Author : Karen Dukess
Genre : Heartfelt Adventure & Cozy Mystery
My rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Brief :
In this charming and heartfelt novel by the author of The Last Book Party hailed as a “bittersweet pageturner” by The New York Times, an American woman embarks on an unexpected journey to the English countryside after discovering tickets her late mother had purchased for a quirky murder mystery simulation.
34 year old Cath has always kept her life in Buffalo, New York, quiet and predictable, in stark contrast to the impulsive, thrill-seeking adventures of her largely absent mother. When her mother passes away, Cath feels a mix of emotions but little surprise, until she stumbles upon tickets for “Murder Week,” an elaborate, town wide fake murder mystery event in England’s picturesque Peak District. Curious about her mother’s mysterious purchase, Cath decides to go on the trip herself, setting in motion a journey she never expected.
During her stay, Cath teams up with her two quirky cottage mates: Wyatt Green, a disillusioned forty year old working at his husband’s birding shop, and Amity Clark, a fifty year old romance novelist grappling with writer’s block and a recent divorce. Together, the trio dives headfirst into the staged mystery, but along the way, Cath begins to uncover startling truths about her mother’s past. Amid the intrigue, she also finds herself drawn to a charming local gin maker, sparking a romance that may hold deeper significance.
As the week unfolds, Cath and her newfound friends discover that this playful murder and the secrets it unearths offer much more than escapism, they bring clarity, closure, and the courage to confront their own crossroads. Witty, insightful, and irresistibly entertaining, Welcome to Murder Week is a fresh take on the murder mystery genre and a moving exploration of one woman’s journey through grief, self-discovery, and the thrill of embracing life’s unexpected adventures.
My opinion :
Grab your hot chocolate, wrap yourself in your coziest quilt, and dive into Welcome to Murder Week by @KarenDukess, a delightfully clever and heartwarming novel that redefines the cozy mystery genre. This unique “fake” murder mystery blends suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments into an irresistible pageturner that’s perfect for the holiday season.
The story follows Cath, a reserved and routine loving 34 year old from Buffalo, who discovers tickets to an upcoming “Murder Week” event in England’s Peak District while sorting through her late mother’s belongings. Intrigued by this unexpected remnant of her mother’s thrill-seeking nature, Cath takes the leap and embarks on an adventure of her own. What unfolds is not just a staged mystery designed to attract tourists to a charming British town but also a deeply personal journey of self discovery.
Cath’s time in the Peak is enriched by her two quirky cottage mates: Wyatt Green, the witty and discontented husband of a birding store owner, and Amity Clark, a divorced romance writer searching for inspiration. These two instantly became some of my favorite characters, especially Wyatt, whose humor and vulnerability add so much depth to the story. Together, the trio immerses themselves in solving the fake crime, and the result is a series of twists and turns that are as clever as they are emotionally resonant.
Beyond the staged mystery, Cath’s journey becomes a pathway to understanding her mother’s choices and rediscovering her own capacity for adventure. Amid the clever sleuthing and suspense, there’s also a swoon-worthy romantic subplot with a handsome local gin maker that adds another layer of charm to the story. The emotional beats are just as captivating as the mysteries themselves, and I found myself deeply invested in both threads of the story.
What really stood out to me were the “aha” moments sprinkled throughout the book. Dukess’s writing ensures that every reveal feels satisfying, even as the story takes unexpected turns. However, if I had one small critique, it’s that the climactic moment where the trio pieces everything together felt a bit rushed. That said, Wyatt’s witty narration and Cath’s growth as a character more than made up for it.
This book is so much more than a mystery: it’s a touching exploration of grief, self discovery, and the power of stepping out of your comfort zone. With its charming cast, emotional depth, and fresh twist on the murder mystery genre, Welcome to Murder Week is all at once witty, comforting, and wildly entertaining. Whether you’re looking for suspense, heartfelt moments, or a dash of humor, this novel has it all and I couldn’t recommend it more for a cozy holiday read!
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