Wow! Just Wow! Those words pretty much sum up how I felt after reading this book!

I was fortunate enough to be able to read and review the first book in this series. I am happy to say that the author has added even more interest to her second book in this series! There's lots of action to be enjoyed by readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

The second book in a promising series, this book was full of surprises and odd characters. Highly entertaining. Excited to see what's next for Lyla and the crew!

Another book by Kate Young where the murderer was not obvious from the beginning, and since the plot was based on Agatha Christie's Crooked House, oddly, it all made sense.

As each character spends their time in the spotlight, it is up to Lyla Moody to slowly remove who it could not be, only to leave the reader with the possible. With a last-minute twist, and only one remaining left-field character, you are left scratching your head and wondering why it couldn’t be …… all the clues were there from the beginning.

Reading Between the Crimes by Kate Young is the 2nd A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Lyla Moody finds herself helping Harper Richardson after her husband is murdered in Moody’s home during a charity soiree. Reading Between the Crimes has a convoluted mystery. There are a handful of suspects in this strange whodunit. There is a cliché tough guy detective (Detective Battle) who does not believe Lyla’s story (of course). The reveal was action packed and filled with tension. I was left with numerous unanswered questions at the end of the book. I would have liked a better wrap-up. I like how the mystery tied into the Jane Doe Book Club’s current selection of Crooked House. I wish Lyla and the ladies had compared the current murder to the one in the book (gone into detail). Agatha Christie fans will enjoy this story. I love Lyla’s grandmother, Daisy. She is a hoot and my favorite character in the book. I would love a cozy with her as the protagonist. There is a great deal of repetition of murder related details, and I did not appreciate the foul language. From the summary of the book, I was anticipating a spooky Halloween themed cozy. There are references to the October pub crawl, but Halloween seemed to have fallen through the cracks. I was surprised by Lyla’s sleuthing skills. As a private investigator, I expected her be different than an amateur sleuth. I expected her to dig deep to uncover information especially about the victims past. I thought she would be more curious especially when it appeared there was a tie-in to her own mother. While I liked the beginning, I had trouble completing Reading Between the Crimes. Reading Between the Crimes is a literary themed cozy mystery with jovial grandmother, a Christie related crime, a remote mother, tempting treats, a determined detective, and an alarming murder.

Kate Young brings another Jane Doe Book Club mystery with Reading between the Crimes. Lyla Moody and her friends are dipping into another nasty murder around Hallowe'en when a man drops dead at a charity event she attends. A friend is arrested for the murder and Lyla swings into action to find out whodunit. However all is not as it seems. Lyla's family secrets start tumbling out and is her friend really innocent? Read on.

Reading between the Crimes is the second book in Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series written by Kate Young.

First I have to say that as soon as I saw there was a book club reading mysteries I was hooked. That is one of my favorite things in books.
I liked how the book of the month, Agatha Christie's book, was tied in with the crime main character was investigating. I also like that there are several sleuths and that other members of the club are helping out heroine.
I thought that reference to Halloween would be more significant but it wasn't.
Sometimes I find main protagonist not to be a typical sleuth, especially as she is working for a private investigator I would expect her to be more proactive and more in depth while looking for a culprit, but at times she appears rather unimaginative and incapable.
My favorite character is her grandmother, she is so funny and so feisty and so much fun. I would like her featured more.
I read this book but it was a struggle to keep interest in it, It could have been more fast paced, not so repetitive and more absorbing in my opinion.

What a delight to discover a new well-written series. Reading Between the Crimes is the second in the Jane Doe Book Club series. I am definitely going to go back and read the first book as soon as I can.
It is set in Sweet Mountain, Georgia. There are lots of small town vibes. Lyla Moody is a private investigator in training. She works for her uncle. It is refreshing to have a protagonist who has some valid reason to investigate the crime.
In this case, Lyla and her Gran discover the body of her friend Harper’s husband. Lyla’s book club has been discussing Crooked House by Agatha Christie. Weirdly enough, there seem to be parallels between the two cases. I absolutely love the character of Gran. She is so funny.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the free Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review. I gave this book 4 and a half stars. Bonus it is set at Halloween.

Reading Between the Crimes is a really great cozy mystery . This book is part of a series but reads as a stand alone as well .
The characters are fun quirky and well written .
The mystery is great and kept me guessing .
I really enjoy this series and can’t wait for the next book in the series .

This is the second book in Kate Young’s Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series. I’ve read both books in this series and I think this one is better than the first one. I actually like the characters more in this one. Lyla has settled into her role as an investigator and goes about investigating in a more logical manner. I also found her to be less abrasive. The mystery was well done and we also got more of Lyla’s family’s backstory. I’m glad I continued with this series and look forward to the next installment.

READING BETWEEN THE CRIMES is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series by Kate Young. While it can be read as a standalone, this newest release builds on groundwork laid in the first book with a couple mysterious threads. Plus, the author’s expertise at character development becomes evident from one book to the next. The protagonist, Lyla Moody, is a private investigator-in-training, working for her uncle. This gives the storyline an edgier, suspenseful feeling, yet remains within the cozy genre. One of the mysterious threads involves Lyla’s uncle and her mother who are secretive about their childhood and past. Ms. Young writes an enthralling tale that peels back the layers of their secrecy and weaves it into the current day murder that occurred at her mother’s home. As the story and the suspense unfolded, I found myself glued to the pages with every twist and turn. Assisting Lyla in her quest for finding the truth are her close friends from the Jane Doe Book Club. This adds another dimension of interest in that the author uses the book club’s selection, Agatha Christie’s Crooked House, in creating parallels to her current case. It makes me want to go back and reread the classic while I wait on pins and needles for the next installment in this riveting series!

3,5* rounded to 4
I loved the first book in this series and appreciated the mix of cozy and thriller elements.
I wasn't a fan of this one, it's entertaining but there's a darker side and, ihmo, the mix didn't worked well this time.
It starts with a bang, there're some creepy moment (the victim's family) but it slowed down and the ending seemed a bit rushed.
Lyla is an interesting character, strong willed and clever. Grandma is lovely and she makes me smile. The characters are interesting.
I think I'm minority and surely will appeal to a lot of people.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Reading Between the Crimes is the second in the Jane Doe Book Club mystery series. At their latest meeting, Lyla Moody, Melanie, and the rest of the gang are busy discussing Agatha Christie's novel Crooked House. Harper, however, becomes distraught after an argument with her husband and ends up leaving the meeting early. Shortly thereafter, while attending a fundraiser at her parent's house, Lyla and her Gran discover a body in their newly renovated library. Suspects abound with such a generous amount of the well-to-dos in attendance; however, the lead detective sets his sights on the victim's wife, Harper. When Harper is arrested for a crime Lyla knows she didn't commit, she teams up with the fellow members of the book club to not only prove Harper's innocence but also find the true culprit of the murder. As Lyla digs deeper into Harper's life, she uncovers some dark family secrets, including the true nature of Harper's dysfunctional family. After a violent attack seriously injures Lyla, she becomes more determined than ever to get behind what is going on and who is behind these sinister attacks.
Set in Sweet Mountain Georgia, Reading Between the Crimes is a fast paced mystery with an engrossing plot, plenty of action and surprising twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up to the exciting reveal. There are quite a few unique elements within the story that set it apart from other cozy mysteries and make it a true delight for bibliophiles. The author's clever premise of a book club coming together to solve a murder as well as her use of Agatha Christie's Crooked House as a source of inspiration for the events that unfold in the story. From the small southern town full of picturesque charm to the cast full of zany sassy characters, Kate Young expertly crafted story is a must read for cozy mystery readers.

Reading Between the Crimes 4*


Excellent story with plenty of twists and turns. Lovable, multi-generational characters that I really enjoyed getting to know. Creep factor was high when it needed to be. I think I need to read the first book to catch up on a couple of the character dynamics but the upside is that there weren’t any spoilers from it. I will say that the main heroine comes across as a little cold in her personal relationships. It didn’t really fit with her overall personality and was somewhat off-putting. One major dislike I had was regarding a line where the main PI is accused of being misogynistic which I didn’t see at all. I didn’t feel as though he was prejudiced against women, merely protective of his family in a given instance and he had previously shown support and confidence in the same character who made the accusation. On its own, it wouldn’t have stood out but adding it to the cold vibe I got in interactions with other characters, it left a sour taste in my mouth. I will definitely give the series more chances but it didn’t hit my must-read list.

There were a lot of typos and grammatical issues but I put that down to it being an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Kate Young for giving me the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts and opinions about the story.

Reading Between the Crimes by Kate Young is the second in this series, A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery, and features Lyla Moody and her little gang of readers in a race to prove one of their number innocent of the murder of her husband. Harper is a librarian, fairly new to town, who is finally beginning to come out of her shell. Lyla has brought her grandmother, Daisy home from a book club meeting to walk right in to another of her mother's high end fund raisers. Not dressed for the occasion, they head for the kitchen to feel Grandma's sweet tooth and then off to the newly remodel library to retrieve some of Grandma's overdue books so Lyla can return them to the library. There they trip over a body, almost literally. This is not good. It was Harper's husband and he was very dead. Since Lyla is working for her uncle as a private detective, it is natural she will want to investigate. Luckily they are hired to do just that. It all gets very complicated as Harper has a very complicated family life.

This is a very cute series. This book proves to affect Lyla more than she would have thought, but then it also answers some questions. Lyla has a boyfriend Brad, a state policeman with whom she is investigating a series of cold-case murders of women left near the highway over the past 20 years, or so. He is one of the few people who encourages her to investigate, most people in her life unhappy with her choices. She is persistent and clever and is learning rapidly from her uncle. Even he hesitates with this case but that doesn't really deter Lyla. This was an interesting story. I saw some of it coming, but was off by a smidge, and then off by a lot. She has a good set of surrounding characters: her fellow book clubbers, Quinn, her ex and a police detective, and Piper, the local newspaper reporter, plus her very entertaining grandmother. A cute series and a good book! I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Reading Between the Crimes by Crooked Lane, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #crookedlane #readingbetweenthecrimes

Reading Between the Crimes is the 2nd mystery in Kate Young's Jane Doe Book Club series.

Lyla Moody is the receptionist at her uncle's PI firm in the quiet town of Sweet Mountain, Georgia. She is dating Special Agent Brad Jones as well as reading Crooked House with the rest of the Jane Does. After the monthly book club meeting which now has a dozen members, and the resulting debate where they enjoy their delicacies - pumpkin muffins with it being Autumn, as well as espresso fudge - Lyla makes her way to her parents' house. Lyla's mother is hosting an event to raise money for the children's wing at Lyla's dad's hospital. The event is well attended and Lyla and her grandmother go in search of the double chocolate truffles then make their way to the library which is being extended and leads to the patio. They are shocked to discover a dead body there.

This book had an extremely intriguing plot and I was swept along with the story from the start. Kate Young's writing is sharp and edgy and I loved her portrayal of the main character who I find to be sassy though her clan are rather weird! Reading Between the Crimes is one for those who like their cozies fresh and amusing and the ending is a doozy! I can't wait to see what's next for Lyla.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Reading Between the Crimes is a second book in Kate Young's series of Jane Doe Book Club, which follows Lyla Moody, a private investigator in training.

The story starts with a Jane Doe Book Club meeting to discuss Agtaha Christie's Crooked House and we get to know some of the important characters in the story.
When the discussion comes to an end, Lyla along with her grandmother, make an attendance at a charity event, held by Lyla's mother in Moody's residence. But before they can enjoy the party they stumble upon a body in the library - Leonard Richardson lays dead on the floor, his head smashed with a brass candlestick.
The pool of culprits is tight and the police seem to be convinced that Leonard's young widow Harper is guilty, so it is up to Lyla, her uncle and her friends to find out who the killer really is.


When I chose this book as my NetGalley read I didn't know that this was a second in a series and even throughout reading I didn't feel like I was missing connections and previous events, so congrats to the author for such a good standalone read (as well as a part two).
I liked how the story didn't feel boring and there were interesting twists and direction in this book so I was rather intrigued to read and see what happens.
The characters were a nice group to read about and the fact that Lyla's family has such a unique secret history gave this cosy story a really good twist that makes it stand out of stories alike.
Sadly I was disappointed when the Hallowen vibes and the crossing with A.G. Crooked House vs. current events, as promised in the premise, of the book didn't happen.

Thanks to author Kate Young, publisher Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the free ARC.

Reading Between the Crimes is the second book in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series. As with the author's previous books this one has lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Although I had read the previous book, I feel this book can very well be read as a stand alone. I imagine we all wish that we could be a member of a book club as interesting as this one. The characters are great, and the storyline is well thought out. I most definitely recommend this book and series too those that enjoy cozy mysteries.

I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Publishers, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When the Jane Doe Book Club had their latest meeting, the book discussion was about Agatha Christie’s "Crooked House". Lyla Moody, Melanie and the rest of the group were there, but Harper was unable to stay. She was distraught and having some trouble with her husband. Not long afterwards, at the fundraiser at Lyla’s parents house, where a large amount of the well-to-dos were in attendance, Lyla and her Gran discovered a body in the newly renovated library. From then on, life as Lyla had known it, was way off kilter.

Detective Battle seemed to be going in a different direction to Lyla, and when Harper was arrested for her husband’s murder, she and her friends were determined to prove she wasn’t the killer. As Lyla learned more about Harper’s dysfunctional family, there were some parallels directed at her own family – things she just couldn’t believe. After Lyla was injured in a violent attack, instead of turning her away, it made her focus more on what was happening. Would she find the killer and free Harper? Or would it be too late?

Set in Sweet Mountain, Georgia, Reading Between the Crimes is the 2nd in the Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series by Kate Young, and I really enjoyed it. Fast paced with plenty of full-on action, and some real crazy people hanging around Sweet Mountain, I didn’t figure the 'who' until the reveal. A brilliant conclusion wound up an excellent cosy mystery which I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

READING BETWEEN THE CRIMES, the second Jane Doe Book Club Mystery by Kate Young, has everything readers desire in a cozy mystery…a great small town setting, interesting characters, a touch of romance, and murderous peril.

I am so glad to have found this series. Somehow I missed reading the first Jane Doe book, but I had no trouble jumping right into this tale. Young provides enough background info and context to quickly catch readers up. There is much more than a murder within these pages. Family secrets, revelations, and dynamics are vitally important. Really, the entire book is about relationships, friends and family alike, and the lengths people will go to protect or destroy each other.

I enjoy all of the characters, especially protagonist Lyla and her grandmother. Lyla is intelligent, curious, and methodical in her approach to sleuthing. Gran is a hoot and provides most of the story’s comic relief. Young keeps readers guessing throughout, and I was quite surprised by how it all played out. The story and its resolution provide lots of opportunity for character growth, and I look forward to seeing where they go from here. The pace of the book is brisk, and there is building tension throughout.

I really liked READING BETWEEN THE CRIMES and impatiently await the next installment. Highly recommended to any reader looking for a “meatier” cozy mystery.

I gratefully received an ARC of this title from the author and Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

Return to Sweet Mountain, GA for another murder mystery with Lyla and the Jane Doe Book Club. While this book is part of a mystery series, it can be a stand alone with reoccurring characters. Although the content of this story is serious, I found myself chuckling at Gran's comments and character. This book had all I look for in a cozy mystery; comraderie between friends, small town community, romance and a fast paced investigation!

Thank you to Kate Young and NetGalley for an advanced copy of "Reading Between Crimes"! All thoughts and opinions are my own.