The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum

Harriet Stone Mystery #1

by Valerie Wilson Wesley

At the darkly glamorous height of the Roaring 20s, an independent Black intellectual and her bi-racial foster child are immersed in the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance – and a shocking murder on Striver’s Row – in this thrilling Jazz Age mystery for reader of Nekesia Afia, Jacqueline Winspear, Avery Cunningham’s The Mayor of Maxwell Street.

1926: Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and Lovey, the orphaned, biracial 12-year-old she is bound to protect, are Harlem-bound, embarking on a new, hopefully less traumatic chapter in their lives. They have been invited to move from Connecticut by Harriet’s cousin, Junetta Plum, who runs a boardinghouse for independent-minded single women.

It’s a bold move, since Harriet has never met Junetta, but the fatalities of the Spanish flu and other tragedies have already forced her and Lovey to face their worst fears. Alone but for each other, they have little left to lose—or so it seems as they arrive at sophisticated Junetta’s impressive brownstone.

Her cousin has a sharp edge, which makes Harriett slightly uncomfortable. Still, after retiring to her room for the night, she finally falls asleep—only to awaken to Junetta arguing with someone downstairs. In the morning, she makes a shocking discovery at the foot of the stairs.

What ensues will lead Harriet to question Junetta’s very identity—and to wonder if she and Lovey are in danger, as well. It will also tie Harriet to five strangers. Among them, Harriet is sure someone knows something. What she doesn’t yet know is that one will play a crucial role in helping her investigate her cousin’s murder . . . that she will be tied to the others in ways she could never imagine . . . and that her life will take off in a startling new direction. . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Mystery Thriller, African American, Book Club, Historical, Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Valerie Wilson Wesley is an African-American author of mysteries, adult-theme novels, and children's books,[1] and a former executive editor of Essence magazine. She is the author of the Tamara Hayle mystery series. Her writings, both fiction and non-fiction, have also appeared in numerous publications, including Essence, Family Circle, TV Guide, Ms., The New York Times, and the Swiss weekly magazine Die Weltwoche.

Reviews

[Carla Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway for my honest opinion. I didn't know if I would like this book or not. I liked it very well from the first page on. The author is an exptional writer. She had gotten me engaged in the reading right away and held me there through the entire book. Very well written, the history in the book was fascinating and a learning experience. Harriet Stone and her ward have lost all her family to death. She gets an invitation from her father's cousin to come to New York and start a new life there. With nothing to lose she takes herself and her ward Lovey to New York. The very first night there her father's cousin Junetta is murdered. In a city where she knows no one and is scared of her new beginnings, she inherits her cousins boarding house and has to learn the ropes quickly. She finds out that a young girl that lived there was killed, then her cousin seems to have been murdered. A little while later another tenant leaves scared and a short while later is murdered as well. Harriet is wondering if maybe a killer is closer than she thinks. She also wonders if Lovey and herself may be in danger as well. As the plot unfolds with twists and turns everywhere the revelation at the end is a surprise In its own. A very entertaining must read for all mystery enthusiasts everywhere. To the author Miss Valerie, thanks for the honey milk recipe, my mind spins hardest when trying to fall asleep. Gonna give that recipe a try. Kudos to a wonderful book.

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK: THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF JUNETTA PLUM
AUTHOR: VALERIE WILSON WESLEY
PUB DATE: 16TH DECEMBER, 2025
🕵🏾‍♀️🕵🏾‍♀️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🕵🏾‍♀️🕵🏾‍♀️
The book started with the FMC, Harriet Stone, moving her whole life from Hartford, a small town to Harlem, New York, to start a new life. She left the painful memories and deaths of her family members to the house of a family member she barely knew. Then, the woman was killed and left a lot of mysteries in her wake. Hence, the FMC had to uncover the mysteries surrounding Junetta herself, her death, the house at harlem, and the women boarders.
🕵🏾‍♀️🕵🏾‍♀️
There was no solving of mystery at the beginning of the book, and it was okay because Harriet was just getting used to a new place filled with new people. It's fine for the first book of a new series. After Harriet got used to the place, she started asking questions about the house and Junetta. Harriet is a smart woman and knows how to get people to talk to her and uses that skill to the best of her ability. The last 30% of the book was focused on the mysteries. It was really good and I was pleasantly surprised at the end. I wasn't expecting something so unrelated to actually be connected. I'm sure other readers will be as surprised as I was.
🕵🏾‍♀️🕵🏾‍♀️
My favourite part of this book was the important details about being Black in America in the 1920s. The author really did a good job intertwining real-life historical details to the storyline. I learnt a lot.
🕵🏾‍♀️🕵🏾‍♀️
This was just a beginning for Harriet Stone, and I can't wait to see what's next for her; her life as a property owner, her mission to find her extended family and her burgeoning career. This was an amazing start to a series and one you should look put for!
🕵🏾‍♀️🕵🏾‍♀️

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s a concise, chatty review that blends and transforms the others:

A wonderfully atmospheric whodunnit set in 1920s Harlem, The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum is a smart and engaging start to the Harriet Stone Mysteries. Valerie Wilson Wesley paints Striver’s Row so vividly you can practically hear the jazz drifting through the windows and feel the secrets humming inside the boarding house walls.

Harriet makes for a great lead—grounded, sharp, and easy to root for—and the cast around her adds tons of texture. Getting to know each of them feels like stepping into their private worlds, which makes the mystery feel personal in the best way. I spent half the book trying to keep up with Harriet’s reasoning, and even when I thought I had things figured out, the final reveal still managed to surprise me.

The audiobook is a bit of a mixed bag depending on what you like: Diana Blue’s warm, expressive delivery suits the tone perfectly, and she brings real emotion to the story. At the same time, some character voices blend together, and the flow isn’t always as smooth as it could be. Still, the overall listening experience is immersive and easy to sink into.

The ending sets up Harriet’s next chapter beautifully—I love the hint that she’s stepping more solidly into an investigative role. And Lovey remains deliciously intriguing; I’m hoping she takes on a bigger presence in future installments.

All in all, this is a character-driven, atmospheric historical mystery that lays a strong foundation for a promising series. I’m already excited to follow Harriet Stone on her next adventure.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming Jazz Age mystery set during the Harlem Renaissance. Harriet Stone and her young ward, Lovey, move to Harlem for a fresh start only to discover Harriet’s cousin Junetta dead their first night there. What follows is a cozy, atmospheric whodunit filled with secrets, vibrant historical detail, and a strong, engaging heroine.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s set against the rich, glamorous backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, which gives the whole story a warm, atmospheric feel. Even though I usually read darker, heavier thrillers, this one was a refreshing change a light, cozy-style murder mystery with just enough intrigue to keep me fully engaged.

It has that back-in-the-day charm paired with a mystery that unfolds at a satisfying pace. I found it interesting, easy to follow, and genuinely fun to read. It’s different from my typical dark reads, but in a good way something I could curl up with and enjoy while still getting that hit of suspense.

If you love mysteries with historical flair, strong female leads, and a cozy-but-intriguing tone, I definitely recommend picking this one up

4 stars definitely recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew who it was all along just didn’t think it would be that forward 😫😫😫 A slow burn mystery I just wish the pacing was faster.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this book! I was instantly taken with Harriet and Lovey and though my heart broke for them, feeling all alone in the world, I was fascinated with their new home and reading all about Harlem in the 20s. Most of this book takes place at the boarding house, and it is a like a train station of new interesting characters coming in and out. This is a character drive story and I enjoyed getting to know and suspecting so many of them alongside Harriet. The way the death of Black women were (and are) barely investigated and swept away is tragic, and I appreciate that Harriet is trying to unravel these mysteries to find the truth. The truth was always just slightly obscure and vague and helped the twists and reveals carry the story to it's dramatic conclusion. I am so proud of Harriet and cannot wait to see what her future investigations have in store!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was fabulous and the narrator's voice was soothing and cozy, as much as possible during these distressful times.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. The historical detail is spot on. And the slice of life in Harlem during Prohibition was fascinating. This book does a great job of bringing to life the the experiences of everyday people in the aftermath of the Civil War and Tulsa Massacre. Glad to see this is the first of a series and I’m going to check out the author’s other books.

[Elonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction, with a bit of mystery. Admittedly my favorite genre is thriller, mystery etc. I was looking for more mystery than historical fiction. However, I did enjoy this book. It is a slow burn, but enjoyable. I will read another by this author.

[Nɪᴋᴋɪ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I suck at reviews, but this isn’t normally my type of book I’d pick up for the heck of it, but I’m so glad I read it!

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too fast-paced - not in the thrilling way, but in that it felt as if everything happened too quickly without any chance for the events to sink in or for us to relate to the characters.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Full RTC

[Ashley Tovar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just fell very flat for me, the characters felt very surface level, the pacing was slow for my taste but I did find I was invested in the plot & well set scene. Overall, this book wasn’t bad but also not one that stood out or had any “wow” factor.

Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1926, Harriet moves from Connecticut to Harlem, where her cousin runs a boardinghouse for independent single women. With her is Lovey, a 12-year-old orphan she is bound to protect. It’s a risky move for both of them, but they feel they have nothing to lose. After their first night at Junetta’s home, though, a body is found. Not only do they realize they don’t know Junetta’s *real story, Harriet is at the top of the list of suspects in the death, simply because it happened so soon after she moved in. She is determined to clear her name – and learn more about the cousin she never really knew.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Wesley, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I got was a sometimes-rambling but always captivating story that made it hard to put the book down. With my recent focus on historical mysteries, I’ve read several books set during this time period, which is almost like a character of its own. I’m not familiar with Harlem, but the scene was painted well enough that it was easy to imagine.

The characters were an interesting mix of current personalities with interesting back stories, and we learn more about each of them as the story and the investigation continue. Some of those revelations were surprising, but they added to what we were learning about Junetta herself. There were quite a few suspects in the death, and I kept changing my mind about who the culprit was, but I did eventually land on the right person.

It appears that this is to be the first book in a new series. I plan to keep an eye out for book #2, and will look for other books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an audiobook arc of The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum by Valerie Wilson Wesley from Net Galley. I love the time period, the colorful characters, and Harlem setting. Where I think the prose was great, I did not love the audiobook narrator, as I felt like the narration didn’t flow at times. Also, there were so many characters but the voices didn’t change much so it was hard to distinguish who was speaking. Overall this was an entertaining mystery, even though I solved it about 60% in.

[Brenda Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harriett and Lovely come from a small town to Harlem at the invitation of a cousin. The cousin runs a boarding house for women. The first morning the cousin is found dead at the bottom of the stairs. Between learning the rules of NYC, getting to know the residents and learning the house is theirs, you could say they have their hands full. Then add the fact that option was murder and you have another thing to worry about. Loved this author’s first series.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting 1920's mystery that will keep you in stiiches. i was surprised by how open everything and everyone was in this book. it has the potential to be something big.

i received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the mystery of Junetta Plum’s whole, entire life that confuses, empowers, inspires and enables the life that her cousin Harriet Stone drops into in the opening pages of this book. Not that Harriet doesn’t find herself poking into Junetta’s death – because it is mysterious – but it’s Harriet’s amateur, informal, two-steps-forward-one-step-back investigation into her cousin’s whole entire life that pushes this story forward – and very nearly drops it, and Harriet, in their tracks.

Harriet Stone arrives in Jazz Age Harlem at the end of her emotional tether. Literally, as her once close family in Hartford Connecticut is gone, dead of illness or accident or misadventure or the ravages of the Spanish Flu epidemic. In her mid-20s, unmarried and still grieving her dead fiancé, responsible for her young, mixed-race, adopted sister Lovey, Harriet sees the invitation from her cousin Junetta to come to Harlem and live with her as a lifeline. It’s a chance to make a clean break and a fresh start. An opportunity to live the life that she’s read about in publications like The Crisis and The New Negro.

So she takes a gamble and travels with Lovey to New York City, reaching out to take the hand of a family member she never knew she had but hopes to get to know.

She’ll never get that chance. The morning after Harriet and Lovey’s late arrival, Junetta is dead on the floor of her Harlem mansion, a knife through her heart. The police, unwilling to bother investigating the death of a black woman – even a wealthy one – declare Junetta’s death a suicide in spite of just how unlikely that is.

Harriet is left with Junetta’s entire estate along with a whole lot of questions and not many answers. Everyone around her is keeping secrets – and some of those secrets are Junetta’s. Some are illegal, some are immoral, and some are just the cost of getting by as a black woman in a white man’s world.

The question that Harriet has to resolve before she can move on with her life in a dead woman’s house is the riddle of which of those secrets – and whose – got Junetta Plum killed. And whether that secret has the tenacity to reach out from the grave to harm Harriet, Lovey, or any of the people that Harriet has just begun to call dear.

Escape Rating A+: This is probably the most ‘mixed feelings’ A+ I’ve ever given a book. The A+ is because I absolutely loved this story. I got caught up in the audio from the very beginning and was just riveted. At the same time, I was enjoying the narrator so much that I didn’t want to rush through her reading. Diana Blue came to represent Harriet for me to the point that I heard her voice even when I read for myself.

But the story didn’t feel like a mystery. There’s a mystery in it, but that mystery felt like it was considerably more about Junetta’s life than her death and most of the time it didn’t seem as if Harriet’s investigation was driving the plot. What drove the plot for me was the slice of Harriet’s life, her introduction to the city, the way she slowly made her own way, the friends she made and the people who made her common sense and ‘mother wit’ raise the hair on the back of her neck.

I felt like I was reading about Harriet’s life, and that her investigation into Junetta’s life and death was just a part of Harriet’s story. As I was listening/reading, the story felt considerably more like historical fiction than it did mystery.

And what it felt was REAL. An in-depth portrait of a time and place as seen through the eyes of someone living it. The different women’s perspectives from different generations, made the narrative and the time period shine.

From a personal perspective, I think I got so immersed in this story because it’s told from Harriet’s first person perspective and everything about the story focuses on the women who are “trying to make a way in this hard old world,” as Junetta herself put it. The story is focused on women’s lives, women’s friendships – and enemy-ships – women’s problems and women picking up the pieces. The way that the story dove deeply into Harriet’s life, the difficulties that she and the women around her live with because they are black and because they are female, made it easy for this reader to walk a mile or two of Harlem in the 1920s with them in spite of our differences in time, place, race and circumstances.

If this had been written from the perspective of one of the male characters, I think it would have been entirely different, and likely more focused on the mystery. It would still have been a good story, but not this absorbing. OTOH, it would likely have been a more straightforward mystery from Detective Elliott Hoyt’s point of view.

I DO think later books in the series will clearly be mysteries, but this one reads more like series setup, character intro, and slice of historical life. I LOVED it, and the audio is terrific, but Harriet’s investigation of her cousin’s death just didn’t feel like it was driving the story in the way it would if this followed the strict rules that make a mystery a mystery. In its own way, learning about who her cousin was and what really happened to her drives Harriet, but it doesn’t drive the story.

So while this did remind me of Nekesa Afia’s Dead, Dead Girls, it also reminded me of Leslye Penelope’s The Monsters We Defy. Those stories are also set in the Harlem Renaissance, both are centered around the black community in Harlem in the 1920s, and both have a mystery element but they also both have a paranormal, fantasy, magical realism element. Harriet’s story does not slip into any magical or fantasy realms, but like both of those readalikes it does seem to be focused more on the history than the mystery.

Your reading mileage may vary on the question of historical fiction vs. historical mystery, but I hope you’ll give this book a try because it was excellent either way. Which means that I’m definitely looking forward to Harriet’s next investigation. I hope it comes soon!

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Atlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum
by Valerie Wilson Wesley 🕵🏾‍♀️🎷

Thank you to Kensington for the gifted copy 💛📚

Set at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum is a richly atmospheric historical mystery that blends Jazz Age glamour with grief, survival, and sharp social observation. This is the kind of book that eases you into its world, then quietly tightens the net until you realize how many secrets are humming beneath the surface.

Harriet Stone is a compelling lead. Recently orphaned by the Spanish flu and other losses, she arrives in Harlem with her foster daughter Lovey hoping for stability, only to find herself at the center of a murder on Striver’s Row. Harriet is observant, intelligent, and cautious, and her strength feels earned rather than idealized. Watching her find her footing in an unfamiliar city while shouldering responsibility for Lovey adds real emotional weight to the mystery.

• Evocative 1920s Harlem setting steeped in history and culture
• A smart, grounded FMC navigating grief, race, and independence
• A boardinghouse full of secrets and suspicious residents
• A slow-build mystery that rewards patience
• Strong themes of identity, survival, and chosen family

The mystery itself unfolds gradually. Much of the book focuses on Harriet settling into her new life and observing the people around her, which works well for a series opener. When the investigation finally takes center stage, the connections between past and present are surprisingly effective, and the final revelations feel earned rather than convenient.

One of the strongest elements here is how Wesley weaves real historical detail into the narrative. The realities of being Black in America in the 1920s are present without overwhelming the story, grounding the mystery in lived experience rather than using history as set dressing. I learned a lot while still being thoroughly entertained, which is no small feat.

• Excellent integration of Black history and the Harlem Renaissance
• A strong sense of place that enhances the mystery
• A thoughtful balance between character study and plot
• A satisfying conclusion that opens the door for future installments

This feels like the beginning of something larger for Harriet Stone, both personally and professionally. The groundwork is clearly laid for her continued growth, and I am especially curious to see how her role as an investigator develops going forward. Lovey, too, remains intriguingly underexplored in a way that promises more to come.

Overall, this is a confident, engaging start to a new historical mystery series. If you enjoy character-driven whodunnits with a vivid sense of time and place, this one is well worth your time ✨📖

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

In the crowded field of mysteries, it’s always a pleasure to discover a new perspective and/or locale.

The setting here is 1926 Harlem NY. The pandemic has taken its toll and the country is in the middle of Prohibition. Harriet, the main character, has no family left in Connecticut and is at a loss as to how she is going to support herself and her 12 year old charge, Lovey. After receiving a surprise invitation from a relative she didn’t know she had, Harriet and Lovey pack up and move to Harlem.

Junetta Plum, the unknown relative, is found dead at the bottom of the stairs the morning after Harriet and Lovey arrive. It’s pretty quickly determined to be an accident; Harriet of course, has her doubts. With Junetta’s passing, Harriet inherits her brownstone, and by extension, all of its inhabitants.

Initially I felt Harriet was a little too timid. She didn’t seem prepared to take charge of her life, or even want to. Multiple times she would want to ask someone a question, but wouldn’t because she thought they wouldn’t answer her anyway.

By the end, however, Harriet had grown, and the door is opened to the possibility of many new adventures and mysteries. There is still much to be learned about the people not only living in the brownstone, but those in the neighborhood as well. Junetta’s death may be resolved, but much of her life remains a mystery.

There’s a good sense time and place, giving readers an introduction into historical events they may be unfamiliar with and want to explore further. Some examples include: Willie “The Lion” Smith, rent parties, Hamilton Lodge, and the Tulsa Massacre.
The list of characters and historic influences at the beginning of the book are helpful. A map of the area would also be instructive.

Although two recipes are included, food is not a main ingredient of this cozy mystery. I look forward to trying the rice pudding recipe soon and appreciate the tidbit about not adding egg yolks.

This is a nice start to a new series; it will be interesting to see what happens next for Harriet and Lovey.

My thanks to Goodreads and Kensington Publishing Corp for this chance to read and review.

[Jennifer Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free and the review is my own thoughts on this book:

I have only read a few historical fiction books, but the more I read, the more I find myself enjoying them—and this one is no exception. The story begins with Harriet, a young Black woman from Hartford, Connecticut, whose father has recently died, leaving her and her adopted sister, Lovely, alone. After selling everything she can, Harriet begins to lose hope about how she will survive. That is when she receives a letter from a cousin she has never met or even heard of before, offering to take her in at her home in Harlem, where other young women struggling to get by also live.

