogue, but as usual, you have to pay attention to all the author’s clever foreshadowing. His books are fun, funny, and always have a mystery to solve, along with a whip-smart main character to help figure it all out. Another entertaining read!
I picked up this short story because this author is so good at adding humor to mystery. His Ernest Cunningham series is always entertaining, and what better setting for a humorous murder mystery than a stand-up comedy show?
The beginning was a little slow for me, with quite a bit of the comedian’s inner dialogue, but as usual, you have to pay attention to all the author’s clever foreshadowing. His books are fun, funny, and always have a mystery to solve, along with a whip-smart main character to help figure it all out. Another entertaining read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love comedy mysteries, and I have been meaning to pick up Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. Novellas are my favorite way to get a sample of an author's style, so this was right up my alley.
When the comedy show suddenly turns deadly, MC Murphy has to fish for clues through crowd work. A really fun concept. For a novella, so much happens in this, and so many clues are planted. All with payoff and maintaining a fast pace so I didn't have time to put them all together faster than Murphy.
My biggest mistake with picking this one up was forgetting that I find most stand-up comedians insufferable. My biggest turn-off with comedian characters is that the author and the character think they are funnier than they are. This treads the line between too much and too little comedy. I do kinda wish there was more crowd work for clues rather than the stand-up, but it was still really good and entertaining how everything came together.
This left me optimistic about this author, and I'm excited to try more from him.
When the comedy show suddenly turns deadly, MC Murphy has to fish for clues through crowd work. A really fun concept. For a novella, so much happens in this, and so many clues are planted. All with payoff and maintaining a fast pace so I didn't have time to put them all together faster than Murphy.
My biggest mistake with picking this one up was forgetting that I find most stand-up comedians insufferable. My biggest turn-off with comedian characters is that the author and the character think they are funnier than they are. This treads the line between too much and too little comedy. I do kinda wish there was more crowd work for clues rather than the stand-up, but it was still really good and entertaining how everything came together.
This left me optimistic about this author, and I'm excited to try more from him.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'What's your name, who'd you kill?' is a short story by Benjamin Stevenson.
The book is on the same wavelength as the other Benjamin Stevenson's books: funny, quick-paced, and with quirky main characters.
The mystery was also well handled, with twists, quite enough for a short story. The main idea was interesting as well, and I do hope that there will be more stories of these characters.
'What's your name, who'd you kill?' is a short story by Benjamin Stevenson.
The book is on the same wavelength as the other Benjamin Stevenson's books: funny, quick-paced, and with quirky main characters.
The mystery was also well handled, with twists, quite enough for a short story. The main idea was interesting as well, and I do hope that there will be more stories of these characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Finished reading: November 9th 2026
"If he doesn't get this opening back on track, he's risking blowing another shot - possibly his last. He grips the microphone more tightly. He needs to kill tonight. It's only thirty-five minutes later, standing in a blood-spattered bathroom, that he'll understand he's not the only one."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
I'm a huge fan Benjamin Stevenson's writing in the Ernest Cunningham series, so of course I couldn't resist this novella and added it without even reading the blurb first. The title and knife on the cover alone were enough to convince me, although the blurb itself sounded great as well. It's true that I'm not a fan of stand-up comedy at all, but I wasn't too worried as I do love the author's style of humor in the Ernest Cunningham books. And I have to say that this turned out to be a fun novella! Sure, it took me a little longer than usually to actually warm up to the story as there is a lot of focus on the details of the stand-up comedy night... I knew someone would end up dead of course after it was hinted at in the beginning, but the story somehow didn't grab completely me until the body showed up. This was probably just my negative feelings for stand-up comedy playing up though, as the author did manage to portray the whole scene realistically. I flew through the second half though, and my favorite part was probably Murph going on stage and solving the murder Poirot-style. The twist and reveal were well done, and the outcome was one I somehow hadn't spotted! All in all What's Your Name, Who'd You Kill? turned out to be an entertaining crime thriller with a very present stand-up comedy element. Do I prefer his Ernest Cunningham books? Most definitely. That said, I was still entertained and I'm glad I took the time to read this novella.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Murph is a comedian stuck in the MC role, waiting for his big headlining breakthrough. Then there’s a murder backstage, and he’s thrust into the investigation to help the investigating officer solve it, via the stage.
