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A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder
Charming yet wickedly imaginative mystery ghostwriter Maeve Gardner finds herself at the center of a murder investigation with more twists and turns than any story she's ever written, perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz and Richard Osman.
Maeve Gardner kills people for a living. A dodgy occupation perhaps, but as ghostwriter for the long-running Simon Hills mysteries, Maeve has planned the perfect murder time and again and she enjoys it. She dreams of writing something under her own name someday rather than babysitting her adopted character Simon, but at least she’s writing. And as one of the burnt-out souls who’ve run away from dry land to live on London’s waterways, she has the joy of working from the home she a colorful houseboat. Life on the canals is grand, but when her cheating ex-boyfriend turns up floating face down in the water outside her boat, murdered, and the police arrest her, the plot takes a wayward turn.
Suddenly, Maeve is thrust into one of her own crime dramas, complete with missing money, violent thugs, extortion, and conspiracy. Only this time, there is no real-life Simon Hill to come to her aid. Instead, with the help of friends from the river–India, owner of a popular floating bookshop; Paul, the exceedingly attractive landlord of the local pub; and Ash, Maeve’s quiet, nerdy neighbor who is keeping some secrets of his own–Maeve may have a shot at saving herself.
As Maeve and her motley crew of would-be investigators find themselves wondering if they are in over their heads, a killer lurks and won’t hesitate to kill again…
Maeve Gardner kills people for a living. A dodgy occupation perhaps, but as ghostwriter for the long-running Simon Hills mysteries, Maeve has planned the perfect murder time and again and she enjoys it. She dreams of writing something under her own name someday rather than babysitting her adopted character Simon, but at least she’s writing. And as one of the burnt-out souls who’ve run away from dry land to live on London’s waterways, she has the joy of working from the home she a colorful houseboat. Life on the canals is grand, but when her cheating ex-boyfriend turns up floating face down in the water outside her boat, murdered, and the police arrest her, the plot takes a wayward turn.
Suddenly, Maeve is thrust into one of her own crime dramas, complete with missing money, violent thugs, extortion, and conspiracy. Only this time, there is no real-life Simon Hill to come to her aid. Instead, with the help of friends from the river–India, owner of a popular floating bookshop; Paul, the exceedingly attractive landlord of the local pub; and Ash, Maeve’s quiet, nerdy neighbor who is keeping some secrets of his own–Maeve may have a shot at saving herself.
As Maeve and her motley crew of would-be investigators find themselves wondering if they are in over their heads, a killer lurks and won’t hesitate to kill again…
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2025
20 people are currently reading
4794 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Mullet
9 books276 followersMelinda Mullet is the author of the Whisky Business Mysteries, a six-part series of traditional mysteries set in and around a boutique single malt whisky distillery in Scotland. And coming in July 2025 the first of a new traditional series, A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder, set on a houseboat along the Regent’s Canal in London.
Melinda is a travel junkie and a life-long advocate for children’s literacy causes both domestic and international. When she is not in the UK, she lives just outside of Washington, DC with her whisky-collecting husband and two wild Covid canines named Bailey and Captain Jack. Find her at MelindaMullet.com or on Facebook and Insta at Melinda Mullet, Author.
Melinda is a travel junkie and a life-long advocate for children’s literacy causes both domestic and international. When she is not in the UK, she lives just outside of Washington, DC with her whisky-collecting husband and two wild Covid canines named Bailey and Captain Jack. Find her at MelindaMullet.com or on Facebook and Insta at Melinda Mullet, Author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 26, 2025
Melinda Mullet writes one of my favorite Scottish cozy mysteries, so when I saw she was starting a new series, I had to dig in. This time, it's a new crop of main characters, and a much darker storyline. Still in the cozy realm, but drugs, murder, violence and corruption. And it all takes place with the main character living on a boat where she writes murder mysteries for a famous author. I enjoyed the story but didn't love most of the characters. I might just be too partial to the other series.... but first books always take a while for the series to settle in. I'll definitely read the next one.
August 3, 2025
Maeve Gardner writes crime for a living but unfortunately she gets caught up in it in real life when her ex boyfriend is found dead, in the canal right next to her houseboat. She is an obvious choice for prime suspect in the murder especially when the police officer in charge of the case is looking for a quick closure. Luckily she has good friends who come to her aid in investigating the case.
Engaging characters, a delightful dog and a charming house boat setting made this a very enjoyable and worthwhile read. I am looking forward to a second book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Engaging characters, a delightful dog and a charming house boat setting made this a very enjoyable and worthwhile read. I am looking forward to a second book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 1, 2025
[NetGalley Read #33]
4.5 ⭐️
"Being a writer was a frustrating and lonely existence, but at least it was her own self-inflicted hell."
Amazing!
A good mystery elevated by colourful and fleshed out characters. Set in London, over a period of one (maybe two) month(s), the story starts with a trip down the canalside, described in beautiful detail. The first chapter really holds your attention with its vivid details and the beautiful imagery/scenery.
Gradually, the story unfolds to give us what a good murder mystery should. A dead body, obviously. The characters (four POVs). An understaffed, shady police department. A wrongful conviction. Characters (not from the shady police department) gathering clues. Hitting a dead end. Going in a different direction. Finding trouble. Turning into a tense few final chapters that had me clenching my fists before the satisfying conclusion. Bring on the next installment, already! (Hopefully there is one)
Juggling four characters/POVs in a mystery is unusual. But it's really well done here. With each character having their own strengths and weaknesses that makes you fall in love with them and has you rooting for them and worried for them in the final few chapters.
The writing style and the prose is exquisite. The places described in vivid details. The author has done a lovely job of capturing the atmosphere, the location, the accents, and the overall Britishness of it all that reminds of, among other things, an old radio show that I listen to these days.
My only gripe with this book was best described by a line in the middle of the story: 'She was going around and around in circles'. Really felt like it.
While I would categorise this as more of a mystery, the last few chapters really turned up the intensity and could easily fit into a thriller.
I thought this was a long book as far as mystery books go (300+ pages). But maybe I'm used to reading shorter length mysteries. Anyway, that's not a criticism. The story justifies the length of the book. And it makes me want to read more longer length mystery novels. As long as they're as well written as this book.
I found it easy to read despite some characters talking in apostrophes. If you're not a native English speaker (or even if you are), you might find yourself Googling some of the words which are really just British idiosyncrasies. For me, it helped with imagining what the characters would sound like.
Highly Recommended. 👍
4.5 ⭐️
"Being a writer was a frustrating and lonely existence, but at least it was her own self-inflicted hell."
Amazing!
A good mystery elevated by colourful and fleshed out characters. Set in London, over a period of one (maybe two) month(s), the story starts with a trip down the canalside, described in beautiful detail. The first chapter really holds your attention with its vivid details and the beautiful imagery/scenery.
Gradually, the story unfolds to give us what a good murder mystery should. A dead body, obviously. The characters (four POVs). An understaffed, shady police department. A wrongful conviction. Characters (not from the shady police department) gathering clues. Hitting a dead end. Going in a different direction. Finding trouble. Turning into a tense few final chapters that had me clenching my fists before the satisfying conclusion. Bring on the next installment, already! (Hopefully there is one)
Juggling four characters/POVs in a mystery is unusual. But it's really well done here. With each character having their own strengths and weaknesses that makes you fall in love with them and has you rooting for them and worried for them in the final few chapters.
The writing style and the prose is exquisite. The places described in vivid details. The author has done a lovely job of capturing the atmosphere, the location, the accents, and the overall Britishness of it all that reminds of, among other things, an old radio show that I listen to these days.
My only gripe with this book was best described by a line in the middle of the story: 'She was going around and around in circles'. Really felt like it.
While I would categorise this as more of a mystery, the last few chapters really turned up the intensity and could easily fit into a thriller.
I thought this was a long book as far as mystery books go (300+ pages). But maybe I'm used to reading shorter length mysteries. Anyway, that's not a criticism. The story justifies the length of the book. And it makes me want to read more longer length mystery novels. As long as they're as well written as this book.
I found it easy to read despite some characters talking in apostrophes. If you're not a native English speaker (or even if you are), you might find yourself Googling some of the words which are really just British idiosyncrasies. For me, it helped with imagining what the characters would sound like.
