
Member Reviews

Many thanks to Negalley and Crooked Lane Books for e-arc!
This had the most cozy mystery vibes and I love a good locked in mystery where no one can leave. I thought this was a great debut novel, and Jess and Kat were a lot of fun. Can't wait to see what this author does next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
what’s it about? ⬇️
When Jess Byrne moves back to her hometown to open a B&B with her best friend Kat, their plan was to turn The Pearl into a gorgeous, fun, bright pink dream getaway location with tons of Instagram-able photo-ops and activities for guests, and the added bonus of going into business with Jess's brother and his new wife when they open an attached bar only makes things better. And when the grand opening finally rolls around, Jess couldn't be more excited for the performance of a lifetime that her high school ex-boyfriend Lars--a recent singing competition winner who has shot to sudden fame--will be giving poolside opening night. Everything is going perfectly according to plan...right up until Lars flakes out right before showtime and they're forced to scramble for a backup plan. But everything gets handled, and their weekend is back on track to blow even their dreams out of the water. But it all turns out to be an awful nightmare the next morning when a body--Lars' step father and manager--is found on the property and the police are suddenly swarming The Pearl and hunting a murderer. Can Jess and Kat--two self-proclaimed murder aficionados with a love for true crime podcasts--help the police solve the crime before it's too late to save the day--and the reputation of their B&B?
my thoughts? ⬇️
Look…there is so much in this book that should have come together to make it the perfect read for me. It sounded so fun from the description, and I was ready to go on a wild ride. But all in all, it ended up flopping for me in a big way. The writing wasn’t bad by any means, but it was over descriptive in some parts when it wasn’t needed and didn’t explain or describe nearly enough at other times when I was desperate for more information. The plot was really well thought out and would have been awesome down to the twist, but the execution fell flat on most integral points. Most of the characters and relationships were one-dimensional and didn’t experience much or any growth, and the romance…it was just a huge disappointment when every time it felt like something was actually brewing and starting to build, the scene would change or the characters would fumble and fall out of the moment–and not in a fun, quirky way. Also, more of a personal issue, but the cops were horrible at their jobs. I just found myself wanting so, so much more from this book and it broke my heart.

Peril in Pink is not just a mystery; it's a delightful journey through a small town where every resident has a story, and every corner holds a clue. A must read for cozy-mystery lovers! Sydney Leigh has crafted a charming and suspenseful tale that promises to keep readers hooked!

DNF at 30%. Fun, but forgettable cozy mystery with few likable characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in return for a fair and honest review.

I love a good cozy mystery; this one was quick and easy to read. I will say that the plot was a little dramatic and unfortunately a little too predictable, but I did enjoy the book. I enjoyed the ending even if I did guess the plot, Leigh's writing kept me engaged and her characters were unique, also I always love a good pup (or cat, or any animal) as a little sidekick.
Overall, a good start

'Peril in Pink' is a cute and modern cozy mystery with a bit of romance and a lot of humor, even if the plot was a bit all over the place!
The cover for this is absolutely gorgