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Voted Most Likely to Murder: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26A high school reunion comes to an abrupt end when the dead body of the class jock shocks the school’s gymnasium in this cozy mystery debut, perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Jenn McKinlay.
Belinda Bishop is unemployed and single. At thirty-two, her journalism career feels stuck and let’s not even speak about her love life, which isn’t helping her look forward to her upcoming high school reunion. Stuck working at her parent’s seaside cottage and RV park in Nova Scotia for the time being, she needs time to regroup and come up with a killer story to get her career and her life back on track.
When she literally stumbles across the dead body of the philandering class jock at the reunion, the party quickly comes to a stop. At first, it seems like the perfect opportunity for Belinda to channel her inner Christianne Amanpour, until her childhood best friend-turned-nemesis Jolene Dexter is declared the prime suspect. Despite their falling out, Belinda is convinced the former pageant queen is innocent.
As the two women struggle to put aside their differences, they have to work together to catch the real murderer before this sleepy coastal town is rocked to its foundations.
This romp of a mystery is perfect for fans of Tamara Berry and Olivia Blacke.
Belinda Bishop is unemployed and single. At thirty-two, her journalism career feels stuck and let’s not even speak about her love life, which isn’t helping her look forward to her upcoming high school reunion. Stuck working at her parent’s seaside cottage and RV park in Nova Scotia for the time being, she needs time to regroup and come up with a killer story to get her career and her life back on track.
When she literally stumbles across the dead body of the philandering class jock at the reunion, the party quickly comes to a stop. At first, it seems like the perfect opportunity for Belinda to channel her inner Christianne Amanpour, until her childhood best friend-turned-nemesis Jolene Dexter is declared the prime suspect. Despite their falling out, Belinda is convinced the former pageant queen is innocent.
As the two women struggle to put aside their differences, they have to work together to catch the real murderer before this sleepy coastal town is rocked to its foundations.
This romp of a mystery is perfect for fans of Tamara Berry and Olivia Blacke.
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 12, 2026
2 people are currently reading
18909 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Want to read
November 5, 2025The cover has me so intrigued!
I don't read enough cozy mysteries
Excited for this to be released!
❤️🤍❤️🤍
I don't read enough cozy mysteries
Excited for this to be released!
❤️🤍❤️🤍
Want to read
November 7, 2025OOOHH THIS LOOKS FUNNN
November 19, 2025
"Maybe Donna Dickie is right: you get farther along in life sucking up to people instead of calling them out."
"Depends on what kind of life you want to live. You know who you are, and you're not afraid to show it. In fact, that's something I always admired about you. You're confidence."
Thank you Netgalley for this surprisingly enjoyable ARC. I requested this book because I liked the cover (yes, I'm one of those people) and I stayed for Pretty Bishop. She was such a fun character - blunt, to the point, cannot read a room to save her life. Her obsessive nature is truly something I can relate to, since I, too, can become a little ... overzealous.
I honestly could not tell which character did it, I went through every possibility and every character's story and I found myself thinking of this book while doing anything else. It was that good. I loved Jinx's character, and the quirky character-quirk of his name never being said, since it's 'cursed'. Also, Seargent Finlayson was such a joy. He gave Mr Darcy vibes - serious, stand-offish, hiding an actual sense of humour, insulting the Main Character and then actually liking her (although he would never admit it). What's not to love?
Lacey Moone had me in her grip through this entire story. Every character was a suspect, every clue was mind-blowing. And that plot twist! It was like a train in the middle of a car park - unexpected and destructive. Voted Most Likely to Murder is such a cozy, fun whodunnit, with crazy, real characters, devious pasts, skeletons in all the closets and friendships that are rocky, fun and truly authentic.
I would recommend this book a hundred times!
Another fun Pretty moment: "You hated being a Girl Guide. You quit as soon as they said you'd have to go camping." "Humans weren't meant to sleep on the ground, Jolene. It's why we invented houses."
"Depends on what kind of life you want to live. You know who you are, and you're not afraid to show it. In fact, that's something I always admired about you. You're confidence."
Thank you Netgalley for this surprisingly enjoyable ARC. I requested this book because I liked the cover (yes, I'm one of those people) and I stayed for Pretty Bishop. She was such a fun character - blunt, to the point, cannot read a room to save her life. Her obsessive nature is truly something I can relate to, since I, too, can become a little ... overzealous.
I honestly could not tell which character did it, I went through every possibility and every character's story and I found myself thinking of this book while doing anything else. It was that good. I loved Jinx's character, and the quirky character-quirk of his name never being said, since it's 'cursed'. Also, Seargent Finlayson was such a joy. He gave Mr Darcy vibes - serious, stand-offish, hiding an actual sense of humour, insulting the Main Character and then actually liking her (although he would never admit it). What's not to love?
Lacey Moone had me in her grip through this entire story. Every character was a suspect, every clue was mind-blowing. And that plot twist! It was like a train in the middle of a car park - unexpected and destructive. Voted Most Likely to Murder is such a cozy, fun whodunnit, with crazy, real characters, devious pasts, skeletons in all the closets and friendships that are rocky, fun and truly authentic.
I would recommend this book a hundred times!
Another fun Pretty moment: "You hated being a Girl Guide. You quit as soon as they said you'd have to go camping." "Humans weren't meant to sleep on the ground, Jolene. It's why we invented houses."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 304 pages
⏱ 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Expected Publication: May 12, 2026
🎁 ARC provided by NetGalley
Hold up! This is a Debut? How? It doesn't read like one. Seriously, Lacey Moone writes like she's been topping cozy mystery bestseller lists for ages. Voted Most Likely to Murder hits that perfect trifecta of sharp plotting, relatable characters, and genuine warmth. The way Moone leans into the high school reunion after about twenty years being the perfect breeding ground for resentment, rivalry, and bad decisions, is just witchcraft. I kept pausing to check the cover because this level of polish, pacing, and pure joy does NOT scream "first book".
Belinda "Pretty" Bishop is the kind of messy, magnetic heroine cozies need more, with her unemployment, underwhelmed nature, and armed with snark that could slice through buttercream. And can we talk about the Nova Scotia setting? Absolute perfection. It's cozy, a bit quirky, and unapologetically Canadian. I adore how Moone wove that small-town flavor into the mystery, without leaning on clichés. It's fresh, funny, and (somehow!) comforting, even when a dead body turns up in the story.
So yeah, someone check Lacey Moone’s resume, because this debut feels way too polished to be her first.
Would I recommend it?
I’m still in shock that this flawless, laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging cozy is a DEBUT. Lacey Moone just walked in like she owns the genre. Clear your May 12, 2026 schedule, pre-order immediately, and cancel plans. This is your new obsession.
First Book or Sorcery?
Tell me you’ve ever read a debut this ridiculously polished without telling me. Drop your “how is this their first?!” favorites below. Also, Canadian cozy readers, are we claiming Lacey Moone yet or are we claiming her HARD?
📃 304 pages
⏱ 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Expected Publication: May 12, 2026
🎁 ARC provided by NetGalley
Hold up! This is a Debut? How? It doesn't read like one. Seriously, Lacey Moone writes like she's been topping cozy mystery bestseller lists for ages. Voted Most Likely to Murder hits that perfect trifecta of sharp plotting, relatable characters, and genuine warmth. The way Moone leans into the high school reunion after about twenty years being the perfect breeding ground for resentment, rivalry, and bad decisions, is just witchcraft. I kept pausing to check the cover because this level of polish, pacing, and pure joy does NOT scream "first book".
Belinda "Pretty" Bishop is the kind of messy, magnetic heroine cozies need more, with her unemployment, underwhelmed nature, and armed with snark that could slice through buttercream. And can we talk about the Nova Scotia setting? Absolute perfection. It's cozy, a bit quirky, and unapologetically Canadian. I adore how Moone wove that small-town flavor into the mystery, without leaning on clichés. It's fresh, funny, and (somehow!) comforting, even when a dead body turns up in the story.
So yeah, someone check Lacey Moone’s resume, because this debut feels way too polished to be her first.
Would I recommend it?
I’m still in shock that this flawless, laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging cozy is a DEBUT. Lacey Moone just walked in like she owns the genre. Clear your May 12, 2026 schedule, pre-order immediately, and cancel plans. This is your new obsession.
First Book or Sorcery?
Tell me you’ve ever read a debut this ridiculously polished without telling me. Drop your “how is this their first?!” favorites below. Also, Canadian cozy readers, are we claiming Lacey Moone yet or are we claiming her HARD?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Voted Most Likely To Murder by Lacey Moone
Rating : 4 ⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 305
Duration : 3 Days
---------------
Most Likely To Murder, sees Belinda Bishop return to her homeetown, recently single and unemployed. Being pressured into going back to her High School reunion with new/old friend Stevie, old cliques, friendships and rivalries return.
