This was a fun, lighthearted murder mystery, The main character gives strong Agatha Raisin vibes but I love that. A comical, mostly oblivious strong female might be my favorite character type.

A lighthearted and humorous cozy mystery, I Only Read Murder follows former TV star Miranda Abbott, whose delusions of grandeur clash hilariously with small-town life in Happy Rock. Once the lead in Pastor Fran, a crime-solving parson show, Miranda's career has plummeted, and she returns to Happy Rock expecting a triumphant reunion with her estranged husband Edgar—only to be handed divorce papers instead. When a murder occurs on stage during the town’s annual play, Miranda sees it as her chance to channel her fictional detective skills to clear both her name and Edgar’s. The townspeople’s reactions to her ego provide plenty of comedic moments, and while the mystery itself is engaging, the novel leans heavily on Miranda’s over-the-top personality. Though not a must-read, it's an entertaining start to a series that fans of cozy mysteries may enjoy exploring further.

It was really boring. I just didn’t care for the main character she was so out of touch and had no real depth. She was very annoying.

"I Only Read Murder" by Will Ferguson and Ian Ferguson is an intriguing literary mystery that skillfully blends humor with a deep appreciation for books and storytelling. This collaboration between the authors offers a delightful mix of wit, suspense, and commentary on crime fiction, making it a must-read for fans of mysteries and literature alike.

The plot centers on a group of book enthusiasts who become entangled in a real-life murder mystery during a literary festival. The narrative cleverly combines elements of classic detective stories with the personal tales of the characters involved. Ferguson and Ferguson have crafted a suspenseful plot filled with playful references to literary tropes, inviting readers to engage with the story interactively.

Character development is a highlight of the novel. The diverse cast, each with unique quirks and motivations, adds depth to the story. The authors excel at creating relatable and memorable characters, from the eager amateur detective to the jaded crime writer. As the investigation unfolds, readers are treated to a rich exploration of the characters' backgrounds and relationships, enhancing the overall narrative.

The writing is sharp and humorous, balancing lightheartedness with moments of genuine suspense. The pacing is well-executed, keeping readers engaged as the plot thickens. The authors' ability to mix humor with darker themes adds a unique flavor to the story, ensuring it remains entertaining throughout.

Themes of love for literature, the nature of storytelling, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality are prominent in the novel. The Ferguson brothers explore how stories shape our understanding of the world and ourselves, encouraging readers to reflect on their relationships with books and characters.

"I Only Read Murder" is a delightful and witty mystery that showcases the talents of Will Ferguson and Ian Ferguson. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thoughtful exploration of literary themes, this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a humorous twist. The authors have crafted a story that not only entertains but also celebrates the love of reading and storytelling. This book is sure to leave readers amused, intrigued, and eager to solve the next literary puzzle.

I Only Read Murder by Will Ferguson and Ian Ferguson is a witty and engaging mystery novel that cleverly combines a quirky premise with an irresistible mix of humor and suspense. The novel follows a peculiar set of circumstances as two seemingly unrelated individuals find themselves drawn together through a series of murders, leading to an unexpected investigation filled with twists, turns, and moments of levity.

The story is centered around a bookshop owner, Sam, who has always been content with her quiet life. That is, until she finds herself inadvertently embroiled in a series of bizarre murders tied to a popular true crime podcast. As the deaths pile up, Sam becomes involved in unraveling the mystery, all while navigating the world of amateur sleuths and navigating the fine line between curiosity and obsession.

The unique blend of a murder mystery with a bookish protagonist makes for an entertaining and refreshing read. The authors—Will Ferguson and Ian Ferguson—bring their respective talents to the story, delivering a sharp narrative full of dry wit, clever dialogue, and moments of laugh-out-loud humor. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping the reader engaged while providing just the right amount of suspense and intrigue to make the mystery enjoyable without feeling overly convoluted.

The characters are one of the highlights of the novel. Sam is a relatable and endearing protagonist, with her slightly eccentric personality and her deep love for books. She is joined by an interesting cast of secondary characters, each with their own quirks and motivations, which adds layers to the investigation and the story itself. The dynamic between Sam and the various people she meets throughout the investigation is fun to read, particularly her interactions with other true crime enthusiasts who either complicate or help her journey.

While the mystery itself is engaging, there are times when the book’s focus on the intricacies of true crime fandom and the podcasting world feels a bit too niche, potentially alienating some readers who may not share that same interest. That said, the central mystery and the cleverness of the plot more than make up for this small issue.

**Thank you to the authors and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Miranda Abbott, previously recognized for her role as a detective clergyperson on a major television series, finds herself in A Situation: a cryptic postcard calls her to a secluded town where she engages in a local theater's amateur play. But when an actor is murdered, Miranda must join forces with a diverse group of eccentric local characters, channeling her on-screen persona to unravel the mystery.

Wonderful plots twists, an engaging narrative style, and memorable characters all combine to make this a thoroughly delightful read.

A fun romp of a book full of intrigue and mystery. This small town cozy mystery boasts a diverse and fleshed out grouping od characters as well as many plot twists to keep you guessing. The backlay of the Murder mystery play occuring during the murder itself is just perfect.

See my full review at http://michelleardillo.com/2024/10/22/book-review-i-only-read-murder-by-ian-ferguson-and-will-ferguson/

Simple and cozy read. Easy to binge once I got into it. The main character was simple and likable. This could be a binge read once you get into it. It did take me a long time to get into it though. Didn’t realize it was a series either. I think had this been a paperback I would have finished faster than an e book.

I live for a cozie! Miranda was so fun to spend time with--her being so out of touch with reality and her main character energy made for an entertaining read. I love the theme of the cozies being talked about with her not even realizing she is living in a cozie. This was just what I was craving.

Looking for a cozy murder mystery starring a ditzy washed-up actress who ends up in Happy Rock (OR) due to a miscommunication with her soon-to-be ex-husband. While trying to win him back, Miranda Abbott joins the Happy Rock theater group. Unexpectedly, she ends up as the First Victim, rather than the star. But then murder intervenes and she needs to star not only in the play but as a real detective to solve the murder and keep her "ex-husband" out of the hoosegow! Can she channel her inner Pastor Fran and succeed, or will this be another failure? Not a bad read once it got going.

I only read Murder is the first in a cozy mystery series. It is a cute story that is a quick fun read.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Will and Ian Ferguson Latest series.

Loved this one...for lovers of Schitt's Creek. The characters were flawed and lovable, the story sweet, and the humor spot on. I will highly recommend this one!

This was one of those books that was just a comfort to read.
I kind of feel like it has the same vibes as Finnley Donovan. It was a fun read, and something I would recommend to people looking to have a fun time while reading.

Miranda Abbott, an older actor, who is called to a small community on the Oregon coast. Miranda does not appear to have a clue about real life. BUT she fumbles her way to solving the murder of the play's lead. Who did it? Why? and How? will keep you reading.
A debut cozy mystery by the Ian and Will Ferguson team. What comes next for Miranda?

I love a good humorous mystery, and I had high hopes for this one. However, it just didn't do it for me. The humor here is too strident, too broad, too forced. Rather than chortles, it elicited eye rolls, and eventually not even that. Will there be an audience for this book? Undoubtedly. There are people who will appreciate the self centered narcissist among the village idiots. I am not among them.

How could any crime fiction reader not want to pick up a book with this title??

I was feeling a slump coming on, so I reached for this cozy mystery to lighten my reading mood and had a fun journey!

When readers first meet Miranda, they’re probably not going to love her, but I swear she grows on you! I really enjoyed her obliviousness and the humor that her character brought to the book. Beneath all of that is also someone who cares greatly about people and it was nice to see that ultimately shine.

I’m a sucker for a good small town story and Happy Rock really delivers on that setting. It’s the perfect spot for a cozy mystery where everyone knows everyone. In addition to a fun town, the plot gives readers a chance to get to know its residents a little closer as we follow Miranda’s journey into amateur theater with them.

I just saw that there is already a second book in store for later this year that I'll definitely have on my shopping list.

completely forgot why i was putting this off because i was having a good time reading the last time i started, i love how humors the characters are even in a serious situation.

i did lose interest at some points but sometimes it fell flat and i couldn’t keep my attention on it for as long as i needed to. but i LOVE a self absorbed main character so this is okay in my book!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I am sad to say this book was just okay. I had a hard time relating with the characters. It felt like it was lacking in some areas. Especially the one that I was hoping to keep me interested. For this reason I had to put it down and did not finish.

Maybe others would be more interested than me.

I enjoyedreading this book and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun read with highly devoped characters. The plot is well developed and keeps the reader interested to the end.