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Welcome to Murder Week
In this delightfully funny and heartfelt new novel from the author of the “bittersweet page-turner” (The New York Times) The Last Book Party, an American woman travels to the English countryside when she discovers tickets her late mother had purchased for a murder mystery simulation in a small British town.
When thirty-four-year-old Cath loses her mostly absentee mother, she is ambivalent. With days of quiet, unassuming routine in Buffalo, New York, Cath consciously avoids the impulsive, thrill-seeking lifestyle that her mother once led. But when she’s forced to go through her mother’s things one afternoon, Cath is perplexed to find tickets for an upcoming “murder week” in England’s Peak. A whole town has come together to stage a fake murder mystery to attract tourism to their quaint hamlet. Baffled but helplessly intrigued by her mother’s secret purchase, Cath decides to go on the trip herself—and begins a journey she never could have anticipated.
Teaming up with her two cottage-mates, both ardent mystery lovers—Wyatt Green, forty, who works unhappily in his husband’s birding store, and Amity Clark, fifty, a divorced romance writer struggling with her novels—Cath sets about solving the “crime” and begins to unravel shocking truths about her mother along the way. Amidst a fling—or something more—with the handsome local maker of artisanal gin, Cath and her irresistibly charming fellow sleuths will find this week of fake murder may help them face up to a very real crossroads in their own lives.
Witty, wise, and deliciously escapist, Welcome to Murder Week is a fresh, inventive twist on the murder mystery and a touching portrayal of one daughter’s reckoning with her grief, her past—and her own budding sense of adventure.
When thirty-four-year-old Cath loses her mostly absentee mother, she is ambivalent. With days of quiet, unassuming routine in Buffalo, New York, Cath consciously avoids the impulsive, thrill-seeking lifestyle that her mother once led. But when she’s forced to go through her mother’s things one afternoon, Cath is perplexed to find tickets for an upcoming “murder week” in England’s Peak. A whole town has come together to stage a fake murder mystery to attract tourism to their quaint hamlet. Baffled but helplessly intrigued by her mother’s secret purchase, Cath decides to go on the trip herself—and begins a journey she never could have anticipated.
Teaming up with her two cottage-mates, both ardent mystery lovers—Wyatt Green, forty, who works unhappily in his husband’s birding store, and Amity Clark, fifty, a divorced romance writer struggling with her novels—Cath sets about solving the “crime” and begins to unravel shocking truths about her mother along the way. Amidst a fling—or something more—with the handsome local maker of artisanal gin, Cath and her irresistibly charming fellow sleuths will find this week of fake murder may help them face up to a very real crossroads in their own lives.
Witty, wise, and deliciously escapist, Welcome to Murder Week is a fresh, inventive twist on the murder mystery and a touching portrayal of one daughter’s reckoning with her grief, her past—and her own budding sense of adventure.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2025
555 people are currently reading
49551 people want to read
About the author
Karen Dukess
4 books462 followersKaren Dukess is the author of The Last Book Party and Welcome to Murder Week. Karen has been a newspaper reporter in Florida, a magazine publisher in Russia, and a speechwriter on gender equality for the United Nations. She has a degree in Russian studies from Brown University and a master’s in journalism from Columbia University. She lives outside of New York City and in Truro on Cape Cod, where she interviews some of today’s most acclaimed writers as host of the Castle Hill Author Talks for the Truro Center for the Arts. Find out more at KarenDukess.com.
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July 26, 2025
I’m SO GLAD that I didn’t miss this one! SO MUCH FUN!
4.5 stars ⭐️
AUDIBLE REVIEW:
Author: Karen Dukess
Narrator: Carlotta Brentan
Listening Length : 8 hr 51 minutes at 1x, 5 hrs 32 minutes at 1.6x
Thirty-four-year-old Cath is sorting through her recently deceased mother’s belongings, when she comes across two tickets for an upcoming “murder week” in England’s Peak. Apparently the whole town has come together to stage a “murder mystery” to attract tourism and raise funds for a renovation. Since she was mostly raised by her grandmother, she is surprised to learn that the second ticket was meant for her.
The tickets are usually non-refundable but the host will make an exception and refund one ticket. So, Cath agrees to be paired up with two other Americans traveling SOLO and a TEAM is born. Wyatt Green, forty, has been gifted the trip by his husband, and Amity Clark, fifty, is a romance writer who has been struggling with her novels since getting divorced.
A local author has been tasked with writing the mystery, and the team which comes closest to solving it will be declared the winners. They must present a WHO, HOW and WHY in their solution-and using the internet is prohibited. The entire town is involved but some will be playing parts, while others are simply themselves.
But, WHO is acting?
Banter with the other teams is lively, the camaraderie between Cath and her cottage mates is delightful and a certain local guy, who makes artisanal gin, offers up an “after hours” distraction.
But as Cath and her fellow sleuths begin investigating, she discovers a link between her mother and the town which needs further investigating as well-and fortunately Wyatt and Amity ware willing to solve that puzzle too.
The author set the scene well, and I could envision the charming town, and taste the artisanal gin cocktails being created by our bartender, Dev. I share a similar sense of humor with our protagonist, Cath, and thought the mystery itself was fun too!
I really don’t understand the low average rating (3.66) as I have been reading more COZY MYSTERIES this year, and this one is a close second to “The Killer Question “ by Janice Hallett, so since I RATE WITHIN GENRE this is getting rounded up to 5 stars from me since I flew through this very entertaining Audible in one afternoon!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title!
