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The Author's Guide to Murder
Agatha Christie meets Murder, She Wrote in this witty locked room mystery and literary satire by New York Times bestselling team of Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White.
There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for this literary American show-off (or Americans in general), finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists.
The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky, sexy erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book a historical novel about the castle’s lurid past and its debauched laird, who himself ended up creatively murdered. But the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious.
Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? Is the murder of the long-ago laird somehow connected with the playboy author’s unfortunate demise? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death?
A crafty locked-room mystery, a pointed satire about the literary world, and a tale of unexpected friendship and romance—this novel has it all, as only three bestselling authors can tell it!
There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for this literary American show-off (or Americans in general), finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists.
The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky, sexy erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book a historical novel about the castle’s lurid past and its debauched laird, who himself ended up creatively murdered. But the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious.
Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? Is the murder of the long-ago laird somehow connected with the playboy author’s unfortunate demise? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death?
A crafty locked-room mystery, a pointed satire about the literary world, and a tale of unexpected friendship and romance—this novel has it all, as only three bestselling authors can tell it!
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,326 reviews
May 14, 2024
Ignore the Goodreads blurb on this one, because it's nothing like Agatha Christie and it's definitely not a locked-room mystery. That's not to say that it's not a decently entertaining story in its own right, but Detective Chief Inspector Macintosh is no Hercule Poirot and the foot traffic in the “locked” room rivals that of a suburban Walmart on the day before Christmas.*
But still, this is kind of a fun book. It's ridiculous and the main characters are insufferable (especially in the first 40% or so), but there's a well-deserved murder and some humor and a pet sheep, so there are certainly things to like about it. And the setting is fantastic – a castle with a dark history in a quaint Scottish village? Yes, please!
I also like the idea of three authors collaborating on a book writing about three authors collaborating on a book. Very clever.
The mystery itself is an interesting but fairly traditional one – lots of people had reasons to want Brett Saffron Presley dead (including our three main characters), but who actually did the deed? You shouldn't expect Christie-level twists or subterfuge with this one (no matter what the blurb tells you) and I guessed the villain pretty early on, but it's rather entertaining watching the main characters bumble around while attempting to solve the murder. I don't know if it can quite be considered a cozy mystery (how many rather tame sexual innuendos can there be before a novel is no longer “cozy?”), but it definitely has a cozy-like feel to it.
The romance, though? Ugh. So unconvincing and so very insta-love. I'm not a huge fan of romance in books to begin with, though, so maybe others will appreciate it much more than I did. The ending is also very saccharine for a murder mystery, so be prepared to roll your eyes a few times if you're a grumpy old curmudgeon like I am.
But, still, reading The Author's Guide to Murder isn't a terrible way to spend a few hours. It's not fine literature by any means, but if you're looking for a light, fluffy read with personable sheep and handsome Scotsmen, you've come to the right place … or, err, book.
My overall rating: 3.6 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is November 5, 2024.
*Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get my drift.
But still, this is kind of a fun book. It's ridiculous and the main characters are insufferable (especially in the first 40% or so), but there's a well-deserved murder and some humor and a pet sheep, so there are certainly things to like about it. And the setting is fantastic – a castle with a dark history in a quaint Scottish village? Yes, please!
I also like the idea of three authors collaborating on a book writing about three authors collaborating on a book. Very clever.
The mystery itself is an interesting but fairly traditional one – lots of people had reasons to want Brett Saffron Presley dead (including our three main characters), but who actually did the deed? You shouldn't expect Christie-level twists or subterfuge with this one (no matter what the blurb tells you) and I guessed the villain pretty early on, but it's rather entertaining watching the main characters bumble around while attempting to solve the murder. I don't know if it can quite be considered a cozy mystery (how many rather tame sexual innuendos can there be before a novel is no longer “cozy?”), but it definitely has a cozy-like feel to it.
The romance, though? Ugh. So unconvincing and so very insta-love. I'm not a huge fan of romance in books to begin with, though, so maybe others will appreciate it much more than I did. The ending is also very saccharine for a murder mystery, so be prepared to roll your eyes a few times if you're a grumpy old curmudgeon like I am.
But, still, reading The Author's Guide to Murder isn't a terrible way to spend a few hours. It's not fine literature by any means, but if you're looking for a light, fluffy read with personable sheep and handsome Scotsmen, you've come to the right place … or, err, book.
My overall rating: 3.6 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is November 5, 2024.
*Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get my drift.