This is my first Benjamin Stevenson, and I know he has a lot of books in his backlist that I’m going to get into. I really enjoyed the pace of the opening. We start with the comedy industry: how stand-up works, how comedians are constantly waiting for their big break, and the precautions comedians take on stage because there are comics who sit in the back and steal jokes. That introduction was much needed for me.
I was expecting more jokes, though. It’s much more of a murder mystery whodunnit than a comedy, so go in with that expectation.
I had so much fun with this one. I was in it for the ride, and what a ride it was. I was rooting for Murph the whole way and really enjoyed his deduction skills. He’s a comedian, but I think there are real parallels between comedy and being detail-oriented, meticulous and observant, so I enjoyed that layer too. The pacing and writing were incredibly well done, and the crescendo at the end, where the murder is solved, was ludicrous and just so much fun. Funny too, I think.
This is a great palate cleanser for anyone looking for a short, quick murder mystery, and even if you’re not usually looking for one, it’s just so much fun to read. It comes out on December 8th, and I can’t wait for you guys to read it.
Murph is a comedian stuck in the MC role, waiting for his big headlining breakthrough. Then there’s a murder backstage, and he’s thrust into the investigation to help the investigating officer solve it, via the stage.
This is my first Benjamin Stevenson, and I know he has a lot of books in his backlist that I’m going to get into. I really enjoyed the pace of the opening. We start with the comedy industry: how stand-up works, how comedians are constantly waiting for their big break, and the precautions comedians take on stage because there are comics who sit in the back and steal jokes. That introduction was much needed for me.
I was expecting more jokes, though. It’s much more of a murder mystery whodunnit than a comedy, so go in with that expectation.
I had so much fun with this one. I was in it for the ride, and what a ride it was. I was rooting for Murph the whole way and really enjoyed his deduction skills. He’s a comedian, but I think there are real parallels between comedy and being detail-oriented, meticulous and observant, so I enjoyed that layer too. The pacing and writing were incredibly well done, and the crescendo at the end, where the murder is solved, was ludicrous and just so much fun. Funny too, I think.
This is a great palate cleanser for anyone looking for a short, quick murder mystery, and even if you’re not usually looking for one, it’s just so much fun to read. It comes out on December 8th, and I can’t wait for you guys to read it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What's Your Name, Who'd You Kill? is a fun and clever short story by Benjamin Stevenson. I am a big fan of his Ernest Cunningham series and really enjoyed this short murder mystery set in a comedy club. Murphy Shaw is the MC for the night at a comedy club when he is approached by an off-duty police officer to help her solve a murder using his unique skill set.
The author does a great job setting the scene with both the main character’s on-stage comedy set and interactions with the crowd as well as the back stage drama in the green room with the other comedians. I know that the author is a comedian in real life and thought that really added to the story, as I know the scene he set was based on his real-life experiences. I thought this was a really fun, quick read and recommend it to fellow murder mystery fans.
I would like to say a sincere thank you to the publisher Amazon Original Stories, author Benjamin Stevenson, and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The author does a great job setting the scene with both the main character’s on-stage comedy set and interactions with the crowd as well as the back stage drama in the green room with the other comedians. I know that the author is a comedian in real life and thought that really added to the story, as I know the scene he set was based on his real-life experiences. I thought this was a really fun, quick read and recommend it to fellow murder mystery fans.
I would like to say a sincere thank you to the publisher Amazon Original Stories, author Benjamin Stevenson, and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Super quick read with a murder set in a comedy club, which is a fascinating setting that I am unfamiliar with so I learned so much about what goes into a comedy night. I loved Murphy Shaw; he was relatable and easy to connect with. The other characters, while easily distinguishable, weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked, and I had a difficult time keeping everyone straight. Same with the various lights in the club; I get a little distracted and I had to keep going back to see what each light was for (that's all me, it's not on the way it's presented in the book). As to be expected, there's some humorous moments, but the reveal was probably the most interesting one I've come across in the many mysteries I've read; it was very well done. I wasn't a fan of the cop, and the ending was a little far-fetched but otherwise, I enjoyed this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the review copy.
November 2, 2026
I haven’t read a book by Benjamin Stevenson yet, so when I saw this short story by him, I knew it would be a great chance to try out his writing. And I’m so glad I did because this book was so fun! The murder mystery was so intriguing, and I was on the edge of my seat seeing how was solved. The stand up comic angle was unique, and it was fun learning a little about behind the scenes.
And I couldn’t believe there was so much character work in a short story! Murphy was so fleshed out, I could easily read full length novels about him solving cases! Even the side characters were well developed.
Guess I’m finally going to get his books off my tbr, because I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing the ARC, this is my honest review!
And I couldn’t believe there was so much character work in a short story! Murphy was so fleshed out, I could easily read full length novels about him solving cases! Even the side characters were well developed.
Guess I’m finally going to get his books off my tbr, because I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for providing the ARC, this is my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What elevates What's Your Name, Who'd You Kill? above the typical short-form fare is the utter authenticity of it. Stevenson drops you into the neurotic world of a live comedy show where bombing your stand-up act feels just as deadly as the actual murder in the bathroom. Framing the story around the structure of a live show gives narrative momentum.
The central mystery is very intricate for a short story. The reader is rewarded for paying attention to early minor details about light and stage etiquette. My biggest frustration is that this is a full-length novel. I wanted to spend more time with Murph and Shannon, and the ending resolves quickly, but that is expected in a short story. This is a brief but very entertaining read. Thanks to the author, Amazon, and NetGalley for the review copy. These are my honest opinions.
The central mystery is very intricate for a short story. The reader is rewarded for paying attention to early minor details about light and stage etiquette. My biggest frustration is that this is a full-length novel. I wanted to spend more time with Murph and Shannon, and the ending resolves quickly, but that is expected in a short story. This is a brief but very entertaining read. Thanks to the author, Amazon, and NetGalley for the review copy. These are my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Comedian Murphy Shaw is at the end of his career, and tonight he is the MC at the Laughing Moose comedy club. But this is not just any night, as an off-duty detective sergeant is in the audience and she is about to call on him to use his observational comedy skills to help her solve a murder.
If you are already a fan of Benjamin Stevenson, you’ll enjoy this short story and if you aren’t familiar with him yet this is a great way to introduce yourself to him! This is a quick read that combines comedy and murder!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read this ebook ARC short story!
If you are already a fan of Benjamin Stevenson, you’ll enjoy this short story and if you aren’t familiar with him yet this is a great way to introduce yourself to him! This is a quick read that combines comedy and murder!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read this ebook ARC short story!
November 8, 2026
This is my first book by this author and I’d totally read more!
I picked this one up randomly to try out and was surprised it was really good!
I usually think it’s hard to get these short Amazon stories good, but I liked this “cozier” take on a close door murder in a comedy club. I kept up with all the characters and I always love an observational main character.
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy!
I picked this one up randomly to try out and was surprised it was really good!
I usually think it’s hard to get these short Amazon stories good, but I liked this “cozier” take on a close door murder in a comedy club. I kept up with all the characters and I always love an observational main character.
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love this author and find his writing very entertaining. This was a very fun novella - full of Stevenson's clever clues and character dialogue. As with his longer books you find that he has given you the clues openly throughout the story and once you get to the conclusion you 'see' what was out in the open all along. The novel is quick paced and well laid out for a satisfying ending. I would read more of this character for sure.
In this book we have a failing comedian questioning his life choices and future who stumbles into a murder.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this book we have a failing comedian questioning his life choices and future who stumbles into a murder.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am impressed that Stevenson was able to write such a clever mystery in fewer than 70 pages! I love his writing and will continue to jump at the chance to read his work. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A murder mystery short story set at a stand-up comedy night; if Sherlock was a stand-up comedian, this would be his story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
﹒⌗﹒advanced reader copy received through netgalley in exchange of an honest review ⸝⸝
| "Put simply" Shannon allows herself a smile "Once you have eliminated the predictable, whatever remains, no matter how ludicrous, must be hilarious."
"Comedy, dear Watson," Murph agrees.
though short, what's your name, who's your kill? by benjamin stevenson manages to be both funny and smart, making it a delicious little read that left me wishing there were more pages to turn.
there's something inherently entertaining about the contrast at the heart of this story: a comedy show and a murder happening in the same space, bringing together two things that seem like they should have absolutely nothing to do with each other. and yet, somehow, the combination works beautifully, giving the book a premise that feels fresh without having to bend over backwards to convince the reader that it's something special.
i particularly enjoyed how naturally the comedy and mystery fit together. the setting gives the story plenty of opportunities for humor, but it doesn't feel as though the murder is simply an excuse to string together jokes, nor does the mystery completely swallow the comedic elements that make the premise so appealing. instead, the two complement each other, creating a story that's entertaining in more ways than one. there's something especially fun about a murder mystery that knows how to make you laugh without making you lose interest in figuring out what actually happened.