Highly Recommended. 👍
April 25, 2025
Maeve is a ghostwriter who suddenly finds herself in a situation that could easily be one of her plots when her ex-boyfriend is found dead in the water next to her houseboat and she's the prime suspect. Together with her friends, India, Paul and Ash, and her faithful canine companion, she sets off to prove her innocence. Throw in a dodgy real estate developer, a bigtime drug boss, a local enforcer (who happens to be one of her ex's friends) and a copper determined to close the case quickly, regardless of whether or not they've got the bad guy, and you have a mystery with every ingredient you might need.
I enjoyed the story and it's a quick and easy read. The chapters alternate between the characters' POVs and once you get used to that, it moves the story along very quickly. There are a lot of elements and a ton of red herrings but the ending is satisfying enough. The characters all have big backstories and I can see how this could turn into a series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story and it's a quick and easy read. The chapters alternate between the characters' POVs and once you get used to that, it moves the story along very quickly. There are a lot of elements and a ton of red herrings but the ending is satisfying enough. The characters all have big backstories and I can see how this could turn into a series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Ghostwriter Maeve Gardner writes the long-running Simon Hills mysteries, so she is an expert at planning murders from her houseboat on London’s Regent’s Canal. What she is not an expert at is finding dead bodies, especially when they are floating near her boat, and even more so when it is her cheating ex-boyfriend doing the floating. While it may be a great plot for a book, it is terrifying in real life, particularly when the police come to your boat to arrest you.
Maeve needs to plot a way out of this drama that not only includes her dead ex but also missing money, drugs, blackmail, collusion, corruption, and more. WWSD – What would Simon do? It doesn’t take long for her friends and neighbors to rally around to help her. With her own band of amateur sleuths, they set out to find the answers they need to clear Maeve of any crime thrown at her, knowing that the killer could be watching every step they take.
Melina Mullet has introduced a marvelous cast of characters in A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder. Maeve Gardner moved onto the houseboat with her frisky fifty-two-pound canine, Captain Jack, when she and Gavin parted ways. She loves her compact home on the water and is happy to ghostwrite the Simon Hills mysteries, but she hopes to publish under her own name soon. Rowan and her partner, Sage, are Irish ladies “berthed next door” and “fancied themselves as Wiccans”. Her friend, India, owns a unique floating bookshop with a popular area for children and children’s books. Paul owns The Anchor, an old-fashioned local pub where Maeve, India, and Captain Jack visit often. It has a special nook they favor. Ashley inhabits the houseboat on the other side of Maeve. He is pretty quiet, a gamer who does something techy from his boat at all hours of the day and night. The murder forces him to venture out in public to help Maeve. I found the houseboat/canal life, as well as the people who live there, very interesting.
The mystery was very well-plotted, and each of the core characters brings a unique talent, connections, or perspective to the mix. They go to great lengths to get to the truth, while at times putting themselves in danger. Gavin had a life, Maeve had no idea about, or didn’t understand, that ran deep within the dark side of London with friends in high places. The police seem to be going in circles to lock down the proof to charge and jail Maeve, so it is imperative that the merry band of sleuthers, who are basically going in circles as well, come up with additional suspects with their motive to kill as quickly as possible. I enjoyed how the story was told from multiple points of view, allowing readers to follow each as they made their way around town trying to find out about the real Gavin and what he did to warrant being murdered.
Ms. Mullet’s attention to detail brought the whole canal area to life. The well-crafted characters and that detail pulled me into the story. I could visualize everything like I was watching the story unfold on a screen. I think it was wonderful that she played with her strengths. She uses her knowledge of writing and publishing as she created Maeve’s world, complete with writing exercises, writer’s block, index cards, and outlines. She also knows the joy of having a canine companion and all it entails, from the aggressive chewing to the wagging tails and the genuine reactions when their person appears, whether they have been gone for minutes, hours, or days.
A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder is a compelling mystery filled with twists, turns, and red herrings. The characters are authentic, quirky, and relatable. I found it easy to get invested in their lives. The setting was unique and charming. This series is off to a splendid start. I am eager to see what Ms. Mullet has in store for Maeve and her “pride of lions” in the future. A Perfect Escape!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Ghostwriter Maeve Gardner writes the long-running Simon Hills mysteries, so she is an expert at planning murders from her houseboat on London’s Regent’s Canal. What she is not an expert at is finding dead bodies, especially when they are floating near her boat, and even more so when it is her cheating ex-boyfriend doing the floating. While it may be a great plot for a book, it is terrifying in real life, particularly when the police come to your boat to arrest you.
Maeve needs to plot a way out of this drama that not only includes her dead ex but also missing money, drugs, blackmail, collusion, corruption, and more. WWSD – What would Simon do? It doesn’t take long for her friends and neighbors to rally around to help her. With her own band of amateur sleuths, they set out to find the answers they need to clear Maeve of any crime thrown at her, knowing that the killer could be watching every step they take.
Melina Mullet has introduced a marvelous cast of characters in A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder. Maeve Gardner moved onto the houseboat with her frisky fifty-two-pound canine, Captain Jack, when she and Gavin parted ways. She loves her compact home on the water and is happy to ghostwrite the Simon Hills mysteries, but she hopes to publish under her own name soon. Rowan and her partner, Sage, are Irish ladies “berthed next door” and “fancied themselves as Wiccans”. Her friend, India, owns a unique floating bookshop with a popular area for children and children’s books. Paul owns The Anchor, an old-fashioned local pub where Maeve, India, and Captain Jack visit often. It has a special nook they favor. Ashley inhabits the houseboat on the other side of Maeve. He is pretty quiet, a gamer who does something techy from his boat at all hours of the day and night. The murder forces him to venture out in public to help Maeve. I found the houseboat/canal life, as well as the people who live there, very interesting.
The mystery was very well-plotted, and each of the core characters brings a unique talent, connections, or perspective to the mix. They go to great lengths to get to the truth, while at times putting themselves in danger. Gavin had a life, Maeve had no idea about, or didn’t understand, that ran deep within the dark side of London with friends in high places. The police seem to be going in circles to lock down the proof to charge and jail Maeve, so it is imperative that the merry band of sleuthers, who are basically going in circles as well, come up with additional suspects with their motive to kill as quickly as possible. I enjoyed how the story was told from multiple points of view, allowing readers to follow each as they made their way around town trying to find out about the real Gavin and what he did to warrant being murdered.
Ms. Mullet’s attention to detail brought the whole canal area to life. The well-crafted characters and that detail pulled me into the story. I could visualize everything like I was watching the story unfold on a screen. I think it was wonderful that she played with her strengths. She uses her knowledge of writing and publishing as she created Maeve’s world, complete with writing exercises, writer’s block, index cards, and outlines. She also knows the joy of having a canine companion and all it entails, from the aggressive chewing to the wagging tails and the genuine reactions when their person appears, whether they have been gone for minutes, hours, or days.
A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder is a compelling mystery filled with twists, turns, and red herrings. The characters are authentic, quirky, and relatable. I found it easy to get invested in their lives. The setting was unique and charming. This series is off to a splendid start. I am eager to see what Ms. Mullet has in store for Maeve and her “pride of lions” in the future. A Perfect Escape!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 4, 2025
Melinda Mullet
London, Present Day: Maeve Gardner is a ghostwriter, writing the 43rd installment of Harland Oaks’ Simon Hill mysteries. They’re very formulaic, very predictable, and thus very boring for her to write. She’s got the plot for the latest one figured out but is highly unmotivated to write it. Thus, she comes up with several distractions, ending up sitting on the deck of her boat (a proper canal boat mind you – about 5 times longer than it is wide). Which would be fine except her 50-ish pound dog, the Captain, decides to start chewing on one of the tires that serve as buffer between her boat and the dock ( so neither one gets banged up when the boat brushes up against the dock). She goes to investigate and discovers 50,000 pounds stuffed inside of it. (As a side note, the Captain has blue eyes so I’m guessing maybe some sort of husky mix? Which in my experience means a good sense of smell, a love of chewing on things, and a general predisposition for causing mischief – all of which fit the Captain chewing on the tire). After briefly debating about what to do with that much money, Maeve decides to ‘do the right thing’ and turn it over to the police. She stuffs it back into the tire and heads over to the local police station on the assumption that her tale would be more believable if it is told in person. However, when she returns with DS Dixon, the money is gone, and he is rather cross with her. Trying to find it and prove she wasn’t making a false report, she points to something she notices floating in the water, thinking it might be the money. It’s not the money; it’s the body of her ex-Gavin Forrester. She goes from being a helpful citizen reporting what might be a stash of drug money to being the prime suspect in his death. When she realizes that the cops are happy closing the case with her as the guilty party without doing much further investigation, Maeve realizes she’s going to have to do some investigating herself. She’s not alone, however, in that she’s got her best friend India, the local pub owner Paul who is former Navy, and her tech savvy / white hacker neighbor Ash to help.
This was a fun book. I usually don’t like when the main character is the prime suspect, but it made sense in this scenario – the police are highly understaffed (Dixon mentions his ‘team’ of one other person) and interested in quickly closing a case to make them look good and get a promotion. The main characters – Maeve, India, Paul, and Ash – are likeable, with plenty of backstory to explore in potential future novels. I loved how Ash thought of them as a DND-type gaming group with Maeve as the bard, India as the healer, Paul as the warrior, and Ash as the ninja / rogue / thief. And the Captain! Caine companions are always great. The secondary characters like the Machine and Vicky were also engaging, adding to the twists and turns in the plot.
Highly recommended! I’ve added some of Ms. Mullet’s other books to my TBR pile.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.Com which I voluntarily reviewed.
London, Present Day: Maeve Gardner is a ghostwriter, writing the 43rd installment of Harland Oaks’ Simon Hill mysteries. They’re very formulaic, very predictable, and thus very boring for her to write. She’s got the plot for the latest one figured out but is highly unmotivated to write it. Thus, she comes up with several distractions, ending up sitting on the deck of her boat (a proper canal boat mind you – about 5 times longer than it is wide). Which would be fine except her 50-ish pound dog, the Captain, decides to start chewing on one of the tires that serve as buffer between her boat and the dock ( so neither one gets banged up when the boat brushes up against the dock). She goes to investigate and discovers 50,000 pounds stuffed inside of it. (As a side note, the Captain has blue eyes so I’m guessing maybe some sort of husky mix? Which in my experience means a good sense of smell, a love of chewing on things, and a general predisposition for causing mischief – all of which fit the Captain chewing on the tire). After briefly debating about what to do with that much money, Maeve decides to ‘do the right thing’ and turn it over to the police. She stuffs it back into the tire and heads over to the local police station on the assumption that her tale would be more believable if it is told in person. However, when she returns with DS Dixon, the money is gone, and he is rather cross with her. Trying to find it and prove she wasn’t making a false report, she points to something she notices floating in the water, thinking it might be the money. It’s not the money; it’s the body of her ex-Gavin Forrester. She goes from being a helpful citizen reporting what might be a stash of drug money to being the prime suspect in his death. When she realizes that the cops are happy closing the case with her as the guilty party without doing much further investigation, Maeve realizes she’s going to have to do some investigating herself. She’s not alone, however, in that she’s got her best friend India, the local pub owner Paul who is former Navy, and her tech savvy / white hacker neighbor Ash to help.
This was a fun book. I usually don’t like when the main character is the prime suspect, but it made sense in this scenario – the police are highly understaffed (Dixon mentions his ‘team’ of one other person) and interested in quickly closing a case to make them look good and get a promotion. The main characters – Maeve, India, Paul, and Ash – are likeable, with plenty of backstory to explore in potential future novels. I loved how Ash thought of them as a DND-type gaming group with Maeve as the bard, India as the healer, Paul as the warrior, and Ash as the ninja / rogue / thief. And the Captain! Caine companions are always great. The secondary characters like the Machine and Vicky were also engaging, adding to the twists and turns in the plot.
Highly recommended! I’ve added some of Ms. Mullet’s other books to my TBR pile.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.Com which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 13, 2025
Finished reading: July 12th 2025
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
August 28, 2025
A very interesting story that will likely keep you guessing for a while who exactly the culprit is. In this case it might as well be true that it "has a twist you did not see coming". I got my guess about halfway through - and "yay, I was right about it" -, but it was still a very fun read from there on out to find out if I actually was right or not.
I loved the quirky and rather unique cast of characters, especially the quite obviously ND-coded Ash warmed my [ND] heart. And the dog, of course. OMG, the dog (and his plushie dragon Smaug)! 🥰 But also the Wiccans next boat, the ex-navy guy Paul, and the floating-bookshop owner India.
Some seem to be thrown off by the multiple POVs in this story, I cannot say that this affected me in any negative way. I found it to be quite an easy read.
I never read any of the author's other mysteries, she's been a new discovery for me. But I certainly will read those somewhen in the [near-ish] future. I loved the atmosphere and the way Melinda portrayed her characters.
I can absolutely recommend this to anybody who wants an intriguing, yet fun and quirky [murder] mystery with cosy tendencies (but I wouldn't call it a 100% cosy mystery - maybe 75% cosy).
I loved the quirky and rather unique cast of characters, especially the quite obviously ND-coded Ash warmed my [ND] heart. And the dog, of course. OMG, the dog (and his plushie dragon Smaug)! 🥰 But also the Wiccans next boat, the ex-navy guy Paul, and the floating-bookshop owner India.
Some seem to be thrown off by the multiple POVs in this story, I cannot say that this affected me in any negative way. I found it to be quite an easy read.
I never read any of the author's other mysteries, she's been a new discovery for me. But I certainly will read those somewhen in the [near-ish] future. I loved the atmosphere and the way Melinda portrayed her characters.
I can absolutely recommend this to anybody who wants an intriguing, yet fun and quirky [murder] mystery with cosy tendencies (but I wouldn't call it a 100% cosy mystery - maybe 75% cosy).
July 26, 2025
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery., The setting is unique, the characters are fun and quirky and the mystery offers plenty of twists to keep readers guessing. The story is told from multiple points of view, with each of those characters playing a role in trying to find the evidence that will point to the real killer. This plot device makes for a unique storytelling experience.
July 24, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book and am thankful to have gotten the opportunity to read this ahead of being published. This is my honest review after reading.
I really enjoyed the main character, Maeve Gardner. In all honesty I enjoyed all the characters and how they all worked together to solve the mystery.
I also enjoyed the writing style and how it kept me engaged in the story. I highly recommend reading this.
I really enjoyed the main character, Maeve Gardner. In all honesty I enjoyed all the characters and how they all worked together to solve the mystery.
I also enjoyed the writing style and how it kept me engaged in the story. I highly recommend reading this.
August 6, 2025
If you love watching British crime dramas, then you’ll definitely want to pick up A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet. It struck me early on as having a similar feel to those kind of shows, and the more I read the more I agreed with myself (lol). The themes in this story are a bit darker, a bit edgier, than what you would find in a cozy mystery but the amateur sleuth aspect, the unique community Maeve lives in, and of course her endearing dog Captain Jack help it retain some of that feel as well. The best of both worlds!
I decided to read this book because of two things that stood out to me from the description – the fact that Maeve is a ghostwriter for a popular mystery series (whose original author has become incapacitated) and the fact that she lives on a houseboat in a canal in London. Both of these elements to the story piqued my interest, but once I started reading it was Maeve’s eclectic group of friends (and fellow sleuths) that got my heart involved too. And because Mullet writes A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder from the alternating POVs of each of the main characters – Maeve, Ash (her quiet houseboat neighbor who has a secret past and secret feelings for her), India (her spirited friend who also owns a floating bookshop), and Paul (the hot guy who runs the local pub) – we really get to know each one across the entirety of the book. I enjoyed the author’s well-executed stylistic choice here, as well as its end result: that I became invested in these complex characters for more than just their sleuthing.
The mystery in A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder is full of its own batch of morally ambiguous characters too, making it deliciously challenging to sort out the good-at-heart from the truly bad guys or gals and figure out whodunit. Trying to decide whether the police department is just lazy or maybe shady complicates things further, and Maeve being their number one suspect adds a layer of urgency to her & her friends’ sleuthing. Some surprising twists may catch you off guard as well and have you rethinking who was first on your suspect list, but that’s part of the fun too! And then the last few chapters – whew! Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat as the danger and drama increase to suspense-level intensity. You may even be tempted to pray for a couple of the characters (ask me how I know this), but do try to remember to breathe.
Bottom Line: A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet is an immersive British mystery with compelling characters, an engaging voice, and intriguing twists. All four of the main personalities are likable with developed backstories and different strengths, but I especially enjoyed ‘meeting’ Ash and how he saw the situations from the perspective of a gamer/hacker. These are definitely people that readers will stay emotionally invested in as the series progresses because they feel like friends after the time spent with them in just this first story. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of red herrings to cleverly distract you from the real clues, and the writing itself is witty and warm with a great sense of place. It’s a little gritty but not so intense that it overshadows the delightful British charm. Pour yourself a cuppa, toss Captain Jack a sausage roll, and settle in to the story!
Language: occasional cursing (stronger words included) and coarse language
Other content notes: a subtly same-sex couple (secondary characters) who claim to be Wiccans but are mostly amusing
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I decided to read this book because of two things that stood out to me from the description – the fact that Maeve is a ghostwriter for a popular mystery series (whose original author has become incapacitated) and the fact that she lives on a houseboat in a canal in London. Both of these elements to the story piqued my interest, but once I started reading it was Maeve’s eclectic group of friends (and fellow sleuths) that got my heart involved too. And because Mullet writes A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder from the alternating POVs of each of the main characters – Maeve, Ash (her quiet houseboat neighbor who has a secret past and secret feelings for her), India (her spirited friend who also owns a floating bookshop), and Paul (the hot guy who runs the local pub) – we really get to know each one across the entirety of the book. I enjoyed the author’s well-executed stylistic choice here, as well as its end result: that I became invested in these complex characters for more than just their sleuthing.
The mystery in A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder is full of its own batch of morally ambiguous characters too, making it deliciously challenging to sort out the good-at-heart from the truly bad guys or gals and figure out whodunit. Trying to decide whether the police department is just lazy or maybe shady complicates things further, and Maeve being their number one suspect adds a layer of urgency to her & her friends’ sleuthing. Some surprising twists may catch you off guard as well and have you rethinking who was first on your suspect list, but that’s part of the fun too! And then the last few chapters – whew! Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat as the danger and drama increase to suspense-level intensity. You may even be tempted to pray for a couple of the characters (ask me how I know this), but do try to remember to breathe.
Bottom Line: A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet is an immersive British mystery with compelling characters, an engaging voice, and intriguing twists. All four of the main personalities are likable with developed backstories and different strengths, but I especially enjoyed ‘meeting’ Ash and how he saw the situations from the perspective of a gamer/hacker. These are definitely people that readers will stay emotionally invested in as the series progresses because they feel like friends after the time spent with them in just this first story. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of red herrings to cleverly distract you from the real clues, and the writing itself is witty and warm with a great sense of place. It’s a little gritty but not so intense that it overshadows the delightful British charm. Pour yourself a cuppa, toss Captain Jack a sausage roll, and settle in to the story!
Language: occasional cursing (stronger words included) and coarse language
Other content notes: a subtly same-sex couple (secondary characters) who claim to be Wiccans but are mostly amusing
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 13, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a charming cozy, and I will happily follow Maeve around on more ridiculous adventures.
Maeve is a ghostwriter, and she lives a pretty fulfilling life. She lives on a houseboat and is surrounded by an intriguing community of friends. What doesn't she have? A cheating boyfriend. That's because she has - had - a cheating EX-boyfriend who suddenly shows up dead in the water right near her floating home. While she may have jokingly daydreamed of this in some dark times, Maeve isn't the murderous type, so it's extra unfortunate when it seems more and more like she's being set up.
While I was definitely interested and enjoying myself once I got rolling with this one, it took me several starts to really get into it. I'd get about 10% in, realize I had dialed out, and start over. Not an ideal entry point, but I'm glad I committed to focusing and getting beyond that early mark because this became a fun cozy with a great m.c. for me.
I'm hoping for more shenanigans with Maeve.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a charming cozy, and I will happily follow Maeve around on more ridiculous adventures.
Maeve is a ghostwriter, and she lives a pretty fulfilling life. She lives on a houseboat and is surrounded by an intriguing community of friends. What doesn't she have? A cheating boyfriend. That's because she has - had - a cheating EX-boyfriend who suddenly shows up dead in the water right near her floating home. While she may have jokingly daydreamed of this in some dark times, Maeve isn't the murderous type, so it's extra unfortunate when it seems more and more like she's being set up.
While I was definitely interested and enjoying myself once I got rolling with this one, it took me several starts to really get into it. I'd get about 10% in, realize I had dialed out, and start over. Not an ideal entry point, but I'm glad I committed to focusing and getting beyond that early mark because this became a fun cozy with a great m.c. for me.
I'm hoping for more shenanigans with Maeve.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 27, 2025
Ghost Writers Guide to Murder is the 1st book in what I hope is a new cosy crime series. It follows Maeve who lives on the London Canals in her houseboat with her dog Capitan. She is ghostwriting a long running detective series for an author with memory loss and settling into her new life on the boat after a bad breakup.
The mystery starts when Maeve discovers a lot of money hidden in a tire attached to her boat dock and when she goes to get the police, she returns to find the money missing, a body in the water and she as the main suspect.
With the help of her new friends, India - the owner of the book boat and nurturer of the group, Ash - her loner neighbour and ex. police tech expert/hacker and Paul - the owner of the local pub and ex. navy diver - Maeve needs to clear her name and find the real murderer.
I loved that there's not just one protagonist and we get to see the mystery from the viewpoints of everyone in the group. You get to see them all use their strengths and get their guesses on who is to blame. The mystery is cozy without being to unrealistic or corny, it has a modern take on the genre. Lots of great character moments to endear the reader to the cast and invest them in the series. Some great red herrings and action scenes as well. I really enjoyed this one and hope that there is a second in the series. I think it would be a great cozy for those who read classic mysteries and thrillers too.
The mystery starts when Maeve discovers a lot of money hidden in a tire attached to her boat dock and when she goes to get the police, she returns to find the money missing, a body in the water and she as the main suspect.
With the help of her new friends, India - the owner of the book boat and nurturer of the group, Ash - her loner neighbour and ex. police tech expert/hacker and Paul - the owner of the local pub and ex. navy diver - Maeve needs to clear her name and find the real murderer.
I loved that there's not just one protagonist and we get to see the mystery from the viewpoints of everyone in the group. You get to see them all use their strengths and get their guesses on who is to blame. The mystery is cozy without being to unrealistic or corny, it has a modern take on the genre. Lots of great character moments to endear the reader to the cast and invest them in the series. Some great red herrings and action scenes as well. I really enjoyed this one and hope that there is a second in the series. I think it would be a great cozy for those who read classic mysteries and thrillers too.
July 14, 2025
A huge thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review! I absolutely adored this book both in its ebook form and as an audiobook. It has so much of the cozy mystery vibe, but also adds the higher stakes and bigger criminal players like a thriller, and I think it is an extremely successful mix of the two subgenres. The cast of characters, especially the Captain, are wonderful and you really begin to see their found family as your own as they take the case on. The most unique aspect of the book is the setting of the canal boats. The author really made the boats seem like characters in and of themselves, and the canal boat culture and neighborhood add a ton of charm and personality to the book! Highly recommend!
July 11, 2025
I'm a sucker for books about writers, so I couldn't resist this title, even though mysteries aren't my usual genre. I am so glad I took the chance. From its delightful setting on London's canal houseboats to a plot that was engaging from the very first page, this book was a wonderful surprise.
What makes it particularly accessible is Melinda Mullet's writing. It’s clear and concise, refreshingly free of the technical crime scene jargon that can bog down the genre. This clean prose allows the compelling characters to shine—a diverse and distinct cast that feels like a genuine community of real people.
This is a wonderfully engaging novel that kept me completely engrossed.
What makes it particularly accessible is Melinda Mullet's writing. It’s clear and concise, refreshingly free of the technical crime scene jargon that can bog down the genre. This clean prose allows the compelling characters to shine—a diverse and distinct cast that feels like a genuine community of real people.
This is a wonderfully engaging novel that kept me completely engrossed.
August 26, 2025
With its unique setting and ensemble effort to solve a murder, this mystery is a winning series debut!
The Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder by veteran author Melinda Mullet is a wonderful traditional mystery, and with its unique setting and characters’ ensemble effort to solve a murder, absolving one of their own of the crime, makes for a winning series debut. Ghostwriter Maeve Gardner is deep into writing book forty-three in the old-school Simon Hill detective series, originally penned by author Harlan Oaks, who, though caught in the throes of early-onset dementia, was still a big moneymaker for his publishing house. While Maeve longs for the day when she’ll be free to write her own novel, her current circumstances require her to defer to Simon Hill’s adventures for now.
After the breakup of a long-term relationship, Maeve moved onto a houseboat and became part of the unique floating community of Regent’s Canal. When Maeve and her dog, Captain Jack, discover a large cache of money hidden at their mooring, she heads off to the nearest station to inform the local police of her find. But when she and the police return to the boat, the money is gone and the body of her ex is floating off the Revenge’s stern. Maeve suddenly finds herself suspect number one in his death.The story unfolds from multiple points of view, including Maeve’s and a couple of her nearest waterside neighbors, who have her back every step of the way. I loved their teamwork as they tried to clear Maeve’s name by finding the real killer. While Maeve has some idea of how her fictional detective would conduct an investigation, the others must all venture out of their comfort zones, be it physically or mentally, to help their friend, and some commit to extreme measures to do so. The author does a fabulous job building these characters’ deep, heartfelt friendships, and the results fairly radiate off the page, making this a group of friends you’d want to know in real life.
As the police are set on Maeve as their perpetrator, it is up to her and her friends to discover the truth. I enjoyed how they divvied up their investigatory tasks and met up later to compare notes. Their inquiries into the dead man’s life lead them in a number of directions and introduce some additional characters whom I feel may reappear in future cases. Mac “The Machine” Toliver, in particular, still has a lot of story left to tell. Gradually, a picture of what really happened begins to form, and the story’s climax is absolutely gripping.I recommend A GHOSTWRITER’S GUIDE TO MURDER to readers of traditional mysteries, especially fans of Anthony Horowitz and Richard Osman.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
July 31, 2025
WOW !!! A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet was so fun to read !!
In A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder readers are introduced to main character Maeve Gardner, her loveable dog Captain and a group of people who become true friends when she finds she needs their help and they deliver !!
Maeve lives on a houseboat and writes about murders for a long standing Simon Hills mystery series. Little did she know that she was going to become the main suspect in a real life murder !!! Maeve catches Captain biting into a rubber tire bumper on the dock. When she goes to check it out, she finds money hidden into the hole. She knows it isn't hers so she returns it to it's hiding spot and goes to the police to report it. When she returns with the cops, the money is gone !! And while the police are there, they discover a body floating in the water .... and it turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Gavin.
Maeve hasn't seen Gavin in months since they broke up and he moved on with the woman he cheated on her with. Even though she hated him and what he did she didn't want to have him dead and to die that way. But the police aren't so sure and when the murder weapon is determined to be something on her boat with her fingerprints on it, she is arrested for his murder.
Luckily while Maeve is at the police station her friends, India, Paul, and Ashley decide to do some investigating themselves. Soon each of them has their own line of research going and hopefully one of them will clear Maeve.
Fortunately Maeve is released from jail and can also help with the investigating. She needs to clear her name so she can return to her life of just writing about murders.
I have found that books written with characters living on houseboats is quite fascinating. I am not a boat person and am very claustrophobic so you would never find me doing it but I cannot help but appreciate those that do, even if it is in a story.
Readers will enjoy this book with the author providing viewpoints of the main characters by designating chapters to what they are doing. It allows the reader to see all the different "balls in the air" that this story requires .... and even though Mullet doesn't designate them for Captain, you are provided with little tidbits here and there.
If you cannot tell, I will say it to be sure, I highly recommend grabbing your copy of A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder, a comfy seat and let Mullet entertain you for a spell.
In A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder readers are introduced to main character Maeve Gardner, her loveable dog Captain and a group of people who become true friends when she finds she needs their help and they deliver !!
Maeve lives on a houseboat and writes about murders for a long standing Simon Hills mystery series. Little did she know that she was going to become the main suspect in a real life murder !!! Maeve catches Captain biting into a rubber tire bumper on the dock. When she goes to check it out, she finds money hidden into the hole. She knows it isn't hers so she returns it to it's hiding spot and goes to the police to report it. When she returns with the cops, the money is gone !! And while the police are there, they discover a body floating in the water .... and it turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Gavin.
Maeve hasn't seen Gavin in months since they broke up and he moved on with the woman he cheated on her with. Even though she hated him and what he did she didn't want to have him dead and to die that way. But the police aren't so sure and when the murder weapon is determined to be something on her boat with her fingerprints on it, she is arrested for his murder.
Luckily while Maeve is at the police station her friends, India, Paul, and Ashley decide to do some investigating themselves. Soon each of them has their own line of research going and hopefully one of them will clear Maeve.
Fortunately Maeve is released from jail and can also help with the investigating. She needs to clear her name so she can return to her life of just writing about murders.
I have found that books written with characters living on houseboats is quite fascinating. I am not a boat person and am very claustrophobic so you would never find me doing it but I cannot help but appreciate those that do, even if it is in a story.
Readers will enjoy this book with the author providing viewpoints of the main characters by designating chapters to what they are doing. It allows the reader to see all the different "balls in the air" that this story requires .... and even though Mullet doesn't designate them for Captain, you are provided with little tidbits here and there.
If you cannot tell, I will say it to be sure, I highly recommend grabbing your copy of A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder, a comfy seat and let Mullet entertain you for a spell.
July 11, 2025
Maeve Gardner is a writer, not that anyone would know it even if they have read her recent release. You see, Maeve is the ghostwriter for the PI Simon Hill series originally written by Harlon Oak, who has succumbed to dementia. She spends days writing about sleuthing and sometimes mapping out various murder scenarios including her ex-boyfriend, Gavin. So why wouldn’t she be able to piece together what happened to the $50,000 quid which disappears while Gavin whom she hasn’t seen in weeks is found, floating in the water next to her boat.
This is a great start for a murder mystery that is told from multiple points of view. It starts with Maeve who has a furry sidekick named Captain. Maeve doesn’t live in a typical home, nor does she have typical neighbors. Maeve’s home is a houseboat located in Regent’s Canal which is a real place or waterway in London. I am a fan of real and interesting story locations. She has a Wiccan coven of two, neighbors Rowan and Sage, to one side and Ashley Warren, super techy and somewhat of a recluse on the other side. Next is her friend, the bookstore maven India Davis. Last but not least is pub owner Paul Lane. Paul’s pub, The Anchor, is their go to place to convene in the “nook and cranny” sitting area to visit, or in this case, to compare clues and come up with sleuthing plans.
The story was easy to follow, and the plot built nicely with clues that gave you just enough information. Each of the four friends have unique personalities that really complement each other. India has a caring disposition that puts others at ease, plus she is willing to get inked up in the name of sleuthing. Paul is a great dart player and is willing to do a little covert information gathering with some highly suspect guys who were mates with Gavin. Ash is amazing as an information gatherer not to mention his past experience as a police consultant. I’ve read the “he said she said” POV and the “sleuth vs killer” POV but never a four-musketeer version. It was different and enjoyable.
I certainly hope that this is not a one and done but rather a series starter. There are some unfinished and unanswered questions plus the romance potential. Ms. Mullet did such a good job with her Whisky Business series, which is an excellent cozy, that I could see this one doing just as well.
This is a great start for a murder mystery that is told from multiple points of view. It starts with Maeve who has a furry sidekick named Captain. Maeve doesn’t live in a typical home, nor does she have typical neighbors. Maeve’s home is a houseboat located in Regent’s Canal which is a real place or waterway in London. I am a fan of real and interesting story locations. She has a Wiccan coven of two, neighbors Rowan and Sage, to one side and Ashley Warren, super techy and somewhat of a recluse on the other side. Next is her friend, the bookstore maven India Davis. Last but not least is pub owner Paul Lane. Paul’s pub, The Anchor, is their go to place to convene in the “nook and cranny” sitting area to visit, or in this case, to compare clues and come up with sleuthing plans.
The story was easy to follow, and the plot built nicely with clues that gave you just enough information. Each of the four friends have unique personalities that really complement each other. India has a caring disposition that puts others at ease, plus she is willing to get inked up in the name of sleuthing. Paul is a great dart player and is willing to do a little covert information gathering with some highly suspect guys who were mates with Gavin. Ash is amazing as an information gatherer not to mention his past experience as a police consultant. I’ve read the “he said she said” POV and the “sleuth vs killer” POV but never a four-musketeer version. It was different and enjoyable.
I certainly hope that this is not a one and done but rather a series starter. There are some unfinished and unanswered questions plus the romance potential. Ms. Mullet did such a good job with her Whisky Business series, which is an excellent cozy, that I could see this one doing just as well.
April 29, 2025
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with a cast of quirky British characters, this is the book for you. Maeve is a ghostwriter of a popular crime series, longing to become established as an author under her own name, and living on a houseboat in London following an unpleasant breakup when her canine companion The Captain chews open a tire on her dock which happens to have 50,000 pounds hidden inside it. This seems like it should be a lucky break for Maeve except when she does the right thing and reports her find to the police they return only to find a dead body and Maeve as the prime suspect.
To clear her name, Maeve draws upon her detecting skills from her writing and her trusty crew of friends, Paul, India, Ash, and an unlikely ally in the police department. Of course The Captain plays an important role too. The whole cast of characters were interesting,relatively diverse, and had backstories which rounded them out and made them more than just props in Maeve’s story. The reader sees their perspectives in addition to Maeve’s which moves the plot along well.
The “bad guys” (and gals) in this are also portrayed as complex characters which defy stereotypes and keep the reader guessing about who really is “bad” in the story. I appreciated that the characters showed empathy to morally complex characters.
The criminal plot which was central to the found money and framing of Ma eve was very convoluted and hard to keep track of. I was able to figure out at least the general idea, but it could have worked as a simpler plan. The ghostwriting plot ended up being mostly relevant at the end. While Maeve makes frequent comments along the lines of “what would Simon do” (the fictional detective she writes), there isn’t much about him beyond that so for readers looking for a book within a book story, this is not one of those.
This was a cute book and ideal for readers who enjoy relatively lighthearted mysteries.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion
To clear her name, Maeve draws upon her detecting skills from her writing and her trusty crew of friends, Paul, India, Ash, and an unlikely ally in the police department. Of course The Captain plays an important role too. The whole cast of characters were interesting,relatively diverse, and had backstories which rounded them out and made them more than just props in Maeve’s story. The reader sees their perspectives in addition to Maeve’s which moves the plot along well.
The “bad guys” (and gals) in this are also portrayed as complex characters which defy stereotypes and keep the reader guessing about who really is “bad” in the story. I appreciated that the characters showed empathy to morally complex characters.
The criminal plot which was central to the found money and framing of Ma eve was very convoluted and hard to keep track of. I was able to figure out at least the general idea, but it could have worked as a simpler plan. The ghostwriting plot ended up being mostly relevant at the end. While Maeve makes frequent comments along the lines of “what would Simon do” (the fictional detective she writes), there isn’t much about him beyond that so for readers looking for a book within a book story, this is not one of those.
This was a cute book and ideal for readers who enjoy relatively lighthearted mysteries.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion
August 9, 2025
A GHOSTWRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER by Melinda Mullet
The First Book in a New Series
Maeve Gardner is enjoying life after ditching her cheating boyfriend. Living on a canalboat in London with her dog, Captain Jack, Maeve is the ghostwriter for a long running mystery series. She soon finds herself in a mystery when she tries to stop the Captain from chewing on one of the dock bumpers. Inside Maeve finds cash. A lot of cash. Though tempted, she puts the money back and goes to the local police station to report the found money. Only when the police return to her boat the money is gone...and a body is in the canal...her ex. The police, understaffed and eager to find an easy solution, determine Maeve must be the murderer. Now it's up to Maeve herself and her unique group of quirky friends to solve the crime. Each will play to their own strengths, but will it be enough to save her?
A GHOSTWRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER is a novel about teamwork. When Maeve finds herself in trouble her friends work together to solve the mystery and ultimately save her. It's also a story about friends as family and doing whatever it takes to protect each other. Everyone has unique abilities and together they combine to create a better whole. While Maeve may be at the center of the story, it's truly an ensemble piece. Ash, India, and Paul are just as important, indeed vital, to the story.
One of my favorite characters is Toliver. Is he a bad guy? A good guy? A right ruffian? Needless to say I adore Captain Jack and his stuffed dragon. I also really like Rowan and Sage and wished they had bigger roles. I can see endless possibilities with these two and hope we get to see more of them in future books. I like how Maeve is oblivious to Ash's attraction, consequently his jealousy was a tad annoying. Above all I really enjoyed the depth of all of the characters whether they had major or minor roles.
The mystery was fascinating from found money to murder. I appreciated the grim realities these characters faced as well as the fun-stealing a golden loo?!? And the big ending-positively brilliant!
Capturing the unique canal environs of London A GHOSTWRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER is an absolute delight, an engrossing and intricately plotted mystery filled with strong characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book and can't wait to see what happens next.
The First Book in a New Series
Maeve Gardner is enjoying life after ditching her cheating boyfriend. Living on a canalboat in London with her dog, Captain Jack, Maeve is the ghostwriter for a long running mystery series. She soon finds herself in a mystery when she tries to stop the Captain from chewing on one of the dock bumpers. Inside Maeve finds cash. A lot of cash. Though tempted, she puts the money back and goes to the local police station to report the found money. Only when the police return to her boat the money is gone...and a body is in the canal...her ex. The police, understaffed and eager to find an easy solution, determine Maeve must be the murderer. Now it's up to Maeve herself and her unique group of quirky friends to solve the crime. Each will play to their own strengths, but will it be enough to save her?
A GHOSTWRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER is a novel about teamwork. When Maeve finds herself in trouble her friends work together to solve the mystery and ultimately save her. It's also a story about friends as family and doing whatever it takes to protect each other. Everyone has unique abilities and together they combine to create a better whole. While Maeve may be at the center of the story, it's truly an ensemble piece. Ash, India, and Paul are just as important, indeed vital, to the story.
One of my favorite characters is Toliver. Is he a bad guy? A good guy? A right ruffian? Needless to say I adore Captain Jack and his stuffed dragon. I also really like Rowan and Sage and wished they had bigger roles. I can see endless possibilities with these two and hope we get to see more of them in future books. I like how Maeve is oblivious to Ash's attraction, consequently his jealousy was a tad annoying. Above all I really enjoyed the depth of all of the characters whether they had major or minor roles.
The mystery was fascinating from found money to murder. I appreciated the grim realities these characters faced as well as the fun-stealing a golden loo?!? And the big ending-positively brilliant!
Capturing the unique canal environs of London A GHOSTWRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER is an absolute delight, an engrossing and intricately plotted mystery filled with strong characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book and can't wait to see what happens next.
June 25, 2025
Maeve Gardner is a ghostwriter for the Simon Hills mystery series. Having recently broken up with her cheating ex-boyfriend she’s now living on his houseboat with Captain, her dog.
Maeve has a couple Wiccan’s living on a boat on one side of her and a techy guy named Ash on the other side. The ladies are interesting and are handy with their knowledge of plants and new age products. Maeve knows what to expect with their brownies.
Ash is an ex-cop who worked in the IT area. He secretly has a crush on Maeve.
When Captain starts chewing on a tire bumper on the dock next to Maeve’s boat, she finds a stash of money. She sticks the money back into the tire and goes to report what she has found to the police. Upon her return, they find the money gone and a body floating in the water near her boat.
Maeve becomes the main suspect and it’s up to her and her friends to investigate and catch the real killer. Her other friends are Paul who owns a bar called the Anchor and India. Along with Ash, Paul and India become her investigative team.
As they investigate the victim, it’s difficult to find many enemies. Everyone seemed to like the guy.
I love British mysteries and this one doesn’t disappoint. It was a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down. It is a story about friendships, trust, and sometimes we must dig deeper to really understand people. I loved the setting of this story and look forward to more books in this series. This author has six books at this time in the Whiskey Business Mystery Series. I have linked a few of her books below.
I didn’t guess who the killer was until the characters figured it out for me.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, especially one set in England.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advance reader copy for my honest opinion.
The scheduled release date for this book is: July 29th.
To read all of my reviews - check out my blog at Virginia-Gruver.com Book Love-Book Reviews
Maeve has a couple Wiccan’s living on a boat on one side of her and a techy guy named Ash on the other side. The ladies are interesting and are handy with their knowledge of plants and new age products. Maeve knows what to expect with their brownies.
