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Suddenly a Murder
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2023)Seven friends throw a 1920s-themed party, where it's all pretend--until one of them is murdered. One of Us Is Lying meets Knives Out in this killer locked-room mystery.
Someone brought a knife to the party.
To celebrate the end of high school, Izzy Morales joins her ride-or-die Kassidy and five friends on a 1920s-themed getaway at the glamorous Ashwood Manor. There, Izzy and her friends party in vintage dresses and expensive diamonds--until Kassidy's boyfriend turns up dead.
Murdered, investigators declare when they arrive at the scene, and now every party guest is a suspect. There's the girlfriend, in love. The other girl, in despair. The old friend, forlorn. The new friend, distressed. The brooding enigma. And then, there's Izzy--the girl who brought the knife.
To find the killer, everyone must undergo a grueling interrogation, all while locked in an estate where, suddenly, the greatest luxury is innocence.
Someone brought a knife to the party.
To celebrate the end of high school, Izzy Morales joins her ride-or-die Kassidy and five friends on a 1920s-themed getaway at the glamorous Ashwood Manor. There, Izzy and her friends party in vintage dresses and expensive diamonds--until Kassidy's boyfriend turns up dead.
Murdered, investigators declare when they arrive at the scene, and now every party guest is a suspect. There's the girlfriend, in love. The other girl, in despair. The old friend, forlorn. The new friend, distressed. The brooding enigma. And then, there's Izzy--the girl who brought the knife.
To find the killer, everyone must undergo a grueling interrogation, all while locked in an estate where, suddenly, the greatest luxury is innocence.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2023
About the author
Lauren Muñoz
2 books243 followersLauren Muñoz is a writer, lawyer, and former teacher living in Southern California. She received her J.D. from Northwestern University in Chicago, where she frequently skipped class to commune with her sun lamp. When she's not reading, she can be found knitting, crocheting, and collecting recipes for things she'll never bake. Suddenly a Murder is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,360 reviews
October 29, 2024
Suddenly a Murder is a fun and engaging YA Mystery from debut author, Lauren Muñoz.
As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to pick it up. The setting is a 1920s-theme party that ends in murder...on an island! This was screaming Classic Mystery feel to me, and that's something I have soooo been into this year.
This story follows a group of teens who have just graduated from high school. Before they go their separate ways, their queen bee, Kassidy, plans an OTT-all expenses paid, 1920s-themed week at the lavish, Ashwood Manor, set on Sparrow Island, off the coast of Maine.
Frankly, if that alone doesn't grab you, I don't know what else to say.
I suppose I should give you a little more though. So, basically, Kassidy is the organizer of the entire weekend.
She's super wealthy and is footing the bill for the entire event. Not only does this include the rental of the extravagant, and completely secluded island property, but it also includes all the 1920s-themed wardrobes and accoutrements for the guests.
All is going well, I mean except for the occasional teen drama, or spat, obviously to be expected, until the very unexpected happens.
Before dinner one night, Kassidy's boyfriend, Blaine, is discovered dead in his room. Desperate and afraid, the teens call the authorities, who make it just in time, before a ferocious storm stops ferry travel to-and-from the island.
Murder, they say. But can that possibly be true? Who of the group of friends could possibly commit murder, and why?
Y'all, this was a fantastic set-up by Muñoz. I love how she brought that classic feel we all know and love, whilst seamlessly making it modern and engaging enough for the next generation of Mystery Readers.
I was pulled in right from the very start, as our group of characters is making their way out to the island. We begin to learn a bit about each of the guests for the week, as well the relationships and history they have amongst themselves.
Isadora, Izzy, is our main character that we come to know and love, or at least I did, over the course of the story. She is a bit of an outsider with this group, even though Kassidy is her tried-and-true best friend.
Izzy's Mom is a teacher at the prestigious academy from which the teens just graduated. Izzy was able to attend due to scholarship, unlike all of her other friends, whose parents could more than afford the pricey tuition.
Because of this, and other experiences, Izzy provides a bit of a different insight into the events than the other teens.
There are some hints dropped in this one where I was like, could this be the answer? But honestly, I didn't figure this one out until about 80% of the way through, and even then, I didn't figure it all out. Some aspects I still needed the characters to fill in the blanks for me.
I thought this was a ton a fun. I feel like Muñoz plotted the murder mystery aspects so well, while also including some more heavy-hitting topics for consideration.
In my opinion. the story overall was really well balanced and it definitely kept me engaged throughout.
I definitely recommend this to any Reader who enjoys a YA Mystery/Thriller with well-developed characters, lush atmosphere and rich people behaving badly. Bonus points if you enjoy reading about private school students and drama.
Thank you so much to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I had a ton of fun with this and cannot wait to read more from this author!!
As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to pick it up. The setting is a 1920s-theme party that ends in murder...on an island! This was screaming Classic Mystery feel to me, and that's something I have soooo been into this year.
This story follows a group of teens who have just graduated from high school. Before they go their separate ways, their queen bee, Kassidy, plans an OTT-all expenses paid, 1920s-themed week at the lavish, Ashwood Manor, set on Sparrow Island, off the coast of Maine.
Frankly, if that alone doesn't grab you, I don't know what else to say.
I suppose I should give you a little more though. So, basically, Kassidy is the organizer of the entire weekend.
She's super wealthy and is footing the bill for the entire event. Not only does this include the rental of the extravagant, and completely secluded island property, but it also includes all the 1920s-themed wardrobes and accoutrements for the guests.
All is going well, I mean except for the occasional teen drama, or spat, obviously to be expected, until the very unexpected happens.
Before dinner one night, Kassidy's boyfriend, Blaine, is discovered dead in his room. Desperate and afraid, the teens call the authorities, who make it just in time, before a ferocious storm stops ferry travel to-and-from the island.
Murder, they say. But can that possibly be true? Who of the group of friends could possibly commit murder, and why?
Y'all, this was a fantastic set-up by Muñoz. I love how she brought that classic feel we all know and love, whilst seamlessly making it modern and engaging enough for the next generation of Mystery Readers.
I was pulled in right from the very start, as our group of characters is making their way out to the island. We begin to learn a bit about each of the guests for the week, as well the relationships and history they have amongst themselves.
Isadora, Izzy, is our main character that we come to know and love, or at least I did, over the course of the story. She is a bit of an outsider with this group, even though Kassidy is her tried-and-true best friend.
Izzy's Mom is a teacher at the prestigious academy from which the teens just graduated. Izzy was able to attend due to scholarship, unlike all of her other friends, whose parents could more than afford the pricey tuition.
Because of this, and other experiences, Izzy provides a bit of a different insight into the events than the other teens.
There are some hints dropped in this one where I was like, could this be the answer? But honestly, I didn't figure this one out until about 80% of the way through, and even then, I didn't figure it all out. Some aspects I still needed the characters to fill in the blanks for me.
I thought this was a ton a fun. I feel like Muñoz plotted the murder mystery aspects so well, while also including some more heavy-hitting topics for consideration.
In my opinion. the story overall was really well balanced and it definitely kept me engaged throughout.
I definitely recommend this to any Reader who enjoys a YA Mystery/Thriller with well-developed characters, lush atmosphere and rich people behaving badly. Bonus points if you enjoy reading about private school students and drama.
Thank you so much to the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I had a ton of fun with this and cannot wait to read more from this author!!
January 16, 2024
i keep finding myself thinking back to specific parts of this book i can't get it out of my head
December 1, 2023
This was a difficult one to rate. I'm going with to go with a 3.5
Suddenly a Murder is debut YA thriller/mystery that primarily follows the narrative of Isadora Morales as she heads out on a trip with other friends to celebrate graduating high school. They decide to spend time at the famous manor while completely immersing themselves in a 1920s theme. While there, Blaine, the boyfriend of Izzy's best friend, is murdered. As the characters go through intensive questioning by the police, readers are left trying to figure out who could have killed him when they all had a motive to do so.
What Worked: The writing is extremely accessible which made it an easy book to get through. I also enjoyed the 1920s theme mixed in with an atmosphere that felt like a mix of Agatha Christie and the game Clue. The reveals were actually quite shocking. Munoz did an excellent job having me believe that certain relationships existed between characters when nothing really did. It took me a while to figure out how the dots of the story connected together and who could have murdered Blaine. I appreciated the cultural and social commentary that Munoz mixed in with Izzy's storyline. It's needed and definitely mirrors the comments made by Munoz in a Publisher's Weekly interview. Munoz also made a creative decision with the writing that initially threw me off, but slowly became something that I appreciated. There are sections of the book that take place in the present and others that take place in the past. When readers work through those different sections, they'll notice that the point of view changes. The present is written in first person and the past is written in third person. It was an adjustment in the beginning, but I LOVED how this creative decision pulls the reader in and out of the story, creating a feeling of both distance and closeness as one progresses through the narrative.
What Didn't Work: I struggled with one part of the reveal and how a minor was held accountable for actions that should have been shouldered by the adult. I think that the reaction was out of anger and wanting to hold Blaine responsible for his actions; however, I think that it came off a little as victim-blaming which isn't, in my opinion, the view of the author, but a distraught character trying to process the issues caused by Blaine. I get the intent, but it reads a strangely in some ways.
Overall, this was a solid read. I'm looking forward to seeing what Munoz writes in the future. It's nice to see a new, diverse voice writing thrillers/mysteries for a young adult audience.
Suddenly a Murder is debut YA thriller/mystery that primarily follows the narrative of Isadora Morales as she heads out on a trip with other friends to celebrate graduating high school. They decide to spend time at the famous manor while completely immersing themselves in a 1920s theme. While there, Blaine, the boyfriend of Izzy's best friend, is murdered. As the characters go through intensive questioning by the police, readers are left trying to figure out who could have killed him when they all had a motive to do so.
What Worked: The writing is extremely accessible which made it an easy book to get through. I also enjoyed the 1920s theme mixed in with an atmosphere that felt like a mix of Agatha Christie and the game Clue. The reveals were actually quite shocking. Munoz did an excellent job having me believe that certain relationships existed between characters when nothing really did. It took me a while to figure out how the dots of the story connected together and who could have murdered Blaine. I appreciated the cultural and social commentary that Munoz mixed in with Izzy's storyline. It's needed and definitely mirrors the comments made by Munoz in a Publisher's Weekly interview. Munoz also made a creative decision with the writing that initially threw me off, but slowly became something that I appreciated. There are sections of the book that take place in the present and others that take place in the past. When readers work through those different sections, they'll notice that the point of view changes. The present is written in first person and the past is written in third person. It was an adjustment in the beginning, but I LOVED how this creative decision pulls the reader in and out of the story, creating a feeling of both distance and closeness as one progresses through the narrative.
What Didn't Work: I struggled with one part of the reveal and how a minor was held accountable for actions that should have been shouldered by the adult. I think that the reaction was out of anger and wanting to hold Blaine responsible for his actions; however, I think that it came off a little as victim-blaming which isn't, in my opinion, the view of the author, but a distraught character trying to process the issues caused by Blaine. I get the intent, but it reads a strangely in some ways.
Overall, this was a solid read. I'm looking forward to seeing what Munoz writes in the future. It's nice to see a new, diverse voice writing thrillers/mysteries for a young adult audience.
December 22, 2023
i can’t lie i was pretty disappointed with this one 😭 I MEAN IT WASN’T BAD BUT IT WASN’T GOOD EITHER??? the characters were so lame and the romance was AWFUL like i didn’t feel anything it was so pathetic
THE PLOT TWIST AT THE END WAS ACTUALLY KINDA GOOD B U T it doesn’t make up for the rest of the story 💔 i see the idea behind this but it just wasn’t executed properly i’m sorry 😭 it wasn’t as thrilling as i would’ve liked it to be ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
THE PLOT TWIST AT THE END WAS ACTUALLY KINDA GOOD B U T it doesn’t make up for the rest of the story 💔 i see the idea behind this but it just wasn’t executed properly i’m sorry 😭 it wasn’t as thrilling as i would’ve liked it to be ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
September 9, 2023
I have to admit I was a little surprised to discover this book is a debut. Going for a well written locked room mystery for a debut is bold, but clearly a smart decision because this mystery was well done. I do have to say it is a bit of a slow burn mystery with more adolescent drama than action. I thought the twists were well done even if they weren’t so twisty I didn’t have a good idea what was coming. Izzy and her best friend Kassidy have always loved old movies. As a graduation present and a final hurrah Kassidy rents out a house about to become a museum that was featured in one of their favorite movies for a 1920’s themed week long party with her best friend Izzy, her boyfriend Blaine and several of their friends. Armed with authentic costumes and period activities and lacking cell phones the teens discover there are some unresolved issues between them but all of that stops mattering and matters more than ever when Blaine is discovered dead.
August 22, 2023
Look, the book isn't terrible and has very visible plot potential but it felt so dry and boring. I get why people would (and do) enjoy it, unfortunately it's just not my jam.
Besides the second quarter, a personal connection to the story was missing. The engagement wasn't there for me. The switches in POV styles between the past (third person) and present (first person) chapters were odd. It made the flow of the story a little more disjointed and feel as if written by a different writer. The many mentions of rich kid purchases became overdone rather quickly. Like we get it, they come from generations of wealthy families and have heirlooms while Izzy is poor. Enough.
I'm gonna be honest and say that I didn't even care for the main character, Izzy. She's supposed to be smart and going to Brown but a lot of her actions and logic skills made no sense. Her subplots, especially in the last quarter, just seemed thrown in even with the 'build up' to the reveals. I lost count how many times she said some variation of "If___ finds out what I did…" 😑
The way in which Izzy gathers information and clues fell short the further I read. I'll explain the best way I can without spoiling...It can be described as if you were with a group of friends about to do an escape room. Instead of actually searching for clues to solve how to get out, the employees that run the whole game just hands everybody a printed list of where exactly every clue and exit is located. It takes away the intrigue from the mystery.
The second quarter is hands down the best part of the whole book. I couldn't take a single character serious in the whole book but at least in this section, the writing and dialogue is snappy, engaging and intriguing. Things getting messy (the good kind) and fun. It had my attention and didn't lose focus not even once. I thought it was a sign that the rest of the story will continue to be smooth sailing after how dull the first quarter but wrong! We were back to everyone and everything being boring. Y'all, I was hoodwinked. Bamboozled.
Each Quarter:
1st: boring
2nd: intriguing
3rd: boring
4th: unfulfilling
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing a copy for an honest review.
February 5, 2024
You really need to suspend your disbelief BIG TIME for this YA Thriller
Seven friends ✔️
1920s-themed party ✔️
One of them is murdered ✔️
Locked-room mystery ✔️
When I read the blurb for this book, I was so eager to get my hands on it as it had some of my favourite tropes! m&rder, rich people behaving unhinged, secrets, isolated settings with a 'whodunnit'.
This took me a while to get into because of the format. The writing style went back and forth with first person narration to third person. I found myself having to go back to a chapter to figure out if the person who was narrating was actually still... NARRATING! Because of this clunky set up, it took away my enjoyment from the reading in the beginning to be honest.
The friendship group are all unlikeable in my opinion and I didn't find myself rooting for anyone. Again because of this I didn't care who the culprit was... even though i knew who it was because it was very predictable.
With this being a YA book, I'm trying not to criticize too much some of the discrepancies found in this book that probably wouldn't dare take place in an non YA book, but it was hard to ignore. 😂
➼ The detective investigation portions of the book was downright appalling and super unrealistic.
➼ The blasé attitude of the friends after one of the members of the group has been k!lled was
producing so many eye roll moments from myself and the fact that most of them are well off rich
kids, why is no one asking for a Lawyer please!?
➼ The constant flashbacks were infuriating and the fact they wasn't in order was so random and confusing.
➼ The reveals in some parts were anticlimactic and that ending... dramatic much?
After I finally accustomed myself to the format of the book, I did find it entertaining. The atmospheric setting was felt which I really enjoyed and it did display a Clue-esque vibe which I think someone who is starting their thriller journey would really like. The social commentary was captured and presented well for a YA book so I loved that.
All in all I am very picky with my ratings when it comes to YA so I would take my ratings for them with a grain of salt. But kudos to the author for her debut novel, and if she changes the format with her writing style I would not be opposed to reading another of her books.
Seven friends ✔️
1920s-themed party ✔️
One of them is murdered ✔️
Locked-room mystery ✔️
When I read the blurb for this book, I was so eager to get my hands on it as it had some of my favourite tropes! m&rder, rich people behaving unhinged, secrets, isolated settings with a 'whodunnit'.
This took me a while to get into because of the format. The writing style went back and forth with first person narration to third person. I found myself having to go back to a chapter to figure out if the person who was narrating was actually still... NARRATING! Because of this clunky set up, it took away my enjoyment from the reading in the beginning to be honest.
The friendship group are all unlikeable in my opinion and I didn't find myself rooting for anyone. Again because of this I didn't care who the culprit was... even though i knew who it was because it was very predictable.
With this being a YA book, I'm trying not to criticize too much some of the discrepancies found in this book that probably wouldn't dare take place in an non YA book, but it was hard to ignore. 😂
➼ The detective investigation portions of the book was downright appalling and super unrealistic.
➼ The blasé attitude of the friends after one of the members of the group has been k!lled was
producing so many eye roll moments from myself and the fact that most of them are well off rich
kids, why is no one asking for a Lawyer please!?
➼ The constant flashbacks were infuriating and the fact they wasn't in order was so random and confusing.
➼ The reveals in some parts were anticlimactic and that ending... dramatic much?
After I finally accustomed myself to the format of the book, I did find it entertaining. The atmospheric setting was felt which I really enjoyed and it did display a Clue-esque vibe which I think someone who is starting their thriller journey would really like. The social commentary was captured and presented well for a YA book so I loved that.
All in all I am very picky with my ratings when it comes to YA so I would take my ratings for them with a grain of salt. But kudos to the author for her debut novel, and if she changes the format with her writing style I would not be opposed to reading another of her books.
August 20, 2023
Thank you so much to Putnam Lauren Munoz for this book that comes out September 5. It’s about a group of high school seniors that go to an old mansion to enjoy a 1920s murder mystery weekend. They leave their cell phones behind to be immersed in the fashion and culture, but this becomes a problem when one of the guests is found stabbed to death. Kassidy wanted to throw a fun weekend for her best friend Izzy, but when Kassidy’s boyfriend turns up dead, the weekend takes a dark turn.
Investigators arrive and everyone is a suspect. There is the girlfriend, the other woman, the old friend, the new friend, a brooding guest, and the one who brought a knife. Each one has their history with the victim, but there is only one who is guilty of murder.
Thoughts: This book was not what I thought at all. Hearing about the rich teens was fun and I loved the idea of a 1920s murder mystery weekend. The characters were a lot of fun and easy to follow and invest in. I usually don’t love YA but this was a lot of fun. The beginning was so confusing, because all the characters seemed the same, but eventually I figured out who was who.
I thought the ending was a little too convenient and all the things that came together were much too easy. There were almost too many connections and things that happened to work out, but that's typical of YA so I was okay with it. In the end it was a fun story that was easy to read, and I gave it 4 stars.
Investigators arrive and everyone is a suspect. There is the girlfriend, the other woman, the old friend, the new friend, a brooding guest, and the one who brought a knife. Each one has their history with the victim, but there is only one who is guilty of murder.
Thoughts: This book was not what I thought at all. Hearing about the rich teens was fun and I loved the idea of a 1920s murder mystery weekend. The characters were a lot of fun and easy to follow and invest in. I usually don’t love YA but this was a lot of fun. The beginning was so confusing, because all the characters seemed the same, but eventually I figured out who was who.
I thought the ending was a little too convenient and all the things that came together were much too easy. There were almost too many connections and things that happened to work out, but that's typical of YA so I was okay with it. In the end it was a fun story that was easy to read, and I gave it 4 stars.
November 28, 2023
This book was an excellent read! The cover is beautiful, and just makes you want to crack it open, start reading, and never put it down again! The plot is what will really draws you in. It’s the end of senior year and this group of friends wants to have one last night of fun before they all go their separate ways. So why not do that in a mysterious mansion located on its own private island, complete with Rolls-Royces and jewlery/costumes from the roaring 1920s. The friends even leave their technology at home for the fullest experience. Suddenly a murder occurs! (Hence where this great title comes from). Anyone could have done it- at least they all have a motive. Two detectives are brought in to question the young adults and figure out who the killer is and why they murdered one of their friends. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy Agatha Christie style mystery!