When old best friend turned nemesis Jolene is accused of murder Belinda and Stevie fight to clear her name and if Belinda can get a juicy story put of it to propell her journalist career then that's all good right? Cue hijinx, drama and teenage hostilities.
No more spoilers from here on in.
This is a fun, light cosy murder whodunnit, the characters are well fleshed out and though slightly leaning on the whole school stereotype thing I really grew to like and enjoy the characters and the area (It's set in Nova Scotia, my dream vacation destination)
It's a well paced out mystery, easy to read and just fun, I absolutely flew through this book and when I wasn't reading I was trying to work out the clues, that's a sign of a good puzzle, talking of which, I guessed the culprit at 31% and even though I was 95% certain of who it was I still enjoyed the journey.
This is Lacey Moone's debut and round of applause to her as it's a great start and hopefully a start of a new series, it's definitely left open for a sequel or three.
Thank you to Netgalley & Interstellar Flight Press for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
--------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
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Rating : 4 ⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 305
Duration : 3 Days
---------------
Most Likely To Murder, sees Belinda Bishop return to her homeetown, recently single and unemployed. Being pressured into going back to her High School reunion with new/old friend Stevie, old cliques, friendships and rivalries return.
When old best friend turned nemesis Jolene is accused of murder Belinda and Stevie fight to clear her name and if Belinda can get a juicy story put of it to propell her journalist career then that's all good right? Cue hijinx, drama and teenage hostilities.
No more spoilers from here on in.
This is a fun, light cosy murder whodunnit, the characters are well fleshed out and though slightly leaning on the whole school stereotype thing I really grew to like and enjoy the characters and the area (It's set in Nova Scotia, my dream vacation destination)
It's a well paced out mystery, easy to read and just fun, I absolutely flew through this book and when I wasn't reading I was trying to work out the clues, that's a sign of a good puzzle, talking of which, I guessed the culprit at 31% and even though I was 95% certain of who it was I still enjoyed the journey.
This is Lacey Moone's debut and round of applause to her as it's a great start and hopefully a start of a new series, it's definitely left open for a sequel or three.
Thank you to Netgalley & Interstellar Flight Press for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
--------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
-----
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Voted Most Likely to Murder is a fun, charming cozy mystery with a fresh seaside setting and a protagonist who’s easy to root for.
Belinda Bishop is at a crossroads — career stalled, love life nonexistent, and reluctantly back in her hometown for a high school reunion she’d rather avoid. When the reunion takes a deadly turn and the class jock is found murdered, Belinda’s journalist instincts kick in immediately… especially when her former best friend (and current nemesis) becomes the prime suspect.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Belinda and Jolene. Their shared history adds tension, humour, and emotional depth to the investigation, and watching them reluctantly work together made the story even more engaging. The small-town Nova Scotia setting adds plenty of charm, complete with gossip, long memories, and a close-knit community where everyone has an opinion.
The mystery itself is well-paced and accessible, with enough twists to keep you guessing without ever losing that comforting cozy feel. Belinda’s voice is relatable and witty, and her determination to clear Jolene’s name gives the story heart as well as intrigue.
This is a strong and enjoyable series debut that sets up the characters and setting beautifully. Perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries with journalist sleuths, seaside towns, and past relationships resurfacing in the worst possible way.
Belinda Bishop is at a crossroads — career stalled, love life nonexistent, and reluctantly back in her hometown for a high school reunion she’d rather avoid. When the reunion takes a deadly turn and the class jock is found murdered, Belinda’s journalist instincts kick in immediately… especially when her former best friend (and current nemesis) becomes the prime suspect.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Belinda and Jolene. Their shared history adds tension, humour, and emotional depth to the investigation, and watching them reluctantly work together made the story even more engaging. The small-town Nova Scotia setting adds plenty of charm, complete with gossip, long memories, and a close-knit community where everyone has an opinion.
The mystery itself is well-paced and accessible, with enough twists to keep you guessing without ever losing that comforting cozy feel. Belinda’s voice is relatable and witty, and her determination to clear Jolene’s name gives the story heart as well as intrigue.
This is a strong and enjoyable series debut that sets up the characters and setting beautifully. Perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries with journalist sleuths, seaside towns, and past relationships resurfacing in the worst possible way.
December 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.
From the cover (which is amazing, by the way), I went into this book thinking it was a YA murder mystery and forgive me again, I didn’t read the synopsis before diving in but I was pleasantly surprised to find out this was an adult murder mystery.
High school classmates are set to do a reunion after fourteen years at their school in Little Blue Harbour. During the course of the reunion event, the class flirt, Andrew (Andy), who sorts of have a thing for married women, ends up dead. And now the big question: who did it and why?
Belinda, despite her falling out with her childhood best friend-turned-nemesis Jolene Dexter (who is declared the prime suspect), is determined to find out who the murderer is! I loved the shenanigans that took place in this novel — the drama, the secrets, the small-town gossip, and then the big reveal of who did it and why. (You will be surprised at the smallest things people could kill for!)
Overall, I loved this small-town murder mystery. Thank you once again for the e-ARC.
From the cover (which is amazing, by the way), I went into this book thinking it was a YA murder mystery and forgive me again, I didn’t read the synopsis before diving in but I was pleasantly surprised to find out this was an adult murder mystery.
High school classmates are set to do a reunion after fourteen years at their school in Little Blue Harbour. During the course of the reunion event, the class flirt, Andrew (Andy), who sorts of have a thing for married women, ends up dead. And now the big question: who did it and why?
Belinda, despite her falling out with her childhood best friend-turned-nemesis Jolene Dexter (who is declared the prime suspect), is determined to find out who the murderer is! I loved the shenanigans that took place in this novel — the drama, the secrets, the small-town gossip, and then the big reveal of who did it and why. (You will be surprised at the smallest things people could kill for!)
Overall, I loved this small-town murder mystery. Thank you once again for the e-ARC.
November 25, 2025
3.5⭐️ This was such a cute, cozy, easy to read murder mystery! The character dynamics and friendship are VERY relatable. As are the classic high school stereotypes trope and small town antics. The relationship development between the three main female characters was great, their interactions at times were so funny! The actual “crime” in the story wasn’t hard to follow for me personally, so despite figuring out the killer, it also isn’t obvious to the reader either. The story includes some subplot inkling of romance which hints at a sequel. Overall an enjoyable read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Voted Most Likely To Murder is an enjoyable mystery centered around a high school reunion in a small town. The mystery itself was engaging and not entirely predictable, which is great if you’re a big whodunit reader. I liked the characters, specifically the female friendships that didn’t stick to the high school stereotypes that the title plays off of.
The story does take a little time to get going but once the investigation kicks in, I was invested. There were a few moments that were a bit over the top with the silliness but I didn’t mind much. Overall, I recommend for those interested in the cozy mystery that keeps you guessing.
3.5 Stars
The story does take a little time to get going but once the investigation kicks in, I was invested. There were a few moments that were a bit over the top with the silliness but I didn’t mind much. Overall, I recommend for those interested in the cozy mystery that keeps you guessing.
3.5 Stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
first read of 2026!! i finished the book in a single day so it's safe to assume I loved it!! i kinda guessed the killer in the first few pages but i genuinely think it's unexpected and is so so good and well written! I loved our main character, glad i started the year with this! <3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cosy, small town mystery with plenty of silliness and a focus on female friendships. The plot was straight forward but not always predictable, and though it took a little time to get started once it did I flew through reading it.
[I received an arc from NetGalley]
[I received an arc from NetGalley]
January 26, 2026
Thank you to netgalley for giving me an oppurtunity to read this early
It took me a while to get into this as it was slow to start with (( which i dont like in books)) but i stuck with it & did enjoy reading it once it started pulling me in
I Love the cover of the book also 😊
It took me a while to get into this as it was slow to start with (( which i dont like in books)) but i stuck with it & did enjoy reading it once it started pulling me in
I Love the cover of the book also 😊
Read
December 18, 2025An incredible story. Very easy to read. Likeable characters and a story that is very easy to follow. Would definitely read more from this author. Cannot wait for this to officially release
January 12, 2026
This one took me a little bit to get into tbh. I thought it started slow and I had trouble connecting to the characters. I enjoyed the small town setting and liked the female friendships. I did not see the twist coming and for that it gets a bonus point. It was a really cute story that was lighthearted and got more entertaining as you got into it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews