A Very Novel Murder

A Novel Detectives Mystery, Book 1

By: Ellie Alexander

Narrated by: Ellen Quay

Opening a detective agency above her beloved bookstore seems like the perfect business plan—until Annie Murray’s first case involves a suspicious death right on her doorstep.

June Munrow, an elderly resident of Annie’s home town, Redwood Grove, is convinced that young Kelly Taylor’s recent drowning wasn't the tragic accident everyone believes it to be. Despite the police ruling, June is determined to prove there’s more to the story and hires the Novel Detectives to uncover the truth.

As Annie delves into Kelly’s life, she discovers a tangled web of secrets involving Kelly’s complicated relationships, a peculiar landlord, and her mysterious roommate. Everyone connected to Kelly seems to be hiding something, and the deeper Annie digs, the more puzzling the case becomes.

With her trademark blend of curiosity and compassion, can Annie piece together the clues and solve her first official case—before she gets into deep water herself?

Perfect for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham, and M.C. Beaton, this charming cozy mystery is brimming with small-town secrets and bookish charm that will keep you listening late into the night.

©2026 Ellie Alexander (P)2026 Storm Publishing

Still Average

Again the ending felt forced, seems to be a constant with this author for her last couple of books.