i'm usually a little wary of short mysteries because i tend to get annoyed when the solution comes together too quickly, leaving me feeling as though the author has skipped several steps just to reach the end before the page count runs out. a mystery needs enough room to establish its characters, introduce its clues, and make the eventual resolution feel earned, and that's not always easy to accomplish in a shorter format. surprisingly, though, this one worked really well for me. the characters we'd been introduced to, along with the dynamics within the laughing moose and its comedians, gave the story enough substance to make the mystery feel satisfying without requiring a much longer book.
i also really liked the potential of murph as a character, because by the time i reached the end, i was already thinking about how much fun it would be to see him involved in another case. there's something delightful about a mystery that leaves you wanting to spend more time with its characters, not just because you want another puzzle to solve, but because you genuinely enjoy their company. i'd absolutely love for this to become a series, with murphy continuing to help solve crimes and getting himself involved in whatever ridiculous situations benjamin stevenson can come up with next.
overall, this was a delightful read that managed to do a lot with a little, combining humor, an unusual premise, and a mystery that actually worked despite its shorter length. it was clever without feeling like it was desperately trying to prove how clever it was, and entertaining without sacrificing the story itself. i came away from it wishing there were more, which is always a good sign, especially when it comes to mysteries.
benjamin stevenson, if you're listening, i would very happily read more adventures with murph. please give this man another murder to solve!
| "Put simply" Shannon allows herself a smile "Once you have eliminated the predictable, whatever remains, no matter how ludicrous, must be hilarious."
"Comedy, dear Watson," Murph agrees.
though short, what's your name, who's your kill? by benjamin stevenson manages to be both funny and smart, making it a delicious little read that left me wishing there were more pages to turn.
there's something inherently entertaining about the contrast at the heart of this story: a comedy show and a murder happening in the same space, bringing together two things that seem like they should have absolutely nothing to do with each other. and yet, somehow, the combination works beautifully, giving the book a premise that feels fresh without having to bend over backwards to convince the reader that it's something special.
i particularly enjoyed how naturally the comedy and mystery fit together. the setting gives the story plenty of opportunities for humor, but it doesn't feel as though the murder is simply an excuse to string together jokes, nor does the mystery completely swallow the comedic elements that make the premise so appealing. instead, the two complement each other, creating a story that's entertaining in more ways than one. there's something especially fun about a murder mystery that knows how to make you laugh without making you lose interest in figuring out what actually happened.
i'm usually a little wary of short mysteries because i tend to get annoyed when the solution comes together too quickly, leaving me feeling as though the author has skipped several steps just to reach the end before the page count runs out. a mystery needs enough room to establish its characters, introduce its clues, and make the eventual resolution feel earned, and that's not always easy to accomplish in a shorter format. surprisingly, though, this one worked really well for me. the characters we'd been introduced to, along with the dynamics within the laughing moose and its comedians, gave the story enough substance to make the mystery feel satisfying without requiring a much longer book.
i also really liked the potential of murph as a character, because by the time i reached the end, i was already thinking about how much fun it would be to see him involved in another case. there's something delightful about a mystery that leaves you wanting to spend more time with its characters, not just because you want another puzzle to solve, but because you genuinely enjoy their company. i'd absolutely love for this to become a series, with murphy continuing to help solve crimes and getting himself involved in whatever ridiculous situations benjamin stevenson can come up with next.
overall, this was a delightful read that managed to do a lot with a little, combining humor, an unusual premise, and a mystery that actually worked despite its shorter length. it was clever without feeling like it was desperately trying to prove how clever it was, and entertaining without sacrificing the story itself. i came away from it wishing there were more, which is always a good sign, especially when it comes to mysteries.
benjamin stevenson, if you're listening, i would very happily read more adventures with murph. please give this man another murder to solve!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A comedian, a murder, and an audience full of potential suspects. Honestly, what could possibly go wrong? 😂
I had such a good time with this one! Murphy Shaw was an absolute delight to follow. He's sarcastic, a little jaded, and clearly having a bit of an existential crisis about his comedy career, which somehow makes him the perfect person to find himself caught up in a murder investigation. I loved the idea of having to keep an entire comedy show going while secretly trying to figure out which person in the audience might be a killer. Talk about pressure to deliver!
What I enjoyed most was how cleverly the comedy and mystery worked together. Murphy's ability to read a room, pick up on little details, and improvise suddenly becomes much more useful than getting a laugh out of an audience. And watching him use crowd work to investigate a murder? Brilliant! It gave the whole thing a really fun, slightly ridiculous energy without taking away from the actual mystery.
