Let Nothing Astonish You

Lieutenant Carl Sarabia, a newly retired homicide detective, moves with his wife Greta from Houston, Texas to Glamis, Connecticut to be closer to their daughter Sarah and her family. The idyllic river town is upended when Merlin Glenmore is found murdered on April Fools' Day, midway through his seance-themed birthday party at the place he despised the most, The Glenmore-Pace Castle, a gothic mansion built by his great-great grandfather, and now a museum run by his sister Jade. Merlin is notorious in Glamis for his abrupt second marriage to a much younger woman only a month after his first wife's tragic death.

There is no shortage of suspects present at the party who wanted Merlin dead. Only two of the guests do not have alibis-and one of them is Carl's son-in-law. Carl swore to Greta he wouldn't involve himself in any more homicide cases, but will he be able to stay out of this one? Meanwhile, Greta conspires with her daughter and in-laws to involve Carl in solving the murder without his knowledge.

©2026 Lauren Opper (P)2026 Lauren Opper

Brilliant plot twist

Narration is outstanding, characters really come to life. The Connecticut town is a character all its own. Very unique plot, lots of wit and humor. A great book to relax and unwind. I look forward to the sequel with Detective Carl, Greta and Sara.

Engaging Who Done It.

Outstanding! So engaging, immediately drawing you to the charactors. Author makes them come alive. Love the seance! Scary and fun.

Entertaining "who done it?"

We relish traditional mysteries and murder stories, particularly those that revolve around the “who done it?” plot. I purchased this book and in audiobook format for a road trip, and it certainly did not disappoint! The author herself reads the book, and she brings the characters and the town to life in a captivating manner. It was an incredibly entertaining experience.

Fun characters, classic mystery, great telling

A classic murder mystery with some rich and imaginative details... in the tradition of Agatha Christie. The characters offer a fun updated take on old-timey mystery archetypes, the winks and twists are playful, and the audiobook read was excellent (many authors can't find the balance between enlivening the story and a laborious overtelling). Congratulations, Ms. Opper, on a successful first novel! I hope mystery lovers find your work.

A murder mystery Agatha would enjoy solving.

Listening to Let Nothing Astonish You was a wonderful delight of my senses the author painted a picture throughout. Enjoyed her expressive reading of her first novel. Wishing her much success as she continues to create entertaining stories.