Bestselling mystery writer Kate Valentine finds herself in a nightmare scenario: attending her editor’s wedding weekend retreat (who also happens to be her ex-fiancé), where her surprise plus-one is Jake Hawkins—the ridiculously hot Australian adventurer and her biggest romantic regret. As if awkward ex-drama wasn’t enough, the bride is poisoned, a murder shakes the secluded island, Kate becomes the prime suspect, and there’s even a cougar on the loose. Now, Kate and Jake must solve the crime, clear her name, and maybe figure out their messy romantic history—all in just two chaotic days.
I went into this book with no expectations and had the best time. Jenny Elder Moke delivers a seamless blend of laugh-out-loud humor, edge-of-your-seat mystery, and swoony romance. Kate’s attempts to channel Loretta Starling, the heroine of her own mystery novels, are hilarious as she tries to crack the case while being called everything from Jessica Fletcher to Nancy Drew to Veronica Mars by the less-than-welcoming wedding guests. Jake, meanwhile, knows exactly how to push Kate’s buttons, especially when teasing her about the love interest in her books being inspired by him. The bride’s wealthy, secretive family adds layers of intrigue, with stolen gems, hidden passages, and high-stakes inheritances creating nonstop drama. And, yes, there’s only one bed.
🎧 On the Audiobook: Narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen, this audiobook is nothing short of phenomenal. Her ability to completely embody Jake’s Aussie charm, Kate’s exasperation, and the wild and wacky cast of eccentric characters made me double-check if it was a duet or full-cast performance. It’s pitch-perfect humor amidst murder and mayhem—an absolutely stellar narration that elevates an already fantastic story.
This book is a must-read (or must-listen) for anyone who loves a good mystery-romance combo with a heavy dose of humor. Add it to your list and thank me later!
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
Book Smart Kate 