4.5 stars ⭐️
AUDIBLE REVIEW:
Author: Karen Dukess
Narrator: Carlotta Brentan
Listening Length : 8 hr 51 minutes at 1x, 5 hrs 32 minutes at 1.6x
Thirty-four-year-old Cath is sorting through her recently deceased mother’s belongings, when she comes across two tickets for an upcoming “murder week” in England’s Peak. Apparently the whole town has come together to stage a “murder mystery” to attract tourism and raise funds for a renovation. Since she was mostly raised by her grandmother, she is surprised to learn that the second ticket was meant for her.
The tickets are usually non-refundable but the host will make an exception and refund one ticket. So, Cath agrees to be paired up with two other Americans traveling SOLO and a TEAM is born. Wyatt Green, forty, has been gifted the trip by his husband, and Amity Clark, fifty, is a romance writer who has been struggling with her novels since getting divorced.
A local author has been tasked with writing the mystery, and the team which comes closest to solving it will be declared the winners. They must present a WHO, HOW and WHY in their solution-and using the internet is prohibited. The entire town is involved but some will be playing parts, while others are simply themselves.
But, WHO is acting?
Banter with the other teams is lively, the camaraderie between Cath and her cottage mates is delightful and a certain local guy, who makes artisanal gin, offers up an “after hours” distraction.
But as Cath and her fellow sleuths begin investigating, she discovers a link between her mother and the town which needs further investigating as well-and fortunately Wyatt and Amity ware willing to solve that puzzle too.
The author set the scene well, and I could envision the charming town, and taste the artisanal gin cocktails being created by our bartender, Dev. I share a similar sense of humor with our protagonist, Cath, and thought the mystery itself was fun too!
I really don’t understand the low average rating (3.66) as I have been reading more COZY MYSTERIES this year, and this one is a close second to “The Killer Question “ by Janice Hallett, so since I RATE WITHIN GENRE this is getting rounded up to 5 stars from me since I flew through this very entertaining Audible in one afternoon!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title!
August 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A cozy, heartfelt escape with charming characters, a murder mystery twist, and a deeper emotional core than expected!
Welcome to Murder Week is one of those stories that sneaks up on you. At first, I expected a lighthearted, fun romp through an English village with a faux murder to solve—and while that’s absolutely part of the experience, what really stood out was how layered and thoughtful this novel became.
We follow Cath, a woman who’s just lost her estranged mother and is living a quiet, cautious life far from anything unpredictable. So when she stumbles across tickets to a “murder week” vacation her mother apparently booked for the two of them, she’s understandably confused—and intrigued. Instead of letting the tickets go to waste, Cath steps out of her comfort zone and makes the journey to a picturesque village in the Peak District, unknowingly stepping into something much more personal than a staged crime.
What unfolds is a mix of mystery, self-discovery, and the beautiful mess of human connection. Cath is paired with two fellow solo travelers—Wyatt, who’s charming and full of personality, and Amity, a romance writer who brings both wit and warmth to every scene. Together, they become an unlikely yet delightful sleuthing team, not only navigating clues but helping each other confront the parts of their lives they’ve been quietly avoiding.
The “murder week” setup is whimsical and fun, full of British charm and winking references to classic mysteries. But the real mystery—the one surrounding Cath’s mother, her past, and the reason she planned this trip—is what truly anchors the book. I was surprised by how much emotional weight the story carried. There are moments of grief, reconciliation, and unexpected vulnerability that gave the novel a real sense of depth.
The pacing isn’t always consistent. Some scenes felt a little drawn out, and there were moments where I wished the central mystery had a bit more punch. Still, the atmosphere, character dynamics, and emotional payoff were more than enough to keep me hooked until the end.
This is a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries who want something with a little more soul and substance. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about discovering what it means to step out of your past and into something new.
A very huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for sharing this gripping cozy mystery's digital reviewer copy with me. I’m so glad I had the chance to read this—it was heartfelt, quirky, and the kind of story that lingers long after the final reveal.
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Welcome to Murder Week is one of those stories that sneaks up on you. At first, I expected a lighthearted, fun romp through an English village with a faux murder to solve—and while that’s absolutely part of the experience, what really stood out was how layered and thoughtful this novel became.
We follow Cath, a woman who’s just lost her estranged mother and is living a quiet, cautious life far from anything unpredictable. So when she stumbles across tickets to a “murder week” vacation her mother apparently booked for the two of them, she’s understandably confused—and intrigued. Instead of letting the tickets go to waste, Cath steps out of her comfort zone and makes the journey to a picturesque village in the Peak District, unknowingly stepping into something much more personal than a staged crime.
What unfolds is a mix of mystery, self-discovery, and the beautiful mess of human connection. Cath is paired with two fellow solo travelers—Wyatt, who’s charming and full of personality, and Amity, a romance writer who brings both wit and warmth to every scene. Together, they become an unlikely yet delightful sleuthing team, not only navigating clues but helping each other confront the parts of their lives they’ve been quietly avoiding.
The “murder week” setup is whimsical and fun, full of British charm and winking references to classic mysteries. But the real mystery—the one surrounding Cath’s mother, her past, and the reason she planned this trip—is what truly anchors the book. I was surprised by how much emotional weight the story carried. There are moments of grief, reconciliation, and unexpected vulnerability that gave the novel a real sense of depth.
The pacing isn’t always consistent. Some scenes felt a little drawn out, and there were moments where I wished the central mystery had a bit more punch. Still, the atmosphere, character dynamics, and emotional payoff were more than enough to keep me hooked until the end.
This is a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries who want something with a little more soul and substance. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about discovering what it means to step out of your past and into something new.
A very huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for sharing this gripping cozy mystery's digital reviewer copy with me. I’m so glad I had the chance to read this—it was heartfelt, quirky, and the kind of story that lingers long after the final reveal.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
July 10, 2025
Another Cozy Mystery I Couldn't Pass Up...
Welcome to Murder Week is about a week-long staged murder mystery in a quaint village in England's Peak District, a mostly absentee mother who passes away before she can surprise her adult daughter with tickets to attend this event together, and a daughter who is intrigued by her mother's secret purchase that turns into an unexpected journey she didn't know she needed...
In typical cozy fashion, this tale starts slow, but immediately draws you into the mystery of not knowing which characters are who they claim to be, and which ones are playing a part. The entire village has come together for this staged event, keeping you guessing.
The main character, Cath, who lives in Buffalo, NY, is fun and wicked-smart, but she also has a quiet, contemplative side, especially when thinking about her mom, Sky. As the story progresses, little nuggets start dropping, and a second mystery develops —one that's closer to home. Cath and her two cottage mates, whom I love, now have two mysteries to focus on, and they're all about solving both.
Welcome to Murder Week is a fun and creative cozy mystery that explores themes of relationships, taking risks, and discovering one's identity, with likable-to-lovable characters from both sides of the pond, and set in a charming village in the English countryside. What's not to love, I ask you?
4⭐
Thank you to Scout Press and Karen Dukess for a physical ARC of this book through Shelf Awareness GLOW. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Welcome to Murder Week is about a week-long staged murder mystery in a quaint village in England's Peak District, a mostly absentee mother who passes away before she can surprise her adult daughter with tickets to attend this event together, and a daughter who is intrigued by her mother's secret purchase that turns into an unexpected journey she didn't know she needed...
In typical cozy fashion, this tale starts slow, but immediately draws you into the mystery of not knowing which characters are who they claim to be, and which ones are playing a part. The entire village has come together for this staged event, keeping you guessing.
The main character, Cath, who lives in Buffalo, NY, is fun and wicked-smart, but she also has a quiet, contemplative side, especially when thinking about her mom, Sky. As the story progresses, little nuggets start dropping, and a second mystery develops —one that's closer to home. Cath and her two cottage mates, whom I love, now have two mysteries to focus on, and they're all about solving both.
Welcome to Murder Week is a fun and creative cozy mystery that explores themes of relationships, taking risks, and discovering one's identity, with likable-to-lovable characters from both sides of the pond, and set in a charming village in the English countryside. What's not to love, I ask you?
4⭐
Thank you to Scout Press and Karen Dukess for a physical ARC of this book through Shelf Awareness GLOW. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 25, 2025
“A mystery that is easy to solve, after all, is not worthy of the name.”
Imagine the main protagonist Cath having these thoughts:
‘Oh Mom, you weren’t there while I was growing up. And, now I find that you had this paid-in-full trip we were supposed to go on together. But you are now dead. Should I go anyway?’
Well, as it so happens, everyone who cares about Cath agrees that she should do this special ‘Murder Week’ trip to England. So, off she goes. What will she discover about herself, and maybe about her elusive dearly departed mother?
Upon arrival, she finds connection with her fellow American roommates, Wyatt who is travelling sans husband, and Amity, a mystery writer who is looking for inspiration.
So, how many of us mystery readers have actually dreamed of the experience of being a true amateur sleuth? We’ve read all the stories, right? Is it safer to just be a ‘reading’ bystander or actually being a participant in a ‘fake’ murder production expected to figure out the ‘whodunit,’ the ‘howdunit’ and/or the ‘whydunit?’
You don’t have to answer that question. It just was an interesting observation for me to consider as I found myself reading along about the characters little murder week adventure.
Was Cath up for the challenge?
Were we as readers?
And, as Cath and her roommates, and all the other players get into ‘murder week’ by following the clues, taking in the scenery, the town, and meeting the townspeople, there is something that is touching Cath deeply. Why does she feel as if her mother has been here? Why is everything feeling familiar to her?
And we as readers are left wondering, what mystery are we really solving here? A Murder Week murder or something more?
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book. But I believe I got something more. It felt like a story of discovery. Self-discovery. Finding oneself through heart-ache and grief. Learning to live. Second chances. Maybe even finding love and friendship and home in unexpected places.
In this thoughtful and heart-felt story, some readers may grow annoyed over the many details of “fake” characters set up to confuse those playing the murder week game. Which may make readers frustrated by the time the solution to the ‘fake mystery’ is finally explained.
“Fake mysteries are like roller coasters at an amusement park, thrills and relief without pain.”
Still, I think there is something to be said about this unique premise. There is a cuteness to what the town was willing to do to create atmosphere and fun for the participants. Thus, providing an easy-to-read, page-turning ease to the reading experience.
But do we get our happy ending? (No spoilers from me.)
Imagine the main protagonist Cath having these thoughts:
‘Oh Mom, you weren’t there while I was growing up. And, now I find that you had this paid-in-full trip we were supposed to go on together. But you are now dead. Should I go anyway?’
Well, as it so happens, everyone who cares about Cath agrees that she should do this special ‘Murder Week’ trip to England. So, off she goes. What will she discover about herself, and maybe about her elusive dearly departed mother?
Upon arrival, she finds connection with her fellow American roommates, Wyatt who is travelling sans husband, and Amity, a mystery writer who is looking for inspiration.
So, how many of us mystery readers have actually dreamed of the experience of being a true amateur sleuth? We’ve read all the stories, right? Is it safer to just be a ‘reading’ bystander or actually being a participant in a ‘fake’ murder production expected to figure out the ‘whodunit,’ the ‘howdunit’ and/or the ‘whydunit?’
You don’t have to answer that question. It just was an interesting observation for me to consider as I found myself reading along about the characters little murder week adventure.
Was Cath up for the challenge?
Were we as readers?
And, as Cath and her roommates, and all the other players get into ‘murder week’ by following the clues, taking in the scenery, the town, and meeting the townspeople, there is something that is touching Cath deeply. Why does she feel as if her mother has been here? Why is everything feeling familiar to her?
And we as readers are left wondering, what mystery are we really solving here? A Murder Week murder or something more?
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book. But I believe I got something more. It felt like a story of discovery. Self-discovery. Finding oneself through heart-ache and grief. Learning to live. Second chances. Maybe even finding love and friendship and home in unexpected places.
In this thoughtful and heart-felt story, some readers may grow annoyed over the many details of “fake” characters set up to confuse those playing the murder week game. Which may make readers frustrated by the time the solution to the ‘fake mystery’ is finally explained.
“Fake mysteries are like roller coasters at an amusement park, thrills and relief without pain.”
Still, I think there is something to be said about this unique premise. There is a cuteness to what the town was willing to do to create atmosphere and fun for the participants. Thus, providing an easy-to-read, page-turning ease to the reading experience.
But do we get our happy ending? (No spoilers from me.)
December 14, 2024
ARC for review. To be published June 10, 2025.
4 stars.
Thirty-four year old Cath Little discovers tickets for two to a murder mystery week in a small village in the Peak District of England in her estranged mother’s belongings after her death and she is shocked to learn that her mother intended for Cath to accompany her in the trip. As far as Cath knows her mother had no interest in mysteries or England.
Her ticket isn’t refundable so Cath decides to take the trip and is paired with two other solo travelers, Wyatt Green, who is unhappily employed at his husband’s bird store and Amity Clark, a fifty-ish divorced romance writer. Can the team solve the murder mystery put on by the town and maybe determine why Cathy’s mother planned the trip?
I occasionally enjoy a good cozy mystery but I don’t adore every single one that comes along. However this was well done and fans of the genre will LOVE it, especially since it isn’t a series. Cath is great, there are some fun townspeople and the mystery surrounding Cath’s mom is interesting. Good stuff!
4 stars.
Thirty-four year old Cath Little discovers tickets for two to a murder mystery week in a small village in the Peak District of England in her estranged mother’s belongings after her death and she is shocked to learn that her mother intended for Cath to accompany her in the trip. As far as Cath knows her mother had no interest in mysteries or England.
Her ticket isn’t refundable so Cath decides to take the trip and is paired with two other solo travelers, Wyatt Green, who is unhappily employed at his husband’s bird store and Amity Clark, a fifty-ish divorced romance writer. Can the team solve the murder mystery put on by the town and maybe determine why Cathy’s mother planned the trip?
I occasionally enjoy a good cozy mystery but I don’t adore every single one that comes along. However this was well done and fans of the genre will LOVE it, especially since it isn’t a series. Cath is great, there are some fun townspeople and the mystery surrounding Cath’s mom is interesting. Good stuff!
July 29, 2025
I didn’t intentionally follow Searching For Mr. Darcy with another book where people are role playing, but sometimes that happens. Welcome to Murder Week starts with our MC Cath. Herb,other has died recently, but Cath proclaims that her mother was mostly absent during her life, popping in and out, so they weren’t very close. But as she’s going through her mother’s belongings she discovers prepaid tickets for 2 to attend a “murder week”in the Peak District of England. At first she does not plan to go, but after speaking with the event planner, she finds out her mother bought the 2nd ticket for her, and mentioned “finding someone”.
As she arrives,she finds she’s been assigned two roommates - Wyatt, whose husband bought the ticket for him, and newly divorced romance writer Amity. They seem like an odd group, but they click and have much fun together. Many on the town are playing roles and providing clues to the contestants… but who is authentic and who is playing an art?
As they search for clues, Cath is charmed by the local bar owner and maker of artisanal gin. But she also begins to wonder if she has an unknown connection to the town. As a cozy mystery it is great fun as they search for clues. As the flirtation starts to feel like more, she is also confronted with events from her past that have helped form her personality and perspective.
I thought this was wonderfully fun. How many stars? My ratings are very emotion-based… and something that feels this good is a winner for me.
Also, strangely this and my previous book mentioned towns I have lived in or lived near. What a coincidence!
As she arrives,she finds she’s been assigned two roommates - Wyatt, whose husband bought the ticket for him, and newly divorced romance writer Amity. They seem like an odd group, but they click and have much fun together. Many on the town are playing roles and providing clues to the contestants… but who is authentic and who is playing an art?
As they search for clues, Cath is charmed by the local bar owner and maker of artisanal gin. But she also begins to wonder if she has an unknown connection to the town. As a cozy mystery it is great fun as they search for clues. As the flirtation starts to feel like more, she is also confronted with events from her past that have helped form her personality and perspective.
I thought this was wonderfully fun. How many stars? My ratings are very emotion-based… and something that feels this good is a winner for me.
Also, strangely this and my previous book mentioned towns I have lived in or lived near. What a coincidence!
June 3, 2025
Rounding up from 3.5 ⭐️
Expect more character driven found family story than an actual mystery. Personally, I needed more in the story. It was an overall easy listen, interesting enough, clean language and no steam kind of book. It’ll be an easy one to recommend to a wide variety of readers.
Expect more character driven found family story than an actual mystery. Personally, I needed more in the story. It was an overall easy listen, interesting enough, clean language and no steam kind of book. It’ll be an easy one to recommend to a wide variety of readers.
