Narrated by Amanda Ronconi, A Cute Little Murder by Molly Harper delivered a mystery thriller on a remote island that reunites childhood friends and exposes secrets.
by Molly Harper
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Length: 10 hours and 53 minutes
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
She used to be the sidekick. Now she might be the only one who can survive.
As teens, Harlow Drake and Lainey Piper built an online fandom solving small-town crimes. Harlow was the star, Lainey the behind-the-scenes genius (and often, Harlow’s scapegoat). Years later, Harlow’s hosting a hit true crime tv show. Lainey? She’s working in forensics. Well, forensic accounting . . . from home. In pajamas. With her cat.
But when Harlow faces significant backlash over fumbling a case, she needs a quick win—like a special investigation into the decades-old disappearance of a starlet from a once-glamorous, now decrepit island hotel. The catch? It’s bankrolled by Deke and Bryce of DBag Games, who are looking to shed their “frat bro” reputations. As long-time fans, they have one requirement for their Lainey has to play the sidekick again.
Lainey is wary, but the offer is a lifeline in a sea of unpaid student loans. After reaching the Crossings Hotel, she realizes she’s not content to be Harlow’s helper anymore. As the cold case heats up, a crew member falls over dead, presenting Harlow and Lainey with a more modern what secrets does this hotel hide within its walls?
With sabotage, hidden staircases, and a killer in their midst, Lainey steps into the spotlight and takes charge of the investigation. It’s up to her to crack the case—as long as she can stay alive.
As teens, Harlow Drake and Lainey Piper had an online podcast solving small-town mysteries. Harlow was the face of the podcast, and Lainey her sidekick and behind-the-scenes sleuth. After the fallout of their most famous case, the two went their separate ways. Harlow now hosts a television series solving mysteries, and Lainey works as a forensic accountant.
After some adverse publicity and a botched case, Harlow needs a win. When her production company reaches out to Lainey, asking her to join Harlow in a special investigation. They will look into the decades-old disappearance of a starlet from a once-glamorous, now decrepit island hotel. Her first instinct is to turn it down, but recent financial decisions make the offer too good to pass up.
The tale that unfolded delivered a cozy mystery with snark, danger, and murder. I loved getting the details on the podcast the girls had as teens and learning about the fallout. As we get to know Harlow and Lainey, we realize two things. Lainey is brilliant and a pushover who doesn’t like drama, and Harlow, well, Harlow is a bitch.
The mystery is curious and takes us back to the 1920s and Prohibition. The old hotel has been sold to Deke and Bryce of DBag Games, and these two are bankrolling the show. Harper gave us a colorful cast of characters, from those in the production company to guests who had reservations they refused to cancel. All of which provided plenty of suspects for the current murders as we dug into the past.
Character growth, a little comeuppance, and a romance added to the story as the group searched for clues. Twists, red-herrings and clever sleuthing provided an entertaining listen. Secondary characters added humor and mystery, which enhanced the overall story.
Amanda Ronconi narrates and did a splendid job of capturing both Lainey and Harlow’s personalities as she set the tone for the story.
If you love a good cozy mystery, you’ll want to grab A Cute Little Murder.
About Molly Harper
Molly Harper worked for six years as a reporter and humor columnist for The Paducah Sun. Her reporting duties included covering courts, school board meetings, quilt shows, and once, the arrest of a Florida man who faked his suicide by shark attack and spent the next few months tossing pies at a local pizzeria. Molly lives in western Kentucky with her family.
About Amanda Ronconi
Amanda is a 2020 Audie Award Nominee and Earphones-Award-winning narrator who has recorded over 150 audiobooks including AUDIBLE’S BEST ROMANCE OF THE YEAR (2017) and AUDIBLE’S BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE OF THE YEAR (2018). She has performed in theaters around New York City and regionally, as well as in commercials. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mark
Glad to hear you enjoyed this one since I just pre-ordered the physical copy.
Mary Kirkland
These characters sound interesting.
I’ve been MIA after my fall but I’m trying to get back a little bit and catch up on what I missed. The whole story will be on my Sunday post, hope to see you there.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I enjoy this author / narrator duo but I haven’t read hers lately.
Katherine
Adding to my TBR. This looks so fun! I love the Molly Harper books I’ve read and the premise definitely catches my attention. I have a few audio credits and this is going on the list. Author and narrator are a good combination.