November 28, 2024
Lighthearted but also served with a side of some serious topics, The Author’s Guide to Murder blended cozy-ish mystery, romance, and classic whodunnit into one fun little package. From the evocative Scottish setting to the giggle-worthy humor, this satirical tale of the literary world kept me flying through the pages. After all, who could pass up the three distinct POVs; dark, mysterious secrets; and the metafiction vibe. The mere fact that it not only centered around three authors collaborating on a novel, but was also written BY three authors collaborating on a novel… Well, all I can say is nicely played Mses. Williams, Willig, and White.
The only true hang up that I had with this bingeable locked room mystery came down to the feel. What do I mean? Well, mainly that the first half and the second seemed somewhat disparate from one another. The beginning was a definite slow burn with three somewhat irritating characters while the last 50% was near utter perfection. Yet despite the fact that it could’ve used a bit of editing to start off with, the ending definitely did me in—especially that last shocking reveal.
All said and done, from the fun gal pal group to the sometimes sweeter than sweet budding romances, there was a bit of everything for any cozy mystery addict. I mean, there was even an adorable dog and lovable ewe alongside some playful sexual innuendo. Piled on top of all of the adult-themed cuteness, however, was the remarkably well-parsed out serious theme of #MeToo. If I had one wish, though, it would be to have met the loathsome victim. Nevertheless, thanks to sharp wit, delightful characters, and a vivid setting, it was quite the enjoyable palate cleanser for this thriller lover. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists.
The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book together, but the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious.
Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death?
Thank you to Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, Karen White, and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 5, 2024
Trigger warning: rape
The only true hang up that I had with this bingeable locked room mystery came down to the feel. What do I mean? Well, mainly that the first half and the second seemed somewhat disparate from one another. The beginning was a definite slow burn with three somewhat irritating characters while the last 50% was near utter perfection. Yet despite the fact that it could’ve used a bit of editing to start off with, the ending definitely did me in—especially that last shocking reveal.
All said and done, from the fun gal pal group to the sometimes sweeter than sweet budding romances, there was a bit of everything for any cozy mystery addict. I mean, there was even an adorable dog and lovable ewe alongside some playful sexual innuendo. Piled on top of all of the adult-themed cuteness, however, was the remarkably well-parsed out serious theme of #MeToo. If I had one wish, though, it would be to have met the loathsome victim. Nevertheless, thanks to sharp wit, delightful characters, and a vivid setting, it was quite the enjoyable palate cleanser for this thriller lover. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists.
The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book together, but the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious.
Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death?
Thank you to Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, Karen White, and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 5, 2024
Trigger warning: rape
October 25, 2024
DNF at ~30%. How can you not be intrigued to read a very meta-mystery novel written by three authors that is about three authors on a retreat to write a mystery novel? I think it was more of a me-problem than a book-problem, but I just struggled with the story as a whole. I got to about 30% when I realized that even though I could differentiate the three main characters, they just felt too much like caricatures for me to care too much about what was happening to them. There was quite a bit of suspension of disbelief that was required as well. At the same time though, maybe this lightness/silliness was intended, and I just wasn't in the mood for it? I appreciated some of the turns the story took even from the beginning, but at the same time it was a strange combination of too much action going on while also not being enough to keep me engaged. So very much in a "life's too short" state of mind, I decided to put in down in lieu of something different that better fit the reading mood I found myself in.
July 23, 2024
If you want to be thoroughly annoyed for the first 40%, perplexed for the next 50%, and delighted (and wishing the whole book could have been like this) for the last few chapters and epilogue, go ahead and add this to your TBR. But really it’s not worth your time.
Thanks for the ARC NetGalley.
Thanks for the ARC NetGalley.
November 14, 2024
I am a longtime fan of Beatriz Williams and Karen White and have thoroughly enjoyed their collaborations with Lauren Willig. I was therefore very excited to know they had another book out and was greatly looking forward to it. What an enormous disappointment. This book, sadly, is an embarrassment to all of them. I do understand the intended humor and irony, but the book falls completely flat, and I simply found it ludicrous. They are all wonderful writers, and can do so much better than this!
December 1, 2024
Stories are not always easy to follow when they are told in multiple voices. And, I am not referring to several P.O.V. which this novel also provides. I’m referencing author voices, as in this case, where there are 3 different authors that wrote this novel. Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White. If you are fans of any of these women, you might enjoy this book, because you may recognize their style of writing within it.
But there may be hints of frustration in reading it, too. Especially for those of us who find that it isn’t easy when a foreign dialect is introduced that is difficult to read, as is the case here. The authors include the Scottish Gaelic speak, making it laborious to follow, at times.