July 12, 2025
Cath is semi-mourning the recent death of her flighty mother and stumbles on a nonrefundable trip to murder mystery week in Derbyshire, England. Confused as to why her absentee mother planned a vacation for the two of them, she reluctantly attends and gets bunked up with a lactose intolerant who’s unhappily working in his husband’s bird store and a middle-aged romance author whose unexpected divorce has saddled her with writer’s block. It’s easy to forget that the town gossip wasn’t really murdered because the pretend case is layered and everyone is in on the game, including a hot gin distiller with a beautiful neck who likes to hike and nap in moss. It turns out Cath’s mother has a personal connection to this quaint English village and Cath finds herself wrapped up in a 2 for 1 mystery special. 4-stars for Wyatt explaining The Swallows isn’t the name of a gay bar, but should be. I also learned that hummingbirds can fly backwards and AA Milne wrote a detective mystery (*adds to TBR*). It’s a tight race to solve the fake murder, but Cath and her new friends might just pull it off with the help of a village busybody and some conveniently plopped horse manure.
September 9, 2025
RTC ❤️!!!!
June 7, 2025
This book is exactly what a cozy mystery should be… a tiny bit of romance, someone heartwarming moments, some funny moments, no blood. And if someone dies, it has to be a villain. In this story no one dies, except our main character’s mother recently dies of a sudden stroke off-page before the story starts.
Cath is 34 and happily single in Buffalo, she isn’t quite sure how to feel about her estranged mother’s death. Then she finds out, somewhat curiously, that her mother planned a trip to the English countryside (what is with us Americans and our love affair with quaint English towns) for a Murder week.
I don’t think this exists- but it would be very popular if someone could pull off this kind of mystery solving tourism involving an entire town of 1800 people. You are there sharing a house/ like bed and breakfast style, you are there for a week to solve a fake murder and you can question anyone in town.
Would you go on a trip like this? I would.
While the set up admittedly made the mystery less intriguing (it was fake, after all) the book definitely added in some personal elements about Cath and her mother, really all of the characters got to know each other. Most of the tourists were American, which helped an American reader find humor and get things spelled out. All of the other tourists/mystery solvers were sweet, endearing characters.
So I did almost immediately solve the fake murder- there was an Easter egg that I found very obvious- this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book that much. I look forward to checking out some of the author’s other titles.
I read it in one sitting. The pages just kept turning!
Thank you to @GalleryBooks for the free finished copy. #gallerypartner #partner #gifted
Cath is 34 and happily single in Buffalo, she isn’t quite sure how to feel about her estranged mother’s death. Then she finds out, somewhat curiously, that her mother planned a trip to the English countryside (what is with us Americans and our love affair with quaint English towns) for a Murder week.
I don’t think this exists- but it would be very popular if someone could pull off this kind of mystery solving tourism involving an entire town of 1800 people. You are there sharing a house/ like bed and breakfast style, you are there for a week to solve a fake murder and you can question anyone in town.
Would you go on a trip like this? I would.
While the set up admittedly made the mystery less intriguing (it was fake, after all) the book definitely added in some personal elements about Cath and her mother, really all of the characters got to know each other. Most of the tourists were American, which helped an American reader find humor and get things spelled out. All of the other tourists/mystery solvers were sweet, endearing characters.
So I did almost immediately solve the fake murder- there was an Easter egg that I found very obvious- this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book that much. I look forward to checking out some of the author’s other titles.
I read it in one sitting. The pages just kept turning!
Thank you to @GalleryBooks for the free finished copy. #gallerypartner #partner #gifted
November 12, 2024
I love this book! WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK has unforgettable characters and an irresistible setting - a captivating story that’s as wise as it is fun. A double mystery, a touch of romance, and a truly perfect ending! Such a great read!!!
July 1, 2025
This is the kind of review I hate writing - not because I disliked the book, but because I don’t have strong feelings either way. I think quite fondly of it. It was cute. I’m happy everyone got their happy ending. I’m not mad I read it. But at the same time, it would feel a little dishonest to rave about it.
I wish I loved it more, but it was just... mid for me. Sure, I liked the characters, but they felt a bit flat overall. I was happy the two MCs ended up together, but I didn’t really feel much chemistry between them in the first place. And while the FMC solving her mom’s history was sweet, it felt both super obvious once the clues started showing up and also kind of out of nowhere in the grand scheme of the plot.
I definitely don’t want to bash this book - it had some great ideas and a cozy, heartwarming vibe that will definitely work for a lot of readers. But I don’t see myself thinking about it again in the future. I actually skimmed a few other reviews to help sort out my thoughts, and someone mentioned the murder mystery culprit being obvious. I had to stop and think about who the murderer even was - and I just finished the book three days ago.
I rarely say this, but I actually think this one could’ve used maybe 50 more pages. A little more character depth and relationship development would’ve gone a long way for me. But that’s a very “me” thing, since I tend to prioritize characters over plot.
All that said, I’m sure this book will land in the right hands and be a comforting, cozy read for plenty of people!
I wish I loved it more, but it was just... mid for me. Sure, I liked the characters, but they felt a bit flat overall. I was happy the two MCs ended up together, but I didn’t really feel much chemistry between them in the first place. And while the FMC solving her mom’s history was sweet, it felt both super obvious once the clues started showing up and also kind of out of nowhere in the grand scheme of the plot.
I definitely don’t want to bash this book - it had some great ideas and a cozy, heartwarming vibe that will definitely work for a lot of readers. But I don’t see myself thinking about it again in the future. I actually skimmed a few other reviews to help sort out my thoughts, and someone mentioned the murder mystery culprit being obvious. I had to stop and think about who the murderer even was - and I just finished the book three days ago.
I rarely say this, but I actually think this one could’ve used maybe 50 more pages. A little more character depth and relationship development would’ve gone a long way for me. But that’s a very “me” thing, since I tend to prioritize characters over plot.
All that said, I’m sure this book will land in the right hands and be a comforting, cozy read for plenty of people!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
This delightful read was a surprising blend of heartwarming moments and a slow-burning mystery that was nearly impossible to put down.
Cath, a thirty-four-year-old American woman, travels to the English countryside after discovering tickets her late mother bought for a murder mystery event in a small British town. Following her mother’s passing, Cath leads a quiet life and typically avoids adventure. However, curiosity leads her to join the event, where she teams up with two fellow mystery enthusiasts—Wyatt, a dissatisfied employee at his husband's birding store, and Amity, a divorced romance writer. As they work together to solve the staged crime, Cath begins to uncover surprising truths about her mother and reflects on her own life choices. Amidst potential romance with a local gin maker and her new friends, Cath's experience helps her confront her grief and embrace a newfound sense of adventure.
Our protagonist, Cath, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with a loss she never truly processed. Though her heartache dates back quite a while, she’s finally ready to confront it. This trip becomes her canvas for exploring hidden emotions and unexpected roots, all while navigating the quirks of life. Cath is refreshingly relatable, complete with her own flaws, making her feel like a friend you’d want to share a cup of tea with.
I thoroughly enjoyed her journey and the colorful cast of characters she encountered—each one eager to lend a hand without expecting anything in return. It was cozy, quirky, and utterly charming to lose myself in her world, if only to momentarily escape my own troubles.
The vividly described settings made me feel as though I was right there alongside Cath and her merry band of sleuths, piecing together the murder mystery. What a clever bunch they were! Bravo!
This book is a perfect pick for cozy mystery enthusiasts who don’t mind joining Cath on her quest for self-discovery and the delightful surprises that await when one dares to step outside their comfort zone. It was witty, with an ending that caught me off guard, and of course, I was rooting for a happy conclusion—because let’s be honest, our book heroes deserve a good life!
Thank you, Gallery/Scout Press, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cath, a thirty-four-year-old American woman, travels to the English countryside after discovering tickets her late mother bought for a murder mystery event in a small British town. Following her mother’s passing, Cath leads a quiet life and typically avoids adventure. However, curiosity leads her to join the event, where she teams up with two fellow mystery enthusiasts—Wyatt, a dissatisfied employee at his husband's birding store, and Amity, a divorced romance writer. As they work together to solve the staged crime, Cath begins to uncover surprising truths about her mother and reflects on her own life choices. Amidst potential romance with a local gin maker and her new friends, Cath's experience helps her confront her grief and embrace a newfound sense of adventure.
Our protagonist, Cath, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with a loss she never truly processed. Though her heartache dates back quite a while, she’s finally ready to confront it. This trip becomes her canvas for exploring hidden emotions and unexpected roots, all while navigating the quirks of life. Cath is refreshingly relatable, complete with her own flaws, making her feel like a friend you’d want to share a cup of tea with.
I thoroughly enjoyed her journey and the colorful cast of characters she encountered—each one eager to lend a hand without expecting anything in return. It was cozy, quirky, and utterly charming to lose myself in her world, if only to momentarily escape my own troubles.
The vividly described settings made me feel as though I was right there alongside Cath and her merry band of sleuths, piecing together the murder mystery. What a clever bunch they were! Bravo!
This book is a perfect pick for cozy mystery enthusiasts who don’t mind joining Cath on her quest for self-discovery and the delightful surprises that await when one dares to step outside their comfort zone. It was witty, with an ending that caught me off guard, and of course, I was rooting for a happy conclusion—because let’s be honest, our book heroes deserve a good life!
Thank you, Gallery/Scout Press, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Welcome to Murder Week.
The most exciting thing about the novel is the title.
This is a typical cozy mystery; there's romance, hijinks, and quirky-ish characters.
Except there's no murder. At least, not a real one.
** Cozy minor spoilers ahead **
When 34 year old Cath loses her mother to a sudden stroke, she's mostly indifferent to her loss.
They didn't have the best of relationships.
After discovering her mother had purchased tickets for a 'murder week' in England, she's confused and intrigued by her mother's interest and grudgingly goes on the trip.
And discovers something about herself and her mother she never could have imagined.
I liked the origins of Cath's mom but I didn't like Cath.
What a total bore!
She was a typical main character in these types of novels; no friends, no life, a boring personality to go along with her boring job.
She didn't even have a cute pet!
How are readers supposed to care or empathize with someone who has no ambition, doesn't like to travel or do anything with her life?
Yes, I know there are people like that in the world, but I don't want to read about them. I'll just talk to my non-ambitious friends.
The story is well written but as dull and tedious as Cath.
There's no urgency or suspense since the 'murder' is fake.
There are no stakes, even the secret of Cath's mom's origins is a minor subplot.
The ending is HEA; now Cath has friends, a hot guy (the men are always hot in books!) and has found her place in the world.
Ho-hum.
The most exciting thing about the novel is the title.
This is a typical cozy mystery; there's romance, hijinks, and quirky-ish characters.
Except there's no murder. At least, not a real one.
** Cozy minor spoilers ahead **
When 34 year old Cath loses her mother to a sudden stroke, she's mostly indifferent to her loss.
They didn't have the best of relationships.
After discovering her mother had purchased tickets for a 'murder week' in England, she's confused and intrigued by her mother's interest and grudgingly goes on the trip.
And discovers something about herself and her mother she never could have imagined.
I liked the origins of Cath's mom but I didn't like Cath.
What a total bore!
She was a typical main character in these types of novels; no friends, no life, a boring personality to go along with her boring job.
She didn't even have a cute pet!
How are readers supposed to care or empathize with someone who has no ambition, doesn't like to travel or do anything with her life?
Yes, I know there are people like that in the world, but I don't want to read about them. I'll just talk to my non-ambitious friends.
The story is well written but as dull and tedious as Cath.
There's no urgency or suspense since the 'murder' is fake.
There are no stakes, even the secret of Cath's mom's origins is a minor subplot.
The ending is HEA; now Cath has friends, a hot guy (the men are always hot in books!) and has found her place in the world.
Ho-hum.
June 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book! I liked the mystery with both the town and also her mom. I liked the little sparkle of romance, and the conclusion of the book, although kind of predictable was good.
It’s a light fun mystery.
It’s a light fun mystery.
March 13, 2025
ARC review • pub date 06.10.25
This was just the lighthearted, heartwarming cozy read that I needed!
Cath is cleaning out some of her mother’s things after she passes, and finds a ticket to England for a murder mystery week. She wasn’t close to her mother, but she had apparently planned the trip for the two of them. While there, Cath meets Wyatt & Amity and the three of them try to solve the pretend murder. In the meantime, they’re also trying to find answers as to why Cath’s mother wanted them to visit this place.
I really recommend this story if you’re looking for a palate cleanser or just a fun, quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for my ARC.
This was just the lighthearted, heartwarming cozy read that I needed!
Cath is cleaning out some of her mother’s things after she passes, and finds a ticket to England for a murder mystery week. She wasn’t close to her mother, but she had apparently planned the trip for the two of them. While there, Cath meets Wyatt & Amity and the three of them try to solve the pretend murder. In the meantime, they’re also trying to find answers as to why Cath’s mother wanted them to visit this place.
I really recommend this story if you’re looking for a palate cleanser or just a fun, quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for my ARC.
they-told-me-to-read-it
May 31, 2025AM rec from event
October 14, 2025
Well…this book solved the mystery of whether I’m a heartless b!t$h, and the answer was yes! Because as far as my dead soul could discern, this seemed to be a most adorable little cozy mystery set in a wee English village. It featured friendship, found family, and a touch of romance as a trio of vacationing American protagonists bobble about the village Scooby-Doo-style to solve an ambitiously large-scale, dinner theatre-esque faux murder mystery event alongside some real-life mysteries accidentally unearthed in the process. It was most likely fully heartwarming and basically above reproach as far as these kinds of books go, and the fact that I couldn’t just suspend disbelief, go with the flow, and enjoy is proof that I’m an irredeemably jaded stick in the mud. But I already knew this about myself, and it says a lot that this book at least tempted me to recheck. If you know you like your cozies very Hallmark-movie sweet and sentimental with a touch of romance, I suggest checking this out!
July 8, 2025
Welcome to Murder Week was such a pleasant surprise! I ended up loving it more than I expected. This story is wholesome, funny, and romantic, and includes a whodunnit to boot. The book also thoughtfully explores deeper themes like loss, grief, and the importance of connection and friendship.
Cath was such a relatable protagonist, and I really enjoyed her blossoming friendship with her roommates, Amity and Wyatt.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it! 🎧 The narrator did a terrific job giving each character a distinct voice. 5/5 stars✨
Cath was such a relatable protagonist, and I really enjoyed her blossoming friendship with her roommates, Amity and Wyatt.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it! 🎧 The narrator did a terrific job giving each character a distinct voice. 5/5 stars✨
June 11, 2025
Oh, What a fun read! Who wouldn’t love a fake murder mystery with a real-life puzzler woven into the story?
After her mother’s death, Cath undergoes the task of cleaning out the poor woman’s belongings. They were not particularly close, so Cath just wants to finish the job as quickly as possible. Among mom’s trash and treasures, Cath finds a ticket to England for two, a murder mystery week that Mom had planned for the two of them. What? And now I’m hooked!
Once in English, two great characters, Wyatt and Amity, are paired with Cath, and the team of three work to solve the make-believe murder. At the same time, Cath wants to find out why dear Mom wanted them to visit this place together.
I enjoyed this delightful and witty read.
Published June 10, 2025
Gallery/Scout Press
After her mother’s death, Cath undergoes the task of cleaning out the poor woman’s belongings. They were not particularly close, so Cath just wants to finish the job as quickly as possible. Among mom’s trash and treasures, Cath finds a ticket to England for two, a murder mystery week that Mom had planned for the two of them. What? And now I’m hooked!
Once in English, two great characters, Wyatt and Amity, are paired with Cath, and the team of three work to solve the make-believe murder. At the same time, Cath wants to find out why dear Mom wanted them to visit this place together.
I enjoyed this delightful and witty read.
Published June 10, 2025
Gallery/Scout Press
January 16, 2025
First, thank you very much for the opportunity to review this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was so excited about this book, because it had so much of what I love: rediscovering yourself after grief, finding love and purpose in adventure, healing your inner child, and, of course, a quirky set of characters trying to solve a very cozy mystery. All of it sounded great, but in practice, it was slow in pacing, and really low stakes. I have already seen a lot of people saying the same thing, which is that without the actual mystery of a fictional murder, there isn’t a lot of investment that ends up coming through. I was really disappointed about how boring of a character Cath was, and I did not feel any depth of the character’s relationship with her mom. In all, this was an underwhelming read.
June 15, 2025
4 stars. 🎧
January 29, 2025
4.5 stars. Very fun read!
June 20, 2025
Thirty-four-year-old Cath has recently lost her absentee mother and is sorting through her feelings and her mother’s possessions. Alone in the world with both her gran and mother gone, she is going through the motions of living when she finds tickets for an upcoming “murder week” in England’s Peak. Her mother purchased them for the two of them and said nothing. She calls to get a refund, but the host offers her a refund on one and an additional refund if she shares lodgings with two strangers. With some convincing by her sole employee in her shop, Cath reluctantly travels and begins a journey that will forever change her.
Upon arriving, she meets her roommates for the week. Wyatt Green, who works unhappily in his husband’s birding store, and Amity Clark, a divorced romance writer struggling with her novels. The three of them will have to work together to solve a murder-mystery the town is hosting.
I loved the small-town and the participants in the murder, from victim to suspects. There are groups working to solve the mystery, Cath and her housemates, a married couple and others. I laughed at some of the acting and others performed gallantly. We get a second mystery regarding why Cath’s mother booked the trip, and I loved the thread. There is an unexpected romance in the works for Cath too.
Welcome to Murder Week was a fun cozy mystery and Carlotta Brentan did a lovely job with both the American and English accents. This is perfect for a rainy summer afternoon with character growth, friendships, romance and, of course, mystery! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Upon arriving, she meets her roommates for the week. Wyatt Green, who works unhappily in his husband’s birding store, and Amity Clark, a divorced romance writer struggling with her novels. The three of them will have to work together to solve a murder-mystery the town is hosting.
I loved the small-town and the participants in the murder, from victim to suspects. There are groups working to solve the mystery, Cath and her housemates, a married couple and others. I laughed at some of the acting and others performed gallantly. We get a second mystery regarding why Cath’s mother booked the trip, and I loved the thread. There is an unexpected romance in the works for Cath too.
Welcome to Murder Week was a fun cozy mystery and Carlotta Brentan did a lovely job with both the American and English accents. This is perfect for a rainy summer afternoon with character growth, friendships, romance and, of course, mystery! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 3, 2025
Really enjoyed this cozy mystery!
After her mother’s death, the main character finds out her mother booked a surprise trip for the two of them to a murder mystery getaway in an English village in Derbyshire. She decides to go on the trip to find out why her mother booked this trip. Along the way, she makes friends with two other American solo travelers, a recently divorced romance-writer and a happily married man unfulfilled with his own hobbies and career, and together the trio work together to solve the faux murder. She also meets the handsome bartender in town, who shows her parts of the area that make her realize her mother’s surprise trip may not have been as coincidental as she thought.
This was lighthearted and fun, with a little more edge and realism than the cozy mysteries I’ve recently read, as she processes her own grief and comes to terms with the things she was never able to get closure on, all under the guise of a comical murder mystery in a village trying to play along.
After her mother’s death, the main character finds out her mother booked a surprise trip for the two of them to a murder mystery getaway in an English village in Derbyshire. She decides to go on the trip to find out why her mother booked this trip. Along the way, she makes friends with two other American solo travelers, a recently divorced romance-writer and a happily married man unfulfilled with his own hobbies and career, and together the trio work together to solve the faux murder. She also meets the handsome bartender in town, who shows her parts of the area that make her realize her mother’s surprise trip may not have been as coincidental as she thought.
This was lighthearted and fun, with a little more edge and realism than the cozy mysteries I’ve recently read, as she processes her own grief and comes to terms with the things she was never able to get closure on, all under the guise of a comical murder mystery in a village trying to play along.
May 5, 2025
3.5 a good cozy mystery but just a little too unexciting at times.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
July 25, 2025
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 on Goodreads.
This was a fun concept – two different mysteries to be solved simultaneously. The first was a few teams of people competing to solve a fake murder in a small English village and the second was three new friends also solving a personal family mystery in the same little village.
This story was just my cup of tea, a cozy mystery with people who soon became supportive friends. There were quirky characters, red herrings, a bit of romance, a charming setting – the perfect reading escape.
Author Karen Dukess accurately describes why we love mysteries like this one: “The secrets of strangers are pure pleasure. Murder, revenge, lies, abandonment – they’re a respite from the mess and confusion of our own lives. Fictional chaos is a holiday, a beautiful distraction. We can go along for the ride and shiver from the danger without worrying that we’ll get hurt. And in the end, all questions will be answered, all actions explained. Everything will be clear and put back in its place. The sun will come up, the bus will run its route, the nosy neighbor will resume her watch, and the beauty at the bakery will smile and ask which kind of savory pie we’d like today. Fake mysteries are like roller coasters at an amusement park, thrills and relief without pain.”
This is the book for you if you are in the mood for a delightful English village whodunit combined with a family mystery that leaves you with a feel-good glow.
This was a fun concept – two different mysteries to be solved simultaneously. The first was a few teams of people competing to solve a fake murder in a small English village and the second was three new friends also solving a personal family mystery in the same little village.
This story was just my cup of tea, a cozy mystery with people who soon became supportive friends. There were quirky characters, red herrings, a bit of romance, a charming setting – the perfect reading escape.
Author Karen Dukess accurately describes why we love mysteries like this one: “The secrets of strangers are pure pleasure. Murder, revenge, lies, abandonment – they’re a respite from the mess and confusion of our own lives. Fictional chaos is a holiday, a beautiful distraction. We can go along for the ride and shiver from the danger without worrying that we’ll get hurt. And in the end, all questions will be answered, all actions explained. Everything will be clear and put back in its place. The sun will come up, the bus will run its route, the nosy neighbor will resume her watch, and the beauty at the bakery will smile and ask which kind of savory pie we’d like today. Fake mysteries are like roller coasters at an amusement park, thrills and relief without pain.”
This is the book for you if you are in the mood for a delightful English village whodunit combined with a family mystery that leaves you with a feel-good glow.
Read
September 8, 2025DNF @ 50% - 9/8/25
September 18, 2025
I’m really not having a great reading week. Another DNF This was a stinker for me. The first person, ugh, all tell and no show. Way too much extraneous detail and it all felt flat, the sense of place the characters, nothing came off the page
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