Ash is an ex-cop who worked in the IT area. He secretly has a crush on Maeve.
When Captain starts chewing on a tire bumper on the dock next to Maeve’s boat, she finds a stash of money. She sticks the money back into the tire and goes to report what she has found to the police. Upon her return, they find the money gone and a body floating in the water near her boat.
Maeve becomes the main suspect and it’s up to her and her friends to investigate and catch the real killer. Her other friends are Paul who owns a bar called the Anchor and India. Along with Ash, Paul and India become her investigative team.
As they investigate the victim, it’s difficult to find many enemies. Everyone seemed to like the guy.
I love British mysteries and this one doesn’t disappoint. It was a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down. It is a story about friendships, trust, and sometimes we must dig deeper to really understand people. I loved the setting of this story and look forward to more books in this series. This author has six books at this time in the Whiskey Business Mystery Series. I have linked a few of her books below.
I didn’t guess who the killer was until the characters figured it out for me.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, especially one set in England.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advance reader copy for my honest opinion.
The scheduled release date for this book is: July 29th.
To read all of my reviews - check out my blog at Virginia-Gruver.com Book Love-Book Reviews
July 21, 2025
I'm totally thrilled with this new-to-me-author discovery (and hopefully a series!) Reads very much like a British crime drama. I am addicted to that genre and listening to the multi-narrated audio book added to that BBC feel. Hannah Curtis, Liam Gerrard, Rhys David and Dédé Davi did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. Love the way their voices seamlessly flowed together to create a stellar listening experience. Highly recommend the audio edition of 'A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder.'
Grittier than a cozy mystery but still contains some of the charm associated with that genre...just edgier. Love the canal boat setting in the middle of London! ( I kept picturing Max's boat from The Chelsea Detectives - see British Crime Drama nerd!) And love Maeve's indomitable team of misfits with eclectic skill sets! India, Paul and Ash have their own backstories and reasons for becoming involved in helping Maeve clear her name because, of course, she becomes a murder suspect.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV storytelling which allowed me to really get to know all four characters. Maeve is definitely the heroine, but the others all play significant roles. Loved the way their friendship gels as the investigation puts them through their paces. And the mystery! Brilliantly executed with plenty of gasp-out-loud moments to keep even the most experienced armchair sleuth on the edge of her seat! I am really hoping this is the first in a series.
Of note: contains some coarse language.
My thanks to Spotify Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
Grittier than a cozy mystery but still contains some of the charm associated with that genre...just edgier. Love the canal boat setting in the middle of London! ( I kept picturing Max's boat from The Chelsea Detectives - see British Crime Drama nerd!) And love Maeve's indomitable team of misfits with eclectic skill sets! India, Paul and Ash have their own backstories and reasons for becoming involved in helping Maeve clear her name because, of course, she becomes a murder suspect.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV storytelling which allowed me to really get to know all four characters. Maeve is definitely the heroine, but the others all play significant roles. Loved the way their friendship gels as the investigation puts them through their paces. And the mystery! Brilliantly executed with plenty of gasp-out-loud moments to keep even the most experienced armchair sleuth on the edge of her seat! I am really hoping this is the first in a series.
Of note: contains some coarse language.
My thanks to Spotify Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
August 2, 2025
Maeve Gardner is a ghostwriter, living on a canal boat, the Writer’s Revenge, on the Thames, working Harlan Oak, an author with early-onset dementia and famous for their Simon Hill mysteries. Captain Jack, her dog discovers £50,000 hidden inside a dock tyre – she reports it to the police; the money goes missing and the only thing found is Maeve’s ex-lover, Gav, face down in the water. From here the story envelops into a classic crime mystery where Maeve is questioned and arrested for murder, and she and her friends become amateur sleuths to solve why Gav was in the water, and where the money was from and ended up. From crime writer to falling canal-first into one, Maeve takes her friends along for the ride, all equally as keen to be a part of the investigation, including her dog.
The multiple POVs were interesting, but there wasn’t a lot of substance from all of the characters. In particular there was always some kind of suggestion that her Wiccan canal neighbours (Sage and Rowan) could have had more to do with the money and murder, but it never eventuated. Each of the other characters – India the bookshop owner, Paul the publican, and Maeve’s other reclusive canal neighbour Ash – seemed to have their own quirks and secrets to throw into the mix. Heir dialogue was more casual which reinforced the care and admiration they all had for Maeve.
This is a relatively cosy mystery that was emphasised by four friends trying their best at solving a deadly mystery. The police were a great balance up against them, sticking to their procedural undertakings quite closely, with the hint of corruption rearing its head now and then.
The multiple POVs were interesting, but there wasn’t a lot of substance from all of the characters. In particular there was always some kind of suggestion that her Wiccan canal neighbours (Sage and Rowan) could have had more to do with the money and murder, but it never eventuated. Each of the other characters – India the bookshop owner, Paul the publican, and Maeve’s other reclusive canal neighbour Ash – seemed to have their own quirks and secrets to throw into the mix. Heir dialogue was more casual which reinforced the care and admiration they all had for Maeve.
This is a relatively cosy mystery that was emphasised by four friends trying their best at solving a deadly mystery. The police were a great balance up against them, sticking to their procedural undertakings quite closely, with the hint of corruption rearing its head now and then.
August 13, 2025
A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet is a well-written cozy mystery with a vivid London backdrop. The amateur sleuth is Maeve Gardner, a ghostwriter who kills people for a living (in books anyway).
Maeve has been plotting ways to kill people on the page for years, but is quite shocked when she gets pulled into a real-life murder mystery after discovering the body of her dodgy ex-boyfriend in London's Regent's Canal where she lives on a houseboat with her dog, Captain Jack.
Maeve looks rather suspicious and becomes suspect number one. Afraid she will be imprisoned for life for a crime she didn't commit, she commits to solving the mystery. Fortunately, she has the help of her found family: bookseller India, ex-cop Ash, and pub owner Paul.
All four characters are delightful and bring a special skill to the story. The setting is also a bit of a character itself. I enjoyed reading about the colorful houseboats and their inhabitants.
The mystery is clever and suspenseful with plenty of good suspects and red herrings. (Fans of Richard Osman's books will likely enjoy this mystery.)
I am really hoping this book turns into a series. I would love to revisit this setting and the cast.
I read an arc of this book (thanks to Net Galley and the publisher Crooked Lane Books) and also got the audio version from my library. I particularly like the audio version since it was read by multiple narrators.
Maeve has been plotting ways to kill people on the page for years, but is quite shocked when she gets pulled into a real-life murder mystery after discovering the body of her dodgy ex-boyfriend in London's Regent's Canal where she lives on a houseboat with her dog, Captain Jack.
Maeve looks rather suspicious and becomes suspect number one. Afraid she will be imprisoned for life for a crime she didn't commit, she commits to solving the mystery. Fortunately, she has the help of her found family: bookseller India, ex-cop Ash, and pub owner Paul.
All four characters are delightful and bring a special skill to the story. The setting is also a bit of a character itself. I enjoyed reading about the colorful houseboats and their inhabitants.
The mystery is clever and suspenseful with plenty of good suspects and red herrings. (Fans of Richard Osman's books will likely enjoy this mystery.)
I am really hoping this book turns into a series. I would love to revisit this setting and the cast.
I read an arc of this book (thanks to Net Galley and the publisher Crooked Lane Books) and also got the audio version from my library. I particularly like the audio version since it was read by multiple narrators.
July 12, 2025
First off, thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet is a wonderfully charming and cleverly plotted mystery that kept me completely engaged throughout. Maeve Gardner, the ghostwriter for a popular detective series, is a fresh and intriguing protagonist. Her life on a colorful houseboat along London’s canals adds a unique and atmospheric backdrop that sets this story apart.
The plot is full of unexpected twists, from a murder mystery unfolding right outside Maeve’s door to the involvement of a cast of memorable characters including a floating bookshop owner, a handsome pub landlord, and a secretive neighbor. Together, they navigate a web of missing money, extortion, and dangerous conspiracies. The story moves at a great pace, balancing cozy mystery vibes with genuine suspense.
I found the characters well-developed and relatable, each bringing something special to the story. The ending was surprising and satisfying, leaving me eager for more adventures with Maeve. Fans of authors like Richard Osman will especially appreciate the clever plotting and warm tone.
Overall, this book is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery thriller with heart, humor, and plenty of twists. I highly recommend it.
A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet is a wonderfully charming and cleverly plotted mystery that kept me completely engaged throughout. Maeve Gardner, the ghostwriter for a popular detective series, is a fresh and intriguing protagonist. Her life on a colorful houseboat along London’s canals adds a unique and atmospheric backdrop that sets this story apart.
The plot is full of unexpected twists, from a murder mystery unfolding right outside Maeve’s door to the involvement of a cast of memorable characters including a floating bookshop owner, a handsome pub landlord, and a secretive neighbor. Together, they navigate a web of missing money, extortion, and dangerous conspiracies. The story moves at a great pace, balancing cozy mystery vibes with genuine suspense.
I found the characters well-developed and relatable, each bringing something special to the story. The ending was surprising and satisfying, leaving me eager for more adventures with Maeve. Fans of authors like Richard Osman will especially appreciate the clever plotting and warm tone.
Overall, this book is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery thriller with heart, humor, and plenty of twists. I highly recommend it.
July 12, 2025
Title: A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder
Author: Melinda Mullett
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Hannah Curtis, Liam Gerrard, Rhys David and Dede Davi
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks and Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Audiobook Pub Date: July 20, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages 320
Maeve Gardner is a ghostwriter, writing the 43rd installment of Harland Oaks’ Simon Hill mysteries. She is bored with it as the stories in this series are all formula driven as well as predictable, so she is unmotivated to write.
However, she suddenly finds herself in a situation that seems like the beginning of a murder mystery,
Her ex-boyfriend is found dead in the water next to her houseboat and she's the prime suspect.
Together with her friends, India, Paul and Ash, and her faithful canine companion, she sets off to prove her innocence.
I love a good audiobook and one with multiple narrators is a +
Additionally I enjoyed reading Melinda Mullett’s Acknowledgements!
Want to thank NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks and Crooked Lane Books for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 20, 2025.
Author: Melinda Mullett
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Hannah Curtis, Liam Gerrard, Rhys David and Dede Davi
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks and Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Audiobook Pub Date: July 20, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages 320
Maeve Gardner is a ghostwriter, writing the 43rd installment of Harland Oaks’ Simon Hill mysteries. She is bored with it as the stories in this series are all formula driven as well as predictable, so she is unmotivated to write.
However, she suddenly finds herself in a situation that seems like the beginning of a murder mystery,
Her ex-boyfriend is found dead in the water next to her houseboat and she's the prime suspect.
Together with her friends, India, Paul and Ash, and her faithful canine companion, she sets off to prove her innocence.
I love a good audiobook and one with multiple narrators is a +
Additionally I enjoyed reading Melinda Mullett’s Acknowledgements!
Want to thank NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks and Crooked Lane Books for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 20, 2025.
July 15, 2025
A set of quirky characters living or working on longboats in the heart of London? No need to say more, count me in! At first I was a bit reticent as the book is marketed as being a cozy mystery, but for me it certainly felt more like a full-on thriller in a world inhabited by drug traders, corrupt builders and promotors, dark web infiltrators, and then of course the mandatory murderer. So I can only say I was pleasantly surprised by the pace and storyline and that comes on top of very well crafted characters. They are lifelike, the dialogue sounds good, the tensions were spot on and life on the canal was rendered perfectly. In a very good way, it reminded me of the early Gamache series by Louise Penny.
I can only imagine that this stand-alone will not stay alone very long and that the characters have been set for a few more installments. I sure will be reading the next one!
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
I can only imagine that this stand-alone will not stay alone very long and that the characters have been set for a few more installments. I sure will be reading the next one!
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2025
Mystery writer Maeve Gardner lives aboard a houseboat with her lovable dog, the Captain. He is a good boy with a nose for trouble and a hankering for snackies. When Maeve’s ex-boyfriend turns up dead in the canal where her home is docked, she suddenly finds herself at the center of a mystery of her own. With Maeve as their prime suspect the police have little interest in pursuing other leads. That leaves Maeve and her eclectic band of besties to figure out the truth and clear her name.
This was a fun book with all the ingredients for a light summer read. The houseboat setting adds some quirky charm. Maeve’s circle of friends-Paul the friendly pub owner, India her best friend and floating bookstore proprietor, the Wicca couple next-door, and her hacker neighbor Ash-pack the story with personality. The mystery is paced just right for a quick vacation read or weekend escape.
While the book didn’t break new ground for me in terms of plot or mystery structure it was still enjoyable and entertaining. I recommend this to readers who appreciate mysteries with a charming setting and lovable cast.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me the ARC.
This was a fun book with all the ingredients for a light summer read. The houseboat setting adds some quirky charm. Maeve’s circle of friends-Paul the friendly pub owner, India her best friend and floating bookstore proprietor, the Wicca couple next-door, and her hacker neighbor Ash-pack the story with personality. The mystery is paced just right for a quick vacation read or weekend escape.
While the book didn’t break new ground for me in terms of plot or mystery structure it was still enjoyable and entertaining. I recommend this to readers who appreciate mysteries with a charming setting and lovable cast.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me the ARC.
July 30, 2025
A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder was a solid mystery story.
This story falls somewhere between a cozy and a gritty murder mystery. On the cozy side, our sleuthers were amateurs, but what made it less cozy was the nature of the crime. This mystery has crime bosses, corruption, and bookies turned shady real estate moguls.
Typically, in a cozy, our amateur sleuther finds them self in danger as they try to solve the case, and while it can be quite tense, it usually isn't anything too graphic. But, in this story, our main character finds herself in deep danger, and it leads to some really heartpouding moments.
The mystery in this story was interesting. There were a few potential suspects. I had an idea of the plot twist at the end, but I wasn't completely sure.
The characters were great. I enjoyed their unlikely friendships and how they pulled together to help solve the mystery.
I would put A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder in the same category as a Richard Osman mystery. Not quite the same wit to it and a little grittier, but it definitely had that same feel.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the advanced digital copy of this book.
This story falls somewhere between a cozy and a gritty murder mystery. On the cozy side, our sleuthers were amateurs, but what made it less cozy was the nature of the crime. This mystery has crime bosses, corruption, and bookies turned shady real estate moguls.
Typically, in a cozy, our amateur sleuther finds them self in danger as they try to solve the case, and while it can be quite tense, it usually isn't anything too graphic. But, in this story, our main character finds herself in deep danger, and it leads to some really heartpouding moments.
The mystery in this story was interesting. There were a few potential suspects. I had an idea of the plot twist at the end, but I wasn't completely sure.
The characters were great. I enjoyed their unlikely friendships and how they pulled together to help solve the mystery.
I would put A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder in the same category as a Richard Osman mystery. Not quite the same wit to it and a little grittier, but it definitely had that same feel.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the advanced digital copy of this book.
May 2, 2025
This is a fast-paced cozy mystery with an original premise— a mystery writer finds herself embroiled in the real thing.
Maeve is a mystery ghostwriter for a series of best selling mysteries. She has a good life living in a houseboat on the canals of London with her dog, Captain, surrounded by good friends, imagining murder mysteries and perhaps, one day, becoming a published writer in her own right. When her former boyfriend Gavin’s body is found floating by her boat, Maeve is charged with his murder.
She has a colorful array of friends who are determined to investigate the murder to clear her. In addition, there is a group of, perhaps, more questionable characters who are Gavin’s friends and darts buddies who get involved solving the death of their friend.
It was a fast read and if you enjoy a lighter cozy mystery that focuses as much on relationships as the crime, I’d recommend it.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Maeve is a mystery ghostwriter for a series of best selling mysteries. She has a good life living in a houseboat on the canals of London with her dog, Captain, surrounded by good friends, imagining murder mysteries and perhaps, one day, becoming a published writer in her own right. When her former boyfriend Gavin’s body is found floating by her boat, Maeve is charged with his murder.
She has a colorful array of friends who are determined to investigate the murder to clear her. In addition, there is a group of, perhaps, more questionable characters who are Gavin’s friends and darts buddies who get involved solving the death of their friend.
It was a fast read and if you enjoy a lighter cozy mystery that focuses as much on relationships as the crime, I’d recommend it.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
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