October 16, 2023
Izzy gets to attend a fancy prep school for privileged high schoolers because her Mom teaches there.
But…
Little did she know, that the end of year 1920’s style party thrown on an island by her friend Kassidy, would turn into something sinister, ending in murder.
This is a story about a group of students with hidden secrets and tensions. Will that be reason enough to want the person dead?
All have motive, the detectives are called in with a raging storm as a back drop.
Suspects are on lockdown on the island.
Will the truth be discovered in Agatha Christie style before readers figure it out?
Each chapter provides readers with a touch of past and present. Giving insights into everyone.
The story includes…
A complicated and compelling cast of characters that feel believable and relatable.
There will also be some family moral issues to address.
A clever and captivating YA novel that works for adults, as well.
September 5, 2023
Young adult mysteries are the best. Truly, have you ever met a more chaotic group than hormonal teenagers without parental supervision?
Izzy Morales and her friend group are determined to have a memorable high school graduation trip. What could be more memorable than a 1920s themed week away on an island? Without any parental supervision, tensions start to run high between the seven friends, boiling over when one of them is murdered. Without a way off the island, the teenager’s lies and secrets are revealed one by one.
The YA mystery genre has let me down this year, but this book has restored my faith. Nothing quite beats reading about a crew of barely legal adults all drunk on illegal alcohol and hormones. Every character was very messy and complicated, with thought-out backstories. We have dual timelines, so we are reading about the teens lying to the detectives while also learning what actually happened.
I love the locked-room setting. They are all stuck in this old mansion on an island. No cellphones, only a landline which eventually gets knocked out when the storms come through. It was fun to try to price together who would have had the time to commit the murder, without managing to be caught in the small setting.
I had such a fun time reading this. Mystery, intrigue, dirty secrets, and complicated relationships, all complete with 1920 flapper dresses. What else could I want??
Go pick this one up, you won’t regret it. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for the advance copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Izzy Morales and her friend group are determined to have a memorable high school graduation trip. What could be more memorable than a 1920s themed week away on an island? Without any parental supervision, tensions start to run high between the seven friends, boiling over when one of them is murdered. Without a way off the island, the teenager’s lies and secrets are revealed one by one.
The YA mystery genre has let me down this year, but this book has restored my faith. Nothing quite beats reading about a crew of barely legal adults all drunk on illegal alcohol and hormones. Every character was very messy and complicated, with thought-out backstories. We have dual timelines, so we are reading about the teens lying to the detectives while also learning what actually happened.
I love the locked-room setting. They are all stuck in this old mansion on an island. No cellphones, only a landline which eventually gets knocked out when the storms come through. It was fun to try to price together who would have had the time to commit the murder, without managing to be caught in the small setting.
I had such a fun time reading this. Mystery, intrigue, dirty secrets, and complicated relationships, all complete with 1920 flapper dresses. What else could I want??
Go pick this one up, you won’t regret it. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for the advance copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 22, 2023
I received a PR copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Insta Book Tours.
Suddenly A Murder is a modern-day murder mystery with a 1920s twist. Izzy (Isadole) and Kassidy are best friends who love a 1920s movie filmed at Ashwood Manor. Izzy is stunned and excited to learn that for graduation, Kassidy has booked the whole Manor for a whole week - the catch being they and their other 5 friends have to give up their modern day belongings for a whole week (no mobiles, modern clothing etc) and live a 20s themed life. Although some of the group are reluctant at first, they soon warm to the theme. When tensions start to run high and a body is found, suspicions fall on who the killer is. Many have a motive, but who is the actual killer. This was a great YA mystery, which I devoured in two days. The twists and turns are so cleverly woven, and the ending was satisfying and conclusive. The book flicks between Izzys POV now and others POV on the months running up to the getaway, giving a great stepping stone to keep you guessing as to who did it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
Suddenly A Murder is a modern-day murder mystery with a 1920s twist. Izzy (Isadole) and Kassidy are best friends who love a 1920s movie filmed at Ashwood Manor. Izzy is stunned and excited to learn that for graduation, Kassidy has booked the whole Manor for a whole week - the catch being they and their other 5 friends have to give up their modern day belongings for a whole week (no mobiles, modern clothing etc) and live a 20s themed life. Although some of the group are reluctant at first, they soon warm to the theme. When tensions start to run high and a body is found, suspicions fall on who the killer is. Many have a motive, but who is the actual killer. This was a great YA mystery, which I devoured in two days. The twists and turns are so cleverly woven, and the ending was satisfying and conclusive. The book flicks between Izzys POV now and others POV on the months running up to the getaway, giving a great stepping stone to keep you guessing as to who did it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
October 5, 2023
I just read this book in 5 days and omg it was an amazing debut! I got since this book for me to read and review but all thoughts and opions are my own. But once again thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an e-arc & a finished copy months/weeks in advance. Let's begin shall we?
So we follow our 2 main character name Kassadiy and Isadole (short for Izzy). They are two best friends in high school getting ready to graduate! Kassady deciedes she wants to take izzy and six of her friends to this famous mansion that one of thier favorite movie from the 1920's and so they had to wear/lose their cellphones so they can fit the theme.
I would describe this book as One of us is lying meets Gets Out! The reason why is because everyone is lying when one of them ends up dead, and by one of them I mean Izzy's friend Blaine! I didn't see the twist and turns coming, I had a hard time putting the book down when I got to the halfway mark. To be fair though the two different timelines were a bit confusing to me but it was nice that the author had a heading to let us know what timeline we are in...
I was shocked at the end becauase chapter 40 hit me in my feels because I had multiple ppl with cancer so I was totally crying in my weekly vlog I was making. I won't say who or why for spoilers but look up content warnings and just enjoy the ride! 4/5 stars!
So we follow our 2 main character name Kassadiy and Isadole (short for Izzy). They are two best friends in high school getting ready to graduate! Kassady deciedes she wants to take izzy and six of her friends to this famous mansion that one of thier favorite movie from the 1920's and so they had to wear/lose their cellphones so they can fit the theme.
I would describe this book as One of us is lying meets Gets Out! The reason why is because everyone is lying when one of them ends up dead, and by one of them I mean Izzy's friend Blaine! I didn't see the twist and turns coming, I had a hard time putting the book down when I got to the halfway mark. To be fair though the two different timelines were a bit confusing to me but it was nice that the author had a heading to let us know what timeline we are in...
I was shocked at the end becauase chapter 40 hit me in my feels because I had multiple ppl with cancer so I was totally crying in my weekly vlog I was making. I won't say who or why for spoilers but look up content warnings and just enjoy the ride! 4/5 stars!
October 9, 2023
Not gonna lie this was me but for the entire book: https://youtu.be/xaqdK6JPpcg?si=1qSlE...
Thanks to PRHaudio for an ALC! All opinions are honest and my own.
Thanks to PRHaudio for an ALC! All opinions are honest and my own.
September 15, 2023
This is the stupidest whodunit I've ever read.
The detectives are an absolutely inaccurate and ridiculous portrayal of any sane detective in the real world. Yes, this is a YA novel, so I don't expect this aspect to be perfectly done, but . . . my . . . god . . .
The two idiot detectives barely spend any time interviewing these murder suspects. They ask one question each speed round of "interrogations" and dismiss each kid right when it seems they're about to say something important. They do not separate the murder suspects from each other. They do not take any actions to prevent these kids from talking to each other and altering each other's stories. They do not read anyone their rights. They keep these kids at the location of the murder of their friend and do not attempt to keep them away from the crime scene. At any time, any one of them could walk right into Blaine's bedroom and contaminate evidence.
And the kids . . . Dear god, the stupidity of these kids knows no bounds.
These are rich kids! One of them has a lawyer for a mother, has had experience with law enforcement officers before, and still not one of them asks for a lawyer! Are you seriously telling me these rich kids were not taught by their rich parents - especially the rich lawyer parent! - to always, always ask for a lawyer!?
Whenever someone mentions that maybe they shouldn't be talking to the detectives, the detectives tell them it'll look bad for them if they don't. And in no uncertain terms tell them they have no problem leaking incriminating details of the murder to the press in order to make the kids look bad. So these dumbass detectives have essentially ensured that anything these kids say can not be admissible in court!
At one point I wanted the murderer to confess because it wouldn't have even mattered! Their confession would be thrown out as evidence at this point!
And not one of these kids is likable. I didn't understand the weird as fuck romance that was going on. None of it made any sense in general, but what was worse is that apparently being secluded at the location of your friend's murder is the ideal place to kindle this so-called romance?!?!
And the so-called "plot twist". . .
Ridiculous. I rolled my eyes when I read it.
It was obvious who the murderer was, too. I knew not even 40% into this.
This novel was infuriating.
The detectives are an absolutely inaccurate and ridiculous portrayal of any sane detective in the real world. Yes, this is a YA novel, so I don't expect this aspect to be perfectly done, but . . . my . . . god . . .
The two idiot detectives barely spend any time interviewing these murder suspects. They ask one question each speed round of "interrogations" and dismiss each kid right when it seems they're about to say something important. They do not separate the murder suspects from each other. They do not take any actions to prevent these kids from talking to each other and altering each other's stories. They do not read anyone their rights. They keep these kids at the location of the murder of their friend and do not attempt to keep them away from the crime scene. At any time, any one of them could walk right into Blaine's bedroom and contaminate evidence.
And the kids . . . Dear god, the stupidity of these kids knows no bounds.
These are rich kids! One of them has a lawyer for a mother, has had experience with law enforcement officers before, and still not one of them asks for a lawyer! Are you seriously telling me these rich kids were not taught by their rich parents - especially the rich lawyer parent! - to always, always ask for a lawyer!?
Whenever someone mentions that maybe they shouldn't be talking to the detectives, the detectives tell them it'll look bad for them if they don't. And in no uncertain terms tell them they have no problem leaking incriminating details of the murder to the press in order to make the kids look bad. So these dumbass detectives have essentially ensured that anything these kids say can not be admissible in court!
At one point I wanted the murderer to confess because it wouldn't have even mattered! Their confession would be thrown out as evidence at this point!
And not one of these kids is likable. I didn't understand the weird as fuck romance that was going on. None of it made any sense in general, but what was worse is that apparently being secluded at the location of your friend's murder is the ideal place to kindle this so-called romance?!?!
And the so-called "plot twist". . .
Ridiculous. I rolled my eyes when I read it.
It was obvious who the murderer was, too. I knew not even 40% into this.
This novel was infuriating.
April 21, 2023
RATING: 4/5 STARS
I have been voraciously reading YA mysteries and thrillers lately, and how can I not, when they are as soapy, bloodthirsty, and surprising as SUDDENLY A MURDER? A group of 7 graduating high school seniors celebrate with a 1920s-themed getaway on a secluded island in a swanky mansion. Catty tension comes to a peak when the not-so-beloved golden boy of the group is found dead. I thought I had the mystery pegged until the last pages when I was thrown for a loop. This book did feel geared to a younger audience in its character interactions and motives, but that did not impede my enjoyment. Brava to Lauren Muñoz for this champagne-fizzy escape of a book.
A sincere thanks to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for providing an advanced reading copy of this book.
Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram
I have been voraciously reading YA mysteries and thrillers lately, and how can I not, when they are as soapy, bloodthirsty, and surprising as SUDDENLY A MURDER? A group of 7 graduating high school seniors celebrate with a 1920s-themed getaway on a secluded island in a swanky mansion. Catty tension comes to a peak when the not-so-beloved golden boy of the group is found dead. I thought I had the mystery pegged until the last pages when I was thrown for a loop. This book did feel geared to a younger audience in its character interactions and motives, but that did not impede my enjoyment. Brava to Lauren Muñoz for this champagne-fizzy escape of a book.
A sincere thanks to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for providing an advanced reading copy of this book.
Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram
August 14, 2023
5⭐️
Thank you so much to Lauren Muñoz, Penguin Group, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Without a doubt, this book deserves every bit of the five-star rating I’m giving it. It satisfied all of my wants when it comes to a mystery: confusion, drama, multiple suspects, etc. This was like playing the game Clue by reading it instead. I was trying to figure out who did it, with what item(s), and what their motive was. The most embarrassing part for me was that I truly believed I had it all figured out, but I was thrown for a loop. Boy, was I wrong! However, that individual did something small that played a big part in the overall puzzle. I literally flew through the last 30% of this book, just wanting to know how it all was going to play out in the end. I cannot wait to read more by this author; I am just overall pleasantly surprised.
In celebration of graduating from high school, Izzy (Isadora), her best friend Kassidy, and five other friends head to Ashwood Manor for a week. The theme is the 1920s, and everything that wasn’t available during that time period is shipped back home. They truly will have an authentic final experience together before they head off to start their futures, or so it seemed.
Tensions were already high, but they hit their breaking point when Kassidy’s boyfriend is murdered. Everyone has a motive, and everyone had the opportunity. Investigators arrive on the scene, and the students soon begin many grueling interrogations. Underneath the surface, everyone has a reason for why the so-called "golden boy" just wasn’t so golden after all. The even crazier thing is that one investigator is secretly connected to one of the students. Trapped at the manor for multiple days after the murder due to a storm, the house becomes unsettled as the stories are put together and the murderer is discovered.