Once in Harlem, Harriet quickly begins to second-guess her decision to move to New York after meeting Junetta. She isn’t sure she made the right choice, and the next morning her fears become reality when Junetta is found dead.

I really enjoyed this story and loved how the author weaves historical detail into the narrative. We all know that life for Black Americans in the early 20th century was extremely difficult, but this book offers a deeper look into their daily lives and struggles. It also provides insight into a specific region and its unique history. As Harriet works to uncover the truth, feeling she owes it to Junetta to do so, readers gain a clear view of the hardships many people faced during that time.

I will definitely be reading more of the Harriet Stone books as they are released. I truly enjoyed Harriet as a character and admired her spunk and determination, even when the odds were stacked against her. I can easily imagine this becoming a very popular series.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum, written by Valerie Wilson Wesley, and expertly narrated by Diana Blue. I was immediately drawn into the plight of our plucky heroine, Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and her "adopted" sister, Lovey. After the loss of her parents, she is forced to sell her father's home in Connecticut and unexpectedly, she is offered a place to live in Harlem by Harriet's cousin, Junetta Plum. Junetta owns a brownstone and she rents out rooms to various independent single women. Almost immediately after Harriet and Lovely arrive, Junetta is found dead at the bottom of the stairs in the morning. The police chalk the death up as an accident, even though Harriet heard Junetta arguing with someone the night before. Because the police refuse to investigate, the rest of the story is Harriet taking it upon herself to look into the relationships of those living at the brownstone and she eventually solves the murder, as well as a few other suspicious deaths and accidents along the way. I really love Harriet as a character and the ending is set up as a possible series ,with Harriet as a private investigator for those who live in Harlem. I surely hope so! Brava!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
I am a big fan of Kensington mysteries and enjoy finding new-to-me authors. I have not read anything by Valerie Wilson Wesley. The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum is book one in her new series, A Harriet Stone Mystery.
I love historical fiction and always want to learn about history as I read. This book takes place in my homestate of Connecticut as well as New York. I am familiar with neighborhoods she mentions and spoke with my mom about what Hartford's North End was like. I am giving my mom this book to read next.
The main character, Harriet, receives a letter from a distant cousin, Junetta, inviting her to move to NY to help her cousin run her boardinghouse. Despite some misgivings, Harriet really had no choice but to move herself and her "adopted to her" child, Lovey, to Junetta's home.
I don't give away spoilers but will say if you love numerous characters that are interesting, mysteries and history, I think you will enjoy this book. I finished it in two days just so I could share it with my Mom.
I am happy to hear it is a new series and hope to read additional Harriet Stone mysteries.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lively “history mystery” centered in the Harlem Renaissance circa 1926 combines spellbinding storytelling with a mighty but unassuming heroine, brand-new Connecticut transplant Harriet Tubman Stone, who is thrown into the role of amateur sleuth upon the sudden death of a long-lost and somewhat notorious cousin, owner of a women’s boardinghouse filled with possible suspects (and now home to Harriet and her 12-year-old protégé Lovey, who have now discovered that Harriet has been mysteriously bequeathed ownership of the establishment). To lighten the tension just a bit, not just one, but two (or maybe even three) men of varying careers and reputations pop in and out of the action as potential love interests for the newly arrived Ms. Stone. Wonderful down-to-earth dialogue between Harriet and the cast of distinctive characters she lives among and/or investigates as suspects sparkles with life and feeling. She is one smart and endearing cookie, and surely deserves a mystery series of her own after this debut.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

1926: Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and Lovey, the orphaned, biracial,
12-year-old she is bound to protect, are Harlem-bound, embarking on a new, hopefully less traumatic chapter in their lives. They have been invited to move from Connecticut by Harriet’s cousin, Junetta Plum, who runs a boarding house for independent-minded single women.

This story started out very strong and then it sort of fell off in the middle.

I enjoyed the time period and the setting of Harlem in the 20’s. But there are a ton of characters to keep up with. I mean…it is a boarding house. But, I loved Harriet. She is intelligent and knows when to keep her mouth shut.