The setting is a castle on a Scottish island for 3 American women authors. The women are attending a retreat where they intend to write a book together, blending their 3 different styles into one blockbuster hit. Hmmm… You mean like this one is supposed to be?
Each woman brings their own specialty writing style (historical fiction, cozy mystery and erotic), and Brett is the host, who readers find dead at the beginning of the story. With a Detective who isn’t exactly happy about Americans invading his territory.
The story is a puzzle mystery – locked room style. The setting is lovely.
As long as readers don’t take this whodunnit seriously, some might find the plot satirical fun.
But for me, with an anticlimactic ending, 3 author voices, and foreign dialect, this “murder mystery” was not my cup of tea.
But there may be hints of frustration in reading it, too. Especially for those of us who find that it isn’t easy when a foreign dialect is introduced that is difficult to read, as is the case here. The authors include the Scottish Gaelic speak, making it laborious to follow, at times.
The setting is a castle on a Scottish island for 3 American women authors. The women are attending a retreat where they intend to write a book together, blending their 3 different styles into one blockbuster hit. Hmmm… You mean like this one is supposed to be?
Each woman brings their own specialty writing style (historical fiction, cozy mystery and erotic), and Brett is the host, who readers find dead at the beginning of the story. With a Detective who isn’t exactly happy about Americans invading his territory.
The story is a puzzle mystery – locked room style. The setting is lovely.
As long as readers don’t take this whodunnit seriously, some might find the plot satirical fun.
But for me, with an anticlimactic ending, 3 author voices, and foreign dialect, this “murder mystery” was not my cup of tea.
January 2, 2025
4.5/5 stars!!! I don’t normally read cozy (or cozy-ish, as is the case here) mysteries, but I tried this one on a whim and LOVED it. A playful satire of the publishing industry, quirky characters with surprising depth, and a Scottish castle setting make this a well-rounded treat of a read. I don’t really see any Agatha Christie comparisons to be had here (I was expecting more locked room mystery based on the blurb, but that’s not exactly what this is) but it’s a delightful and highly entertaining mystery in its own right. This one will be best appreciated if you want a book that’s playful, fun, and doesn’t take itself TOO seriously… though it does have some great reveals in it, too. This one was a winner for me!!
November 26, 2024
Bailed at 10%. Basically a combo of Outlander and 50 Shades of Grey. Opening murder discovery scene is draped in S&M gear and references. Multiple references to the prior laird, his sex toy collection, and orgy parties. Not what I signed up for. I’m out. 🪂
November 17, 2024
This is the most ridiculous book I've read in a long time. Marketing it as suitable for Agatha Christie fans is disrespectful as well as delusional. The characters are all caricatures and the dialogues were truly cringeworthy. What a waste of time.
August 19, 2024
DNF at 21%. Every character straight out of Central Casting. No thanks, life is too short
August 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Author’s Guide to Murder is a fun mystery set in Castle Kinloch, Scotland. Who doesn’t like a girl friendship story with minor romance and cozy murder mystery? Kat, Emma and Cassie are authors who are writing a book together. They are besties, met at a mystery convention, and decide that writing a novel together would be a great way to have a publisher pay for a girls trip, AKA book tour.
Publishers pay for your book tour??? Really?? I always assumed the authors paid themselves and the publisher just lined up the signings/readings.
Cute how this breaks the fourth wall (3 writers crowding a book written by 3 writers). I really liked Emma the best, she had a great back story and motivation.
This was a page turner, for sure, but I am left with some questions that were unanswered. I do personally like when things are wrapped up at the end. My favorite parts were the interviews they had with the detective, Euan Macintosh. He was very deadpanned and their answers highlighted their personalities well.
If you enjoy books about Scotland, the publishing industry, cozy mystery and female friendship, this would be a great next read.
Thanks to @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for the ARC. Book to be published November 5, 2024.
Publishers pay for your book tour??? Really?? I always assumed the authors paid themselves and the publisher just lined up the signings/readings.
Cute how this breaks the fourth wall (3 writers crowding a book written by 3 writers). I really liked Emma the best, she had a great back story and motivation.
This was a page turner, for sure, but I am left with some questions that were unanswered. I do personally like when things are wrapped up at the end. My favorite parts were the interviews they had with the detective, Euan Macintosh. He was very deadpanned and their answers highlighted their personalities well.
If you enjoy books about Scotland, the publishing industry, cozy mystery and female friendship, this would be a great next read.
Thanks to @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for the ARC. Book to be published November 5, 2024.
November 16, 2024
Liked the ensemble nature of this super meta cozy mystery/romance. The Cat storyline was the best but that might be because of Saskia Maarleveld's narration. I do think they underplayed the SA aspects and the epilogue felt particularly cheesy.