Thank you so much to Lauren Muñoz, Penguin Group, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Without a doubt, this book deserves every bit of the five-star rating I’m giving it. It satisfied all of my wants when it comes to a mystery: confusion, drama, multiple suspects, etc. This was like playing the game Clue by reading it instead. I was trying to figure out who did it, with what item(s), and what their motive was. The most embarrassing part for me was that I truly believed I had it all figured out, but I was thrown for a loop. Boy, was I wrong! However, that individual did something small that played a big part in the overall puzzle. I literally flew through the last 30% of this book, just wanting to know how it all was going to play out in the end. I cannot wait to read more by this author; I am just overall pleasantly surprised.
In celebration of graduating from high school, Izzy (Isadora), her best friend Kassidy, and five other friends head to Ashwood Manor for a week. The theme is the 1920s, and everything that wasn’t available during that time period is shipped back home. They truly will have an authentic final experience together before they head off to start their futures, or so it seemed.
Tensions were already high, but they hit their breaking point when Kassidy’s boyfriend is murdered. Everyone has a motive, and everyone had the opportunity. Investigators arrive on the scene, and the students soon begin many grueling interrogations. Underneath the surface, everyone has a reason for why the so-called "golden boy" just wasn’t so golden after all. The even crazier thing is that one investigator is secretly connected to one of the students. Trapped at the manor for multiple days after the murder due to a storm, the house becomes unsettled as the stories are put together and the murderer is discovered.
September 22, 2024
Okay, ich bin Fan! Aufgrund der Bewertungen, waren meine Erwartungen recht durchschnittlich, aber holy, war die Geschichte toll!
Zu allererst: Ich liebe die 20er Jahre als Setting und bin sehr verliebt in die Krimis von Agatha Christie. "Suddenly a Murder" war für mich DIE Mischung aus "Und dann gabs keines mehr" und "Das Böse unter der Sonne". Alle Charaktere laufen 24/7 in Kostümen der 20er Jahre herum, essen typische Gerichte der Zeit und Technologie ist verboten, wodurch es sich absolut echt anfühlt.
Die Geschichte wird immer wieder unterbrochen mit Kapiteln aus der Vergangenheit, die so richtig dem amerikanischen Klischee mit Hauspartys, Romanzen und Skandalen entsprechen. Dadurch entstand ein toller Kontrast! In der Vergangenheit lernt man vor allem die Charkatere gut kennen und versteht, welchen Balast sie mit auf die Insel bringen.
Der Mordfall auf der Insel ist dann wieder ganz krimilike mit einem verschrobenen Polizist, einer exzentrischen Detektivin und vielen, vielen Geheimnissen. Aufbau und Struktur haben mich hier sehr an ein Krimidinner erinnert. Wer hatte ein Motiv, die Gelegenheit und die Möglichkeit für einen Mord?
Wenn ihr Fans der oben genannten Sachen seid, wird "Suddenly a Murder" diese absolut erfüllen!
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Eigentlich bin ich nicht im Zitatekosmos unterwegs, aber diesen Satz habe ich mir fett markiert: „Du schmeckt wie meine allerliebste Erinnerung.“ Dieser steht völlig im Kontrast zur Geschichte, aber ist einfach zu schön.
Zu allererst: Ich liebe die 20er Jahre als Setting und bin sehr verliebt in die Krimis von Agatha Christie. "Suddenly a Murder" war für mich DIE Mischung aus "Und dann gabs keines mehr" und "Das Böse unter der Sonne". Alle Charaktere laufen 24/7 in Kostümen der 20er Jahre herum, essen typische Gerichte der Zeit und Technologie ist verboten, wodurch es sich absolut echt anfühlt.
Die Geschichte wird immer wieder unterbrochen mit Kapiteln aus der Vergangenheit, die so richtig dem amerikanischen Klischee mit Hauspartys, Romanzen und Skandalen entsprechen. Dadurch entstand ein toller Kontrast! In der Vergangenheit lernt man vor allem die Charkatere gut kennen und versteht, welchen Balast sie mit auf die Insel bringen.
Der Mordfall auf der Insel ist dann wieder ganz krimilike mit einem verschrobenen Polizist, einer exzentrischen Detektivin und vielen, vielen Geheimnissen. Aufbau und Struktur haben mich hier sehr an ein Krimidinner erinnert. Wer hatte ein Motiv, die Gelegenheit und die Möglichkeit für einen Mord?
Wenn ihr Fans der oben genannten Sachen seid, wird "Suddenly a Murder" diese absolut erfüllen!
------------
Eigentlich bin ich nicht im Zitatekosmos unterwegs, aber diesen Satz habe ich mir fett markiert: „Du schmeckt wie meine allerliebste Erinnerung.“ Dieser steht völlig im Kontrast zur Geschichte, aber ist einfach zu schön.
August 21, 2023
Part Clue. Part Hollywood glamour.
This was such a fun and well-rounded locked room mystery that's reminiscent of a YA Agatha Christie. There's lots of conflict and motive within the friend group, there's quirky characters, there's misdirection at every turn. Add a beautiful isolated setting and a 1920s themed party, and this story was a real winner.
The ending was a touch rushed, and maybe unbelievable, but there was such a haunting elegance to it that I loved it despite its flaws.
If your a fan of locked room mysteries, YA thrillers, and/or 1920s Hollywood, give this one a read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun and well-rounded locked room mystery that's reminiscent of a YA Agatha Christie. There's lots of conflict and motive within the friend group, there's quirky characters, there's misdirection at every turn. Add a beautiful isolated setting and a 1920s themed party, and this story was a real winner.
The ending was a touch rushed, and maybe unbelievable, but there was such a haunting elegance to it that I loved it despite its flaws.
If your a fan of locked room mysteries, YA thrillers, and/or 1920s Hollywood, give this one a read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
Addictively atmospheric, with vibes of And Then There Were None, Suddenly a Murder has the quiet, classic murder mystery feel I don’t often come across in YA but thoroughly enjoyed.
It dives into the lives and minds of multiple suspects, whilst keeping its readers guessing ‘whodunnit’ until the end and whilst my hunch about the perpetrator was correct, I felt smug for guessing, rather than disappointed, as Lauren Muñoz took me on such a wild and tense journey to get to that point.
While there was one element of the ending that I wasn’t all that fond of and would have liked for it to have had a little more exploration (although it definitely took me by surprise), this was an ultimately throughly enjoyable read and one of the few YA mysteries to not disappoint me in a while.
It dives into the lives and minds of multiple suspects, whilst keeping its readers guessing ‘whodunnit’ until the end and whilst my hunch about the perpetrator was correct, I felt smug for guessing, rather than disappointed, as Lauren Muñoz took me on such a wild and tense journey to get to that point.
While there was one element of the ending that I wasn’t all that fond of and would have liked for it to have had a little more exploration (although it definitely took me by surprise), this was an ultimately throughly enjoyable read and one of the few YA mysteries to not disappoint me in a while.
September 12, 2023
I'm used to YA murder mysteries being the zany teen girl detective and an obvious culprit, so this story was so refreshing, bringing us a group of teens who all had motive and could have committed the murder, and my favourite trope - a eccentric consulting detective duo, brought in to try and solve the murder.
I had no clue who committed the murder. In fact, it was nearly impossible to because every single person around Blaine had solid motive for doing in, and that made it really fun. We got to see different events from the perspective of different members of the group, and while I was able to rule a couple of people out, I needed one final piece of the puzzle that was revealed at the end to solve it.
Spoilers for the end, but I won't reveal who the killer was:
And this is where the story took a weird turn. Because a major reveal was that Blaine was groomed by his teacher. But the story did not word it like that. In fact, the story pretty much made it out like Blaine was at fault for choosing, somehow, at 17, to cheat on his girlfriend with his teacher and it almost felt like the story felt he deserved his death because of that?
The rest of the story was very very good. But this left a sour taste in my mouth, and it's taken me a couple of days to try and work out how to rate and review this story after that.
I had no clue who committed the murder. In fact, it was nearly impossible to because every single person around Blaine had solid motive for doing in, and that made it really fun. We got to see different events from the perspective of different members of the group, and while I was able to rule a couple of people out, I needed one final piece of the puzzle that was revealed at the end to solve it.
Spoilers for the end, but I won't reveal who the killer was:
And this is where the story took a weird turn. Because a major reveal was that Blaine was groomed by his teacher. But the story did not word it like that. In fact, the story pretty much made it out like Blaine was at fault for choosing, somehow, at 17, to cheat on his girlfriend with his teacher and it almost felt like the story felt he deserved his death because of that?
The rest of the story was very very good. But this left a sour taste in my mouth, and it's taken me a couple of days to try and work out how to rate and review this story after that.
March 20, 2023
Glitz, lies and broken hearts make a deadly combo in this locked room mystery.
When a group of wealthy teens, plus Isobel, sail to a remote island for a 1920's murder mystery in a historic mansion, no one expects them to not all survive.
Kassidy, the wealthy birthday girl, masterminded the weekend, inviting a group of friends and foes. The group includes her boyfriend, Blaine, who's cheated on Kassidy with at least two other guests; his best friend, the insufferable Fergus; Ellison, the hot rowing star; Marlowe, a quiet reader who's on the edge of their social group as a non-partier; Chloe, who only got an invite because Kassidy's dad is working on a business deal with her family; and Izzy, Kassidy's best friend who can only afford to attend their wealthy prep school because her mom's a teacher there.
When Blaine turns up dead, nearly everyone has a reason to resent him. Two detectives arrive to solve the case just as an epic storm comes in, trapping them all on the island.
This murder mystery has great twists and turns, as many of the guests arrived with less-than-clear motives. As one detective says, "It would make it so much easier if the innocent ones stopped lying their asses off."
For most of the novel, the reader sees from Isobel's point of view, as the privileged teens around her try to avoid looking guilty. Isobel also spies on others' interviews from a secret passage, giving the reader a great view of everyone's motives and what they are and are not willing to share.
Everything comes to an explosive ending as the storm reaches its crescendo, making this an atmospheric, moody mystery to remember.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When a group of wealthy teens, plus Isobel, sail to a remote island for a 1920's murder mystery in a historic mansion, no one expects them to not all survive.
Kassidy, the wealthy birthday girl, masterminded the weekend, inviting a group of friends and foes. The group includes her boyfriend, Blaine, who's cheated on Kassidy with at least two other guests; his best friend, the insufferable Fergus; Ellison, the hot rowing star; Marlowe, a quiet reader who's on the edge of their social group as a non-partier; Chloe, who only got an invite because Kassidy's dad is working on a business deal with her family; and Izzy, Kassidy's best friend who can only afford to attend their wealthy prep school because her mom's a teacher there.
When Blaine turns up dead, nearly everyone has a reason to resent him. Two detectives arrive to solve the case just as an epic storm comes in, trapping them all on the island.
This murder mystery has great twists and turns, as many of the guests arrived with less-than-clear motives. As one detective says, "It would make it so much easier if the innocent ones stopped lying their asses off."
For most of the novel, the reader sees from Isobel's point of view, as the privileged teens around her try to avoid looking guilty. Isobel also spies on others' interviews from a secret passage, giving the reader a great view of everyone's motives and what they are and are not willing to share.
Everything comes to an explosive ending as the storm reaches its crescendo, making this an atmospheric, moody mystery to remember.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2023
A super fun story! 7 friends are on a small island celebrating a birthday in a 1920's themed party when there is a murder! Suddenly everyone is at risk and everyone is a suspect..
Izzy is being feted by her very rich best friend. As a scholarship student at her school, she is more than thankful for Kassidy's friendship -she relies on it. She is super excited for this birthday/graduation gift and looks forward to a week of fun and frolicking. Almost immediately a murder transpires. Police descend upon the scene and being a series of interrogations Can Izzy get to the bottom of this mystery before the murderer kills again?
This is a locked room murder mystery based on an island with great descriptions of fashion food and drink related to the roaring 20's. If you love locked room, the roaring 20's or just another vacation gone wrong tale, Suddenly A Murder is for you!
#Penguin #SuddenlyA Murder #LaurenMunoz
Izzy is being feted by her very rich best friend. As a scholarship student at her school, she is more than thankful for Kassidy's friendship -she relies on it. She is super excited for this birthday/graduation gift and looks forward to a week of fun and frolicking. Almost immediately a murder transpires. Police descend upon the scene and being a series of interrogations Can Izzy get to the bottom of this mystery before the murderer kills again?
This is a locked room murder mystery based on an island with great descriptions of fashion food and drink related to the roaring 20's. If you love locked room, the roaring 20's or just another vacation gone wrong tale, Suddenly A Murder is for you!
#Penguin #SuddenlyA Murder #LaurenMunoz
September 16, 2023
2.5*
!!brief review but i might edit later!!
- for a murder mystery, there was zero time spent ‘searching for clues’ and a whole bunch of time spent sitting around and eavesdropping which makes for very boring reading :/
- wasn't really a fan of the constant switching between first person pov (izzy) in the present to the third person flashback chapters
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!!brief review but i might edit later!!
- for a murder mystery, there was zero time spent ‘searching for clues’ and a whole bunch of time spent sitting around and eavesdropping which makes for very boring reading :/
- wasn't really a fan of the constant switching between first person pov (izzy) in the present to the third person flashback chapters
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May 7, 2024
Confusing
-rtc.
-rtc.
October 3, 2024
3.5 (I think)
This is what happens when you give a girl obsessed with the 1920’s a trust fund and access to an island.
At first I thought about DNF when I started listening. It seemed to be another poor kid is adopted by rich kids that treat them like trash murder mystery. BUT surprisingly the rich best friend is actually three-dimensional and a great friend??? REFRESHING SHE YELLED!!!
It’s still a pretty typical YA murder mystery but in a comforting compelling way. The author actually left clues for the reader to pick up that I felt weren’t too obvious. When I guessed some mysteries right it made me feel like Nancy Drew! The reveals felt earned and not like they came from no where or were right in your face.
This is what happens when you give a girl obsessed with the 1920’s a trust fund and access to an island.
At first I thought about DNF when I started listening. It seemed to be another poor kid is adopted by rich kids that treat them like trash murder mystery. BUT surprisingly the rich best friend is actually three-dimensional and a great friend??? REFRESHING SHE YELLED!!!
It’s still a pretty typical YA murder mystery but in a comforting compelling way. The author actually left clues for the reader to pick up that I felt weren’t too obvious. When I guessed some mysteries right it made me feel like Nancy Drew! The reveals felt earned and not like they came from no where or were right in your face.
May 22, 2023
1920’s themed murder mystery? Sign me up! I loved the premise of this story and there was an immediate draw to follow the drama and secrets of a bunch of graduates who may have murder on their mind…
As a graduation celebration, Kassidy arranged a 1920’s getaway to Ashwood manor. All mod cons are banned and for a whole week, the 7 of them will be forced to endure the company. And you can bet, there are many hidden secrets, years of angst, anger and resentment bubbling to the surface.
I love books like these and this one was fab. It was so entertaining and incredibly easy to settle down with. He pages dwindled incredibly fast and I seemed to finish it in a blink of an eye. There was enough mystery and intrigue to keep you invested, I loved the twists and turns and the ending was executed brilliantly. A great read!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
As a graduation celebration, Kassidy arranged a 1920’s getaway to Ashwood manor. All mod cons are banned and for a whole week, the 7 of them will be forced to endure the company. And you can bet, there are many hidden secrets, years of angst, anger and resentment bubbling to the surface.
I love books like these and this one was fab. It was so entertaining and incredibly easy to settle down with. He pages dwindled incredibly fast and I seemed to finish it in a blink of an eye. There was enough mystery and intrigue to keep you invested, I loved the twists and turns and the ending was executed brilliantly. A great read!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
December 19, 2023
It took me a while to get into Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz, and for a minute I wasn't even sure if I would like it at all. However, as I kept reading and got further into the book, things turned around and I ended up liking it an awful lot! I enjoyed the different time jumps spread throughout, as well as the various viewpoints, and through these elements, we ended up getting a great picture of the different friends and their relationships with each other. Muñoz did a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing, and I thought I knew right away who the killer was, but I was dead wrong.
The estate was practically a character in itself, and I loved that it had a secret passageway that Izzy took full advantage of to do some spying. I thought that Diana Bustelo did an excellent job with the audiobook, although it would have been nice to have more than one narrator for the many viewpoints. Be that as it may, I especially loved her as the voice of Izzy whose POV is the one we are in the most. Suddenly a Murder is a solid debut novel that has a couple of twists along the way, and I loved that it had some focus on friends and family as well as the mystery of the whodunnit. One part made me tear up a bit too! I will definitely be waiting for whatever Muñoz writes next.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The estate was practically a character in itself, and I loved that it had a secret passageway that Izzy took full advantage of to do some spying. I thought that Diana Bustelo did an excellent job with the audiobook, although it would have been nice to have more than one narrator for the many viewpoints. Be that as it may, I especially loved her as the voice of Izzy whose POV is the one we are in the most. Suddenly a Murder is a solid debut novel that has a couple of twists along the way, and I loved that it had some focus on friends and family as well as the mystery of the whodunnit. One part made me tear up a bit too! I will definitely be waiting for whatever Muñoz writes next.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 12, 2024
3.5⭐️
Sooo it took me so long to read this book because of school but if it wasn’t for that i would’ve binged it and i think i would’ve appreciated it more. BUT i wasn’t a bad read , just a little predictable and unoriginal. One thing i really liked were the characters, they were a little clique but also so interesting. Don’t even get me started with Marlowe. I don’t care about the others. He’s the one.He’s the perfect man. HE HAD ME GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET NONSTOP. i’m not even exaggerating.
“you taste like my favorite memories” did it for me.
Also he and Isabel were so cute it was almost annoying. the best thing in the whole book fr.
Ok now that i talked enough about Marlowe , the others characters were okay. Kassidy was definitely my fav. i found her so interesting, i kinda wish she was the main character, she deserved so much more than Blaine. i hated Blaine, obviously.
Fegus was so funny i love him , they don��t deserve him . Chloe and Ellison were okay, more or less. Isabel was .. there. i don’t know if i liked her.
The plot twist at the end , about who the murderer was, was pretty obvious.. but the other thing OMG I CRIED, WHY DID IT NEED TO HAPPEN?!?! i cannot accept this ending . I need an epilogue .
Overall i recommend this book for a quick and fun read , full of drama, but it wasn’t a life-changing book.
Sooo it took me so long to read this book because of school but if it wasn’t for that i would’ve binged it and i think i would’ve appreciated it more. BUT i wasn’t a bad read , just a little predictable and unoriginal. One thing i really liked were the characters, they were a little clique but also so interesting. Don’t even get me started with Marlowe. I don’t care about the others. He’s the one.He’s the perfect man. HE HAD ME GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET NONSTOP. i’m not even exaggerating.
“you taste like my favorite memories” did it for me.
Also he and Isabel were so cute it was almost annoying. the best thing in the whole book fr.
Ok now that i talked enough about Marlowe , the others characters were okay. Kassidy was definitely my fav. i found her so interesting, i kinda wish she was the main character, she deserved so much more than Blaine. i hated Blaine, obviously.
Fegus was so funny i love him , they don��t deserve him . Chloe and Ellison were okay, more or less. Isabel was .. there. i don’t know if i liked her.
The plot twist at the end , about who the murderer was, was pretty obvious.. but the other thing OMG I CRIED, WHY DID IT NEED TO HAPPEN?!?! i cannot accept this ending . I need an epilogue .
Overall i recommend this book for a quick and fun read , full of drama, but it wasn’t a life-changing book.
September 5, 2023
This book kept me guessing the entire time.
My brain was convinced it was one person but was also thoroughly confused because surely it could not be that simple. Of course, it wasn’t.
The characters were all interesting and, for an ensemble cast, decently fleshed out.
Essentially, this story had a little bit of everything. Friendship, romance, betrayal, mystery, and murder. It was a delightful cocktail, and I’d be interested in checking out any of the author’s future work.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing me with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My brain was convinced it was one person but was also thoroughly confused because surely it could not be that simple. Of course, it wasn’t.
The characters were all interesting and, for an ensemble cast, decently fleshed out.
Essentially, this story had a little bit of everything. Friendship, romance, betrayal, mystery, and murder. It was a delightful cocktail, and I’d be interested in checking out any of the author’s future work.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing me with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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