I enjoyed the hunt for the killer! Lots of deductions keep the reader guessing. I am looking forward to the next in this series!

Need a good murder mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Jae (spoiler free reviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Unfortunately, this mystery didn’t hold my attention. I had a hard time connecting with the characters which made it difficult to stay invested in the story.

While the book is set in Harlem, the setting felt underdeveloped and lacked a strong sense of place. The mystery itself was fairly predictable, and I was able to figure out the culprit early on.

There were also several errors throughout the ARC that pulled me out of the story, though these may be corrected before final publication.

The concept had potential, but the lack of character connection, predictability, and distracting errors ultimately made this a disappointing read for me. Sadly, I’m not interested in continuing the series.

That said, just because I didn’t enjoy this story doesn’t mean others won’t, and I wouldn’t discourage anyone from checking it out and forming their own opinion.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like historical fiction and mysteries, this is a great read. Set in the Harlem Renaissance period of the 1920s, Harriet Tubman Stone travels to Manhattan with Lovey, her charge, to meet Junetta, who has offered to take them in. Junetta then dies suddenly but not before leaving everything to Harriet to whom she is distantly related. The mystery is multi-fold and I will not give away the details but the characters are incredibly well written, complex, and interesting to follow replete with rich historical detail from the period. Valerie Wilson Wesley has clearly done her homework with a personal history as interesting as the story she has written. I don't normally recommend reading the author's note, but hers is compelling and worth reading. She has previously written many mysteries but this is my first read of one of her books and won't be my last. I received a copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. #Goodreadsgiveaway #KensingtonBooks

[Tales with Atticus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to librogm for an alc of this book!

Absolutely loved being dropped into 1920s Harlem. The setting is rich, vibrant, and doing a lot of work in the background without ever overwhelming the mystery.

Harriet Stone is a great lead: grounded, observant, and easy to root for. I really enjoyed watching her settle into a new life while slowly realizing how many secrets are wrapped up in the house and the people around her.

This book leans more cozy historical mystery than dark thriller. It’s engaging, character-driven, and easy to sink into, with just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.

By the end, it really feels like we’re only at the beginning of Harriet’s story, and I’m genuinely interested to see where her life, her investigations, and her found connections go next. Definitely recommend if you enjoy historical mysteries with strong women, rich setting, and a slow-burn puzzle that comes together beautifully.

[PeggySue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum by Valerie Wilson Westley
Narrator Diana Blue
Harriet Stone Mystery, book one
This was a good start to a new series by an author I had not read before. Harriet is a newcomer to Harlem and slightly naive. She has a lot to learn but she is a quick study. I appreciated all the 1920’s references such as Shalimar perfume, the book by Agatha Christie, rent parties, and the Greenwood Massacre which had recently occurred in Tulsa.
The house she comes to is full of people with secrets but in the end she untangles them all and catches a killer. I look forward to more books in this series and I plan to go back and read earlier books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️.

This story had its high and down, and overall, I would say this was an almost solid mystery story.

The murder mystery intertwined with the growth of the character, especially as an African American woman in this time is definitely the highest of this story.

I really enjoyed the relationship between women and was kind of saddened by what happened, especially when Harriet had finally solved the case of Junetta and ended up also solving another.

I did have a few people of interest, and I was only able to correctly guess one like a few chapters after it was finally revealed.

Overall, it's a good story if you want a quick murder mystery story to get into in a day. Thank you, Dreamscape Media, for the ALC.

[Laverne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly wanted to love this book enough to give it five stars, especially since it’s by one of my favorite authors whom I’ve followed since the Tamara Hayle mysteries. As a Harlem native, I was excited to see my birthplace featured, but the setting unfortunately lacked that iconic "Renaissance flair"—it felt like any other location.

While the plot itself was interesting, the pacing felt slow and the delivery didn't quite land for me. Additionally, I found the characters, Harriet and Lovey, to be a bit surface-level; I didn't feel enough of a connection to either like or dislike them.
I was hoping for more mystery and excitement, but I appreciate the opportunity to read this.
In exchange for my thoughtful and honest review I received a galley copy from NetGalley