Dru’s Short Musing:
Being a ghostwriter meant Maeve could kill at will, but when she becomes a prime suspect in a murder investigation, all bets are off as she searches for a killer, before they strike out at her.

This fast-paced and intriguing whodunit was presented with a likeable, yet quirky cast of characters, a perfectly attuned mystery with plenty of suspects and clues enmeshed within the pages. The multi-faceted storyline had me immersed in all aspects as we learned about the back history of the characters taking part in this tale and the pivotal role they played. As Maeve followed the clues with assistance from her friends, there were a few tense moments that enhanced the suspenseful nature of the task at hand – finding the person responsible. When I thought I had a handle on who was doing what to whom, the author changed directions, all to keep me in the game. It was fun watching this all play out as one by one, the only person left standing was the killer. Overall, this was an enjoyable experience, and I hope this is the start of a new series.

Genre: Traditional Mystery
Release: July 29, 2025
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

Book Synopsis:
Charming yet wickedly imaginative mystery ghostwriter Maeve Gardner finds herself at the center of a murder investigation with more twists and turns than any story she’s ever written, perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz and Richard Osman.

Maeve Gardner kills people for a living. A dodgy occupation perhaps, but as ghostwriter for the long-running Simon Hills mysteries, Maeve has planned the perfect murder time and again, and she enjoys it. She dreams of writing something under her own name someday rather than babysitting her adopted character Simon, but at least she’s writing. And as one of the burnt-out souls who’ve run away from dry land to live on London’s waterways, she has the joy of working from the home she loves: a colorful houseboat. Life on the canals is grand, but when her cheating ex-boyfriend turns up floating facedown in the water outside her boat, murdered, and the police arrest her, the plot takes a wayward turn.

Suddenly, Maeve is thrust into one of her own crime dramas, complete with missing money, violent thugs, extortion, and conspiracy. Only this time, there is no real-life Simon Hill to come to her aid. Instead, with the help of friends from the river—India, owner of a popular floating bookshop; Paul, the exceedingly attractive landlord of the local pub; and Ash, Maeve’s quiet, nerdy neighbor who is keeping some secrets of his own—Maeve may have a shot at saving herself.

As Maeve and her motley crew of would-be investigators find themselves wondering if they are in over their heads, a killer lurks and won’t hesitate to kill again…

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.