February 23, 2025
A book about three women authors who go to Scotland to co-author a book together, written by three women authors who met at a conference and decide to write a novel together. Very meta. At least the actual authors truly are friends and co-conspirators, unlike the fictional Kat, Cassie and Emma, who really don't know each other well and don't like what they do know. At least until they discover the reason that their editor has sent them off to Scotland together.
The mystery manages to deal with matters of plagiarism and the treatment of women in the publishing industry, while lightening the mood with plenty of Scots and American stereotypes and regular cozy mystery tropes. True to life it is not, but the three authors obviously had a great deal of fun with all the ridiculous details. Beatrice the sheep was a favourite character for me.
When the organizer of the workshop is found dead, the three American authors are each, for their own reasons, convinced that they will be arrested for the crime. They find a real friendship while trying to identify the true murderer together. Unlike most cozy mysteries, the women fumble their way toward the truth, admitting that they're not really expert at solving crimes.
Quirky, funny, and entertaining, I would recommend it if you like books like The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, or The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.
The mystery manages to deal with matters of plagiarism and the treatment of women in the publishing industry, while lightening the mood with plenty of Scots and American stereotypes and regular cozy mystery tropes. True to life it is not, but the three authors obviously had a great deal of fun with all the ridiculous details. Beatrice the sheep was a favourite character for me.
When the organizer of the workshop is found dead, the three American authors are each, for their own reasons, convinced that they will be arrested for the crime. They find a real friendship while trying to identify the true murderer together. Unlike most cozy mysteries, the women fumble their way toward the truth, admitting that they're not really expert at solving crimes.
Quirky, funny, and entertaining, I would recommend it if you like books like The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, or The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.
June 30, 2025
Three American authors — Kat de Noir (sex- and demon-filled fantasies), Emerson “Emma” Endicott (heavily researched, high-brow historical fiction) and Cassandra “Cassie” Parsons Pringle (twee cozy mysteries) — have nothing in common. Except for an editor and slumping book sales. The editor, Rachelle, suggests the three join forces, pretend to be besties, and collaborate on a novel on a Scottish laird who was poisoned in the Edwardian Era. The pitch works to persuade a publisher to send the three authors to Castle Kinloch in Scotland for a week to research their joint book on the disreputable lothario.
However, once there, the current occupant of Castle Kinloch, internationally best-selling mystery writer Brett Saffron Presley, is killed. That's not a spoiler: A murder is revealed in the very first chapter. All three women had previously met Presley, who’s as smug and disreputable as Sir Edward Kinloch was, making the police very, very interested in them.
Did one of the Americans kill Presley? If not, who?
The American women are such clichés that I really had trouble getting into the novel. If it had not been part of a book club, I would have quit. In real life, this novel results from a collaboration by mystery writers Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White. (I've only ever read Karen White’s novels.) I don't know which of them is at fault, but the protagonists don’t turn into real humans until partway through Chapter 7. Just a reminder that even New York Times best-selling authors need a good editor. I hope they get one for the sequel.
That said, the novel’s action picked up enough that I stayed awake way too late and loved the ending. I may even go back and read one of the authors’ previous joint ventures.
However, once there, the current occupant of Castle Kinloch, internationally best-selling mystery writer Brett Saffron Presley, is killed. That's not a spoiler: A murder is revealed in the very first chapter. All three women had previously met Presley, who’s as smug and disreputable as Sir Edward Kinloch was, making the police very, very interested in them.
Did one of the Americans kill Presley? If not, who?
The American women are such clichés that I really had trouble getting into the novel. If it had not been part of a book club, I would have quit. In real life, this novel results from a collaboration by mystery writers Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White. (I've only ever read Karen White’s novels.) I don't know which of them is at fault, but the protagonists don’t turn into real humans until partway through Chapter 7. Just a reminder that even New York Times best-selling authors need a good editor. I hope they get one for the sequel.
That said, the novel’s action picked up enough that I stayed awake way too late and loved the ending. I may even go back and read one of the authors’ previous joint ventures.
July 12, 2025
A cosy mystery, featuring humour, a gothic Scottish castle, authors and a sensational murder.
This blends a fun mixture of truth and satire.
This was an interesting audiobook, written in collaboration between Williams, White and Willig.
This blends a fun mixture of truth and satire.
This was an interesting audiobook, written in collaboration between Williams, White and Willig.
November 5, 2024
The Author’s Guide to Murder is about three female authors - Cassie, Emma, and Kat - who travel to Kinloch Castle on a small island in Scotland under the pretense of writing a joint novel, but their true plan is exacting revenge on Brett Saffron Presley - the bestselling author who hosts writing retreats at the castle. When Brett ends up dead, the three women band together to clear their names and find out what really happened.
Unfortunately this fell flat for me. The tone was a little disjointed - juxtaposing cheesy humor and serious themes; it was a weird combo that didn’t really work for me. I also thought I’d be getting into a whodunnit mystery story, maybe something akin to Murder She Wrote with three female writers leading the narrative, but it was actually more of a romance. It felt like the majority of the book was fixated on talking about sex and relationships, and by the time the end rolled around it was like “oh yeah by the way, here’s the solution to that mystery we mentioned in Chapter 1”. Honestly after the first few chapters, not much happens to move the plot along and it’s a bit of a slog in the middle. The last 20-ish percent is pretty wild - really not much else to say; if you make it to the end you’ll see what I mean.
Thanks very much to Netgalley and William Morrow for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately this fell flat for me. The tone was a little disjointed - juxtaposing cheesy humor and serious themes; it was a weird combo that didn’t really work for me. I also thought I’d be getting into a whodunnit mystery story, maybe something akin to Murder She Wrote with three female writers leading the narrative, but it was actually more of a romance. It felt like the majority of the book was fixated on talking about sex and relationships, and by the time the end rolled around it was like “oh yeah by the way, here’s the solution to that mystery we mentioned in Chapter 1”. Honestly after the first few chapters, not much happens to move the plot along and it’s a bit of a slog in the middle. The last 20-ish percent is pretty wild - really not much else to say; if you make it to the end you’ll see what I mean.
Thanks very much to Netgalley and William Morrow for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2024
Three very different authors.
A writer's retreat at a Scottish castle with a sordid history.
A body found in scandalous attire following a night of drinks and dancing.
All crafted by a trio of exceptionally talented and acclaimed writers who lead their readers off their well-loved path into a literary quagmire.
Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White have collaborated on several historical fiction books that remain favorites on my shelves. So, when I saw their latest effort, I leaped at the chance to read an Advance Reader's Copy from publisher William Morrow and Netgalley. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll seek out a copy of The Author's Guide to Murder for my bookshelf.
What's it about? Three authors meet at a conference. Along with their shared agent, the women discover something they all have in common: disastrous, distasteful, and despicable encounters with the same man. The writers (encouraged by their agent) hatch a plan to travel together on a writer's retreat to Scotland. Posing as best friends researching their next collaborative book project, they plan to seek out their not-so-illustrious host and exact a measure of justice. Not a bad plot! At least in theory. In execution, the tongue-in-cheek nature of the three authors writing as what feels like caricatures of themselves was uncomfortable and even cringe-inducing at times. I felt like the authors were hiding just off-page, watching for reactions, ready to lean forward with a wink, a nudge, and a whispered, "Did you see what I did there?
As I always ay, every book isn't for every reader--and that's okay! Fans of the cult-classic comedy film Clue! will likely adore this contemporary mystery story.
A writer's retreat at a Scottish castle with a sordid history.
A body found in scandalous attire following a night of drinks and dancing.
All crafted by a trio of exceptionally talented and acclaimed writers who lead their readers off their well-loved path into a literary quagmire.
Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White have collaborated on several historical fiction books that remain favorites on my shelves. So, when I saw their latest effort, I leaped at the chance to read an Advance Reader's Copy from publisher William Morrow and Netgalley. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll seek out a copy of The Author's Guide to Murder for my bookshelf.
What's it about? Three authors meet at a conference. Along with their shared agent, the women discover something they all have in common: disastrous, distasteful, and despicable encounters with the same man. The writers (encouraged by their agent) hatch a plan to travel together on a writer's retreat to Scotland. Posing as best friends researching their next collaborative book project, they plan to seek out their not-so-illustrious host and exact a measure of justice. Not a bad plot! At least in theory. In execution, the tongue-in-cheek nature of the three authors writing as what feels like caricatures of themselves was uncomfortable and even cringe-inducing at times. I felt like the authors were hiding just off-page, watching for reactions, ready to lean forward with a wink, a nudge, and a whispered, "Did you see what I did there?
As I always ay, every book isn't for every reader--and that's okay! Fans of the cult-classic comedy film Clue! will likely adore this contemporary mystery story.
April 9, 2024
Three female mystery authors have bonded at literary events. Kat writes urban fantasy, Cassie writes cozies, and Emma writes historical novels about forgotten women. When their editor, Rachelle, agrees to foot the bill for a writing retreat so the three of them can write a novel together, the ladies jump at the chance. They decide to go to a Scottish castle on a small island in the Hebrides. The castle is currently being leased by a well-known male author named Brett Saffron Presley, who runs workshops for writers but doesn't want to appear at them himself. As the women begin to investigate the history of the castle, it soon transpires that each of them knows the mysterious Brett Saffron Presley (or BSP as they refer to him) perhaps better than it first appeared. Once a dead body turns up, the three Americans are immediately pointed out as suspects, especially since aspects of the crime seem to implicate them for various reasons. With a limited pool of suspects on the island, it's up to the three authors to investigate and clear their names (and perhaps even find love).
The story was interesting and I was surprised to see that it's written by three well-known authors, and it isn't their first joint effort! The book alternates between the viewpoints of the three characters and slowly their backstories and reasons for being on the island are revealed. There is a bit of everything here: mystery, history, exotic/romantic setting, baking, cute animals, dramatic rescues, romance, and even a bit of a twist at the end. Great fun!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
The story was interesting and I was surprised to see that it's written by three well-known authors, and it isn't their first joint effort! The book alternates between the viewpoints of the three characters and slowly their backstories and reasons for being on the island are revealed. There is a bit of everything here: mystery, history, exotic/romantic setting, baking, cute animals, dramatic rescues, romance, and even a bit of a twist at the end. Great fun!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
October 22, 2024
This was...fine. Solid 2.5 rounding to 3.
Calling this an Agatha Christie meets locked room mystery book is quite a choice, because it's really neither of those things.
The breaking of the fourth wall (a book about three female authors writing a book together, written by three female authors) is a cute idea, but there was just so much that didn't work for me. The phonetic spelling of the Scottish brogue was incredibly distracting, and there was already SO much going on in the first half of the book that I think it hindered the progression of the story more than anything. I also didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable, which also made it a bit of a slog. I usually like the unlikeable, but all three women were insufferable, and I just couldn't bring myself to care about ANY of them at all.
The actual story is fine, pretty standard cozy mystery plot. This is told in a multi timeline and multi format manner as well, which I think can be confusing--particularly at the beginning of the story when you're trying to figure out all of the characters and whose backstory ties to whose.
Overall, I think this was a clever idea for a book and I didn't hate it, but I also don't think I'd ever pick it up again and will probably forget the plot by tomorrow.
Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book!
Calling this an Agatha Christie meets locked room mystery book is quite a choice, because it's really neither of those things.
The breaking of the fourth wall (a book about three female authors writing a book together, written by three female authors) is a cute idea, but there was just so much that didn't work for me. The phonetic spelling of the Scottish brogue was incredibly distracting, and there was already SO much going on in the first half of the book that I think it hindered the progression of the story more than anything. I also didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable, which also made it a bit of a slog. I usually like the unlikeable, but all three women were insufferable, and I just couldn't bring myself to care about ANY of them at all.
The actual story is fine, pretty standard cozy mystery plot. This is told in a multi timeline and multi format manner as well, which I think can be confusing--particularly at the beginning of the story when you're trying to figure out all of the characters and whose backstory ties to whose.
Overall, I think this was a clever idea for a book and I didn't hate it, but I also don't think I'd ever pick it up again and will probably forget the plot by tomorrow.
Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book!
November 5, 2024
✨P U B • D A Y • P A R T • 2✨
#ad thanks so much for the finished copy of this book @Karenwhitewrites + @authorbeatriz + @laurenwillig + @uplitreads #partner
🅣🅗🅔 🅐🅤🅣🅗🅞🅡’🅢📕🅖🅤🅘🅓🅔 🅣🅞 🅜🅤🅡🅓🅔🅡🔪
Murder. Thrills. & Laughs. ✔️
Oof what a read this was! The story begins with an excerpt from a police interview. You always know a book is about to be a good time when they start off this way.
I loved the locked-room theme of this book. There is nothing else I love more than a bunch of characters stuck someplace together with no way of truly escaping. Combine this with a murder-mystery and lots of LOL antics and you’ve crafted the perfect book. IMO.
We have a dead author and our suspects are other authors. Kat, who writes erotic novels, Cassie, who writes cozy mystery novels, and Emma, who writes historical fiction novels. I loved these characters so much. Hilarious.
They claim they’re writing a book together and aren’t the ones who killed the guy. But these three have three different stories about the events that took place. And they’re major suspects.
This is one of my top favorite reads of the year - easily! I love this writing trio! While this is my first book by them it won’t be my last.
You’ll be entertained throughout - I guarantee that. The most engaging book I’ve read in a while.
#ad thanks so much for the finished copy of this book @Karenwhitewrites + @authorbeatriz + @laurenwillig + @uplitreads #partner
🅣🅗🅔 🅐🅤🅣🅗🅞🅡’🅢📕🅖🅤🅘🅓🅔 🅣🅞 🅜🅤🅡🅓🅔🅡🔪
Murder. Thrills. & Laughs. ✔️
Oof what a read this was! The story begins with an excerpt from a police interview. You always know a book is about to be a good time when they start off this way.
I loved the locked-room theme of this book. There is nothing else I love more than a bunch of characters stuck someplace together with no way of truly escaping. Combine this with a murder-mystery and lots of LOL antics and you’ve crafted the perfect book. IMO.
We have a dead author and our suspects are other authors. Kat, who writes erotic novels, Cassie, who writes cozy mystery novels, and Emma, who writes historical fiction novels. I loved these characters so much. Hilarious.
They claim they’re writing a book together and aren’t the ones who killed the guy. But these three have three different stories about the events that took place. And they’re major suspects.
This is one of my top favorite reads of the year - easily! I love this writing trio! While this is my first book by them it won’t be my last.
You’ll be entertained throughout - I guarantee that. The most engaging book I’ve read in a while.
November 9, 2024
The Author's Guide to Murder is likened to Agatha Christie but having never read her books (GASP), I can't say for certain.
I can say it's laugh a loud highly entertaining cozy locked room mystery. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, this one is a must read. With three strong, fierce, and funny female protagonists who couldn't be more different and a superb locale of a castle in Scotland it was a delight!
What a fantastic collab by 3 incredible authors. I had no idea they have written multiple books together.
I loved it!
I can say it's laugh a loud highly entertaining cozy locked room mystery. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, this one is a must read. With three strong, fierce, and funny female protagonists who couldn't be more different and a superb locale of a castle in Scotland it was a delight!
What a fantastic collab by 3 incredible authors. I had no idea they have written multiple books together.
I loved it!
May 2, 2025
This was a fun and entertaining cozy mystery written by a trio of mystery writers about three female mystery writers who team up to write a book about an infamous historical murder that happened in Scotland. While staying at the Scottish estate in the small town (island) where the murder occurred, they discover that Brett, an elusive and popular American author, is living and writing his memoir. However, three days into their trip, Brett is found dead face down in a puddle of alcohol, impaled by a horn. As the investigator questions the three women, the reader learns there is much more to their visit and the people living at the estate than first thought.
I enjoyed the playfulness of this story and how it mirrored the real authors’ real lives in certain ways. I also enjoyed the three perspectives of Emma, Cat and Cassie and their different personalities. The mystery itself was unfortunately the weak link as I guessed the ending early on. However, it was a light, quick read/listen.
I enjoyed the playfulness of this story and how it mirrored the real authors’ real lives in certain ways. I also enjoyed the three perspectives of Emma, Cat and Cassie and their different personalities. The mystery itself was unfortunately the weak link as I guessed the ending early on. However, it was a light, quick read/listen.
December 11, 2024
Three authors come together, thanks to their mutual publisher, for a writer's retreat of sorts at a Scottish castle hosted by Scottish author, Brett Saffron Presley. There are three American writers: Cassie Parsons (cozy mystery writer), Emma Endicott (historical fiction author), and Kat de Noir (supernatural author). While at the retreat, Brett is found dead on the night of the town's festival and lo and behold, the three American authors are the primary suspects. There's some romance, mystery, and a memorable Scottish setting, but overall The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Karen White, and Lauren Willig fell flat for me.
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October 29, 2024
Having been a fan of all these authors, this book wasn’t quite what I was expecting. There were parts that were really good but then others that kinda stunk. The mystery within the book was good. I probably could have done without the epilogue too. It was crazy.
December 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Author's Guide to Murder.
I was pleased my request was approved because the premise was intriguing.
But not long after I began reading, I found the narrative not to my liking.
** Non-murder-y spoilers ahead **
First, the murder happens off-site and is a minor subplot to the real story, the lives of the three female authors who are staying at the castle and who all have ties to the deceased.
Second, for a 'cozy' mystery, the deceased is despicable scum and the women are survivors of assault and plagiarism, just to name a few of the awful things they endured.
Third, the narrative is too long, redundant, and tedious.
We have to deal with the women's perspectives and their backstories.
That's what happens when three authors co-author a novel together.
I didn't like anyone, no one, except for the dog. I love dogs.
The ending was hard to suspend disbelief for, not to mention that happily ever after ending.
By that point, I didn't care anymore.
I was pleased my request was approved because the premise was intriguing.
But not long after I began reading, I found the narrative not to my liking.
** Non-murder-y spoilers ahead **
First, the murder happens off-site and is a minor subplot to the real story, the lives of the three female authors who are staying at the castle and who all have ties to the deceased.
Second, for a 'cozy' mystery, the deceased is despicable scum and the women are survivors of assault and plagiarism, just to name a few of the awful things they endured.
Third, the narrative is too long, redundant, and tedious.
We have to deal with the women's perspectives and their backstories.
That's what happens when three authors co-author a novel together.
I didn't like anyone, no one, except for the dog. I love dogs.
The ending was hard to suspend disbelief for, not to mention that happily ever after ending.
By that point, I didn't care anymore.
November 5, 2024
This book was a bummer because I’ve loved most of the Williams/Willig/White co-authored books and I’ve loved many more of Beatriz Williams books(including her great book from this summer - Husbands and Lovers, read that instead!) This book lacked the different historical perspectives of their other shared novels and it was just downright boring. It wasn’t just boring it was also confusing, the Scottish characters were barely characters and completely interchangeable (and impossible to keep straight.) I figured that even though it started out slow it would rev up as it went along like many mysteries but it was pretty much boring the entire way through. Even identifying the murderer and a helicopter rescue mission were boring (and yes still confusing.) Better luck next time, I suppose.
Thank you to William Morrow and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to William Morrow and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2024
It was okay, but the 3 writers were caricatures to the extreme. Ruined the reading experience. I expected more.
July 20, 2024
FUN!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for a chance to read and review. This is set for release 11/2024. It will most surely be purchased for my library.
Set in Scotland, three American authors come together to collaborate on a novel. The cozy mystery starts when a murder is discovered, and our three literary ladies might be suspects.
Together they take on the investigation and stumble upon so much fun you will absolutely laugh out loud. There's a great twists and even some sweet romance.
I am excited to find this isn't these authors (the 3 Ws) first collab, and again, I'm guilty of adding more to my TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for a chance to read and review. This is set for release 11/2024. It will most surely be purchased for my library.
Set in Scotland, three American authors come together to collaborate on a novel. The cozy mystery starts when a murder is discovered, and our three literary ladies might be suspects.
Together they take on the investigation and stumble upon so much fun you will absolutely laugh out loud. There's a great twists and even some sweet romance.
I am excited to find this isn't these authors (the 3 Ws) first collab, and again, I'm guilty of adding more to my TBR.
January 3, 2025
DNF. Got to 16%. Not at all interested. So disappointed cuz I was really looking forward to it.
December 12, 2024
***My fave book of 2024!***
I've been a fan of Beatriz Williams books for a few years now, and I've read all but one of the books by Team W (Beatriz Williams ; Karen White Lauren Willig). This book is a little different from their others, but from the moment I saw the cover and book description on social media, I started ticking off the days until it came out. (Thank you, William Morrow, for the ARC!)
I loved the book, and not just because I'm already a fan of this writing team. The Author's Guide to Murder is a satirical peek at three mystery writers who come together to write one mystery (at the suggestion of their publisher), and as someone who's spent some time in the mystery world, I couldn't help laughing at the tropes and the stereotypes (some of which are perpetuated within the mystery-writing community). By the 10% mark, I knew this was a book I wouldn't want to end, so I tried to slow my reading pace, but if you're reading this, then you're a reader too, and you know that doesn't work.
It's clear upon reading this that the authors had a lot of fun with this one. Feminism, friendship, dark secrets, Scotland, romance, and a mystery--there wasn't a lot left on the table. And about that ending, the mystery reader in me has to say: I knew it!
I've been a fan of Beatriz Williams books for a few years now, and I've read all but one of the books by Team W (Beatriz Williams ; Karen White Lauren Willig). This book is a little different from their others, but from the moment I saw the cover and book description on social media, I started ticking off the days until it came out. (Thank you, William Morrow, for the ARC!)
I loved the book, and not just because I'm already a fan of this writing team. The Author's Guide to Murder is a satirical peek at three mystery writers who come together to write one mystery (at the suggestion of their publisher), and as someone who's spent some time in the mystery world, I couldn't help laughing at the tropes and the stereotypes (some of which are perpetuated within the mystery-writing community). By the 10% mark, I knew this was a book I wouldn't want to end, so I tried to slow my reading pace, but if you're reading this, then you're a reader too, and you know that doesn't work.
It's clear upon reading this that the authors had a lot of fun with this one. Feminism, friendship, dark secrets, Scotland, romance, and a mystery--there wasn't a lot left on the table. And about that ending, the mystery reader in me has to say: I knew it!
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