It's also one of those stories that makes you appreciate just how much goes into being a comedian, especially when things aren't exactly going according to plan. There are some genuinely funny moments, a clever little mystery to unravel, and a protagonist I wouldn't mind spending considerably more time with.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE. More Murph, more questionable audience members, more comedy club chaos. Just saying, asking for another murder to solve is perfectly reasonable when the first one is this entertaining...
A thoroughly enjoyable little mystery, and another reminder that Benjamin Stevenson knows exactly how to have fun with the genre. Five stars from me!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I had such a good time with this one! Murphy Shaw was an absolute delight to follow. He's sarcastic, a little jaded, and clearly having a bit of an existential crisis about his comedy career, which somehow makes him the perfect person to find himself caught up in a murder investigation. I loved the idea of having to keep an entire comedy show going while secretly trying to figure out which person in the audience might be a killer. Talk about pressure to deliver!
What I enjoyed most was how cleverly the comedy and mystery worked together. Murphy's ability to read a room, pick up on little details, and improvise suddenly becomes much more useful than getting a laugh out of an audience. And watching him use crowd work to investigate a murder? Brilliant! It gave the whole thing a really fun, slightly ridiculous energy without taking away from the actual mystery.
It's also one of those stories that makes you appreciate just how much goes into being a comedian, especially when things aren't exactly going according to plan. There are some genuinely funny moments, a clever little mystery to unravel, and a protagonist I wouldn't mind spending considerably more time with.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE. More Murph, more questionable audience members, more comedy club chaos. Just saying, asking for another murder to solve is perfectly reasonable when the first one is this entertaining...
A thoroughly enjoyable little mystery, and another reminder that Benjamin Stevenson knows exactly how to have fun with the genre. Five stars from me!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“What’s Your Name, Who’s You Kill” is my first ever Benjamin Stevenson. My general tendency is to be suspicious of all popular titles and authors, and I leapt at the opportunity to test the waters by trying this story by Stevenson before I committed to his novels.
The impression I had was very Richard Osman-ish - that is to say I didn't find the mystery compelling or the happenings to be comic, but had the sense that here was an author conscious of, and excellent at his craft. It wasn't possible to see this craft working at its full potential in the space of a short story, but it kept me interested in reading more of his work.
I knew nothing about Benjamin Stevenson before finishing the story and reading his bio at the back, which told me his lively depiction of the backstage camaraderie of stand-up comedians was based on his personal experience. MC Murphy was intriguingly observant, and his observations were recorded in a detailed manner which is almost old-school. The stage as a setting has always had a mystique of its own, and here it elevates the action with ease and elegance reminiscent of Elly Griffiths’ The Brighton Mysteries series.
The story was well-paced and the various elements were wrapped up neatly to a satisfactory conclusion. No threads left hanging loose, again a mark of good craftsmanship which I never fail to admire.
“What’s Your Name, Who’s You Kill” seems to be planned as a launchpad of a new detective duo. I hope to go through Stevenson's Ernest Cunningham novels before Murphy and Shannon ones are published. I am certain they’ll deliver on the promise held out by the short story, and keep my interest in Benjamin Stevenson alive.
The impression I had was very Richard Osman-ish - that is to say I didn't find the mystery compelling or the happenings to be comic, but had the sense that here was an author conscious of, and excellent at his craft. It wasn't possible to see this craft working at its full potential in the space of a short story, but it kept me interested in reading more of his work.
I knew nothing about Benjamin Stevenson before finishing the story and reading his bio at the back, which told me his lively depiction of the backstage camaraderie of stand-up comedians was based on his personal experience. MC Murphy was intriguingly observant, and his observations were recorded in a detailed manner which is almost old-school. The stage as a setting has always had a mystique of its own, and here it elevates the action with ease and elegance reminiscent of Elly Griffiths’ The Brighton Mysteries series.
The story was well-paced and the various elements were wrapped up neatly to a satisfactory conclusion. No threads left hanging loose, again a mark of good craftsmanship which I never fail to admire.
“What’s Your Name, Who’s You Kill” seems to be planned as a launchpad of a new detective duo. I hope to go through Stevenson's Ernest Cunningham novels before Murphy and Shannon ones are published. I am certain they’ll deliver on the promise held out by the short story, and keep my interest in Benjamin Stevenson alive.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖 ARC provided by Amazon Original Stories via NetGalley 🙏
⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
📖 Format: 📱 eBook
📝 My thoughts
To use comedy parlance, this is a tight ten.
The set-up is that a murder occurs at a comedy club, and neither the audience nor the entertainers can leave the venue until the culprit is found.
Our MC for the comedy showcase, Murph, gets co-opted into helping the investigation from his vantage point on stage. He’s a comic whose trajectory on the circuit is on its way back to smaller, less prestigious gigs. The transition from observational comedy to abductive reasoning à la Sherlock Holmes is seamless.
This is a super quick and fun read from an author I’m very fond of. I enjoyed the mechanics of how the murder was achieved, but was less interested in the why.
🎯 Perfect for readers who enjoyed...
📚 Benjamin Stevenson’s Ernest Cunningham series (which I think of as the Everyone series) for inventive mystery plots set in Australia with an affable puzzle solver in charge.
📺 Murder in Successville (UK) / Murderville (USA) for fast-paced (semi-scripted) comedy within the crime procedural format.
📺 Deadloch (AUS) for a stacked cast of Aussie and New Zealand comedians in a murder mystery series set in Tasmania (season 1) and the Northern Territory (season 2).
📖 Would I borrow, buy or skip this?
📚 Borrow
❤️ Categories and vibes:
🕵️ Murder mystery
🎤 Comedy
🧩 Puzzle solving
Pacing
⚡ Fast-paced
Ending
🎁 Wrapped in a bow
⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
📖 Format: 📱 eBook
📝 My thoughts
To use comedy parlance, this is a tight ten.
The set-up is that a murder occurs at a comedy club, and neither the audience nor the entertainers can leave the venue until the culprit is found.
Our MC for the comedy showcase, Murph, gets co-opted into helping the investigation from his vantage point on stage. He’s a comic whose trajectory on the circuit is on its way back to smaller, less prestigious gigs. The transition from observational comedy to abductive reasoning à la Sherlock Holmes is seamless.
This is a super quick and fun read from an author I’m very fond of. I enjoyed the mechanics of how the murder was achieved, but was less interested in the why.
🎯 Perfect for readers who enjoyed...
📚 Benjamin Stevenson’s Ernest Cunningham series (which I think of as the Everyone series) for inventive mystery plots set in Australia with an affable puzzle solver in charge.
📺 Murder in Successville (UK) / Murderville (USA) for fast-paced (semi-scripted) comedy within the crime procedural format.
📺 Deadloch (AUS) for a stacked cast of Aussie and New Zealand comedians in a murder mystery series set in Tasmania (season 1) and the Northern Territory (season 2).
📖 Would I borrow, buy or skip this?
📚 Borrow
❤️ Categories and vibes:
🕵️ Murder mystery
🎤 Comedy
🧩 Puzzle solving
Pacing
⚡ Fast-paced
Ending
🎁 Wrapped in a bow
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Benjamin Stevenson weaves comedy and cozy murder mystery together in my absolute favorite way! What's Your Name, Who'd You Kill is set in a comedy club reminiscent of Chicago's Second City. Unbeknownst to readers, a murder occurred during someone's set and it is Murphy's job to help an officer in the audience determine who committed the crime, what their motive is, and when it happened.
Murphy Shaw has his own life struggles, but nothing takes precedence over the importance of catching a killer before they escape. With a threatening note implying the murderer is watching the set, Murphy must to let the show go on as he tries to sus out who could be there for more than just mild entertainment. Murphy uses his impressive audience work to read the crowd and give us, the readers, our own fair share of belly laughs as we follow along in this hilarious murder comedy! I love all of Stevenson's stories and could not add this novella to the top of my TBR fast enough!
That scuba diving joke 🤣☠️
"Two separate universes divided by a flimsy door."
"They do improv. Can't steal jokes off someone if they don't have any." 😂 Oooo buuuurn.
"What was your first take?" "You don't want to know."
Tropes: amateur sleuth, locked room, closed circle suspects, big reveal, life or death attack
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 1/5 👀
Triggers:
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for this ARC!
Murphy Shaw has his own life struggles, but nothing takes precedence over the importance of catching a killer before they escape. With a threatening note implying the murderer is watching the set, Murphy must to let the show go on as he tries to sus out who could be there for more than just mild entertainment. Murphy uses his impressive audience work to read the crowd and give us, the readers, our own fair share of belly laughs as we follow along in this hilarious murder comedy! I love all of Stevenson's stories and could not add this novella to the top of my TBR fast enough!
That scuba diving joke 🤣☠️
"Two separate universes divided by a flimsy door."
"They do improv. Can't steal jokes off someone if they don't have any." 😂 Oooo buuuurn.
"What was your first take?" "You don't want to know."
Tropes: amateur sleuth, locked room, closed circle suspects, big reveal, life or death attack
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 1/5 👀
Triggers:
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What's Your Name, Who'd You Kill? by Benjamin Stevenson
A stand-up comedian, a murder at a comedy club, and a killer hiding somewhere in the audience. When Murphy Shaw discovers that a murder has taken place during his show, he finds himself in an unusual position where the show must go on while a killer remains somewhere in the crowd. With the help of his observational skills, he must figure out who is responsible before anyone else becomes a victim.
This was a genuinely entertaining and fast-paced read! I loved how easy it was to get through the story, and the premise immediately caught my attention. What I particularly appreciated was the glimpse into the struggles comedians face. It made me realise how unpredictable their profession can be, where a single joke or performance can potentially change the course of their careers.
Murphy was an absolute delight. His observational and deduction skills made the mystery even more enjoyable, and I liked how he approached the situation using his abilities. I also had a feeling about what his potential job offer would be, and I was happy to see my prediction turn out to be correct!
Overall, this was a quick, clever and enjoyable mystery that delivered exactly the kind of entertaining reading experience I was looking for. I'd happily read more of Murphy's adventures!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A stand-up comedian, a murder at a comedy club, and a killer hiding somewhere in the audience. When Murphy Shaw discovers that a murder has taken place during his show, he finds himself in an unusual position where the show must go on while a killer remains somewhere in the crowd. With the help of his observational skills, he must figure out who is responsible before anyone else becomes a victim.
This was a genuinely entertaining and fast-paced read! I loved how easy it was to get through the story, and the premise immediately caught my attention. What I particularly appreciated was the glimpse into the struggles comedians face. It made me realise how unpredictable their profession can be, where a single joke or performance can potentially change the course of their careers.
Murphy was an absolute delight. His observational and deduction skills made the mystery even more enjoyable, and I liked how he approached the situation using his abilities. I also had a feeling about what his potential job offer would be, and I was happy to see my prediction turn out to be correct!
Overall, this was a quick, clever and enjoyable mystery that delivered exactly the kind of entertaining reading experience I was looking for. I'd happily read more of Murphy's adventures!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
WOW.
I recently went to a stand up comedy show and thought this sounded incredible, and boy was it. Murph (sometimes called Murphy) has had a trail of downward spirals in luck, once a comedian on the up he's now on the down, with a cast of strange and wonderful characters including a newcomer who is a little too good, a famous joke-stealer and an improv comedy duo with no jokes (I did smile at that).
Did I get it right? Did I heck, this is a whistlestop tour and a keener reader probably figured it out - I was far too engrossed in imaging the comedy club and cast of characters to figure out the who-dun-it. Murph is right though that comedy is one big observation. His ability to read an audience was as captivating as it was amusing, and his ability to deduce the whole mystery is incredible.
I love how we see both sides of the comedy setup especially in these tiny venues where it is so easy to imagine all of this happening. I was captivated from start to finish by this book and loved every second of it - more please! It really works as a novella but equally could be a longer novel and you'd feel the exact same way - that is how good this is.
This was my first book by Stevenson (truthfully I loved the cover and blurb but hadn't heard of the author) - that is all going to be changing as I need to read the rest of these books!
WOW.
I recently went to a stand up comedy show and thought this sounded incredible, and boy was it. Murph (sometimes called Murphy) has had a trail of downward spirals in luck, once a comedian on the up he's now on the down, with a cast of strange and wonderful characters including a newcomer who is a little too good, a famous joke-stealer and an improv comedy duo with no jokes (I did smile at that).
Did I get it right? Did I heck, this is a whistlestop tour and a keener reader probably figured it out - I was far too engrossed in imaging the comedy club and cast of characters to figure out the who-dun-it. Murph is right though that comedy is one big observation. His ability to read an audience was as captivating as it was amusing, and his ability to deduce the whole mystery is incredible.
I love how we see both sides of the comedy setup especially in these tiny venues where it is so easy to imagine all of this happening. I was captivated from start to finish by this book and loved every second of it - more please! It really works as a novella but equally could be a longer novel and you'd feel the exact same way - that is how good this is.
This was my first book by Stevenson (truthfully I loved the cover and blurb but hadn't heard of the author) - that is all going to be changing as I need to read the rest of these books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a short story via Amazon Original, by the author of the Ernest Cunningham series (Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone) which I really love, so I was thrilled to be able to read this.
Murphy Shaw is a comedian and is MC-ing in a popular comedy club. He is approached by an off duty police woman Shannon Pearl, who was in the audience. A murder has occurred and the perpetrator has insisted that the show must go on. Murphy is the only person who can talk to the audience members without arousing suspicion, therefore he can subtly interrogate them! Who will get the last laugh though?
The Pros:
* The story is funny * Very fast paced * Murphy is very observant (the story is clever)
The Cons:
* Being a short story, it doesn't go into depth
Overall thoughts:
I have loved every book I have read by this author. His stories are clever and intriguing. The character of Murphy was very observant, being a comedian, and the plot was fast paced. Being a short story, it doesn’t get to go into depth but it’s a fun intelligent read.
I rated the book 4 stars.
*Mic drop*
A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Murphy Shaw is a comedian and is MC-ing in a popular comedy club. He is approached by an off duty police woman Shannon Pearl, who was in the audience. A murder has occurred and the perpetrator has insisted that the show must go on. Murphy is the only person who can talk to the audience members without arousing suspicion, therefore he can subtly interrogate them! Who will get the last laugh though?
The Pros:
* The story is funny * Very fast paced * Murphy is very observant (the story is clever)
The Cons:
* Being a short story, it doesn't go into depth
Overall thoughts:
I have loved every book I have read by this author. His stories are clever and intriguing. The character of Murphy was very observant, being a comedian, and the plot was fast paced. Being a short story, it doesn’t get to go into depth but it’s a fun intelligent read.
I rated the book 4 stars.
*Mic drop*
A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of "What's Your Name, Who'd You Kill?" by Benjamin Stevenson from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Having read his Ernest Cunningham mysteries, I was excited when I saw this short story was available to read. Murph is a stand up comic struggling with his own ego and not doing so good as the MC of a comedy show with multiple performers when he is brought into a murder case by a detective at the show. With a murderer still in the audience, Murph is stuck on stage, and can't afford to give anything away, Keeping the crowd busy might just solve the case, stop more murder, and give him some much needed material Told with trademark humor and imagery, Stevenson sets the scene quite well. While the chiche of a washed up comedian who drinks his problems away might turn some readers away, it works for this story. The reader feels how badly Murph is doing, and how much he needs to succeed very fast, and the character is believable. Detective Shannon makes for an enjoyable co-lead and co-investigator and the other comedians make for enjoyable suspects and side characters. The dialogue is sharp and the story is fast paced with a solution that should satisfy murder mystery fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and Benjamin Stevenson for the chance to read and review an eARC of this story!
Benjamin Stevenson does it again! This is such a delightful murder mystery short story.
The story follows Murphy, the MC for a stand up comedy night at The Laughing Moose, who is pulled aside by an off-duty cop in the audience when a body is found in the bathroom. Now he must continue MCing while also trying to solve this murder before the show ends, since the killer is likely in the building!
This short story contains so much of the classic Stevenson humor and I love this entirely new cast of characters. The murder mystery of it all was intriguing and well thought out, and the reveal shocked me as always! I will say, this murder was a bit more straightforward than his other books but that is entirely due to this being a short story which provides less time to develop and reveal the murderer.
I recommend this for fans of Benjamin Stevenson or anyone who enjoys a good cozy murder mystery! If you are a stand up comedian this one is absolutely perfect for you. This story comes out Dec 8, 2026!
Benjamin Stevenson does it again! This is such a delightful murder mystery short story.
The story follows Murphy, the MC for a stand up comedy night at The Laughing Moose, who is pulled aside by an off-duty cop in the audience when a body is found in the bathroom. Now he must continue MCing while also trying to solve this murder before the show ends, since the killer is likely in the building!
This short story contains so much of the classic Stevenson humor and I love this entirely new cast of characters. The murder mystery of it all was intriguing and well thought out, and the reveal shocked me as always! I will say, this murder was a bit more straightforward than his other books but that is entirely due to this being a short story which provides less time to develop and reveal the murderer.
I recommend this for fans of Benjamin Stevenson or anyone who enjoys a good cozy murder mystery! If you are a stand up comedian this one is absolutely perfect for you. This story comes out Dec 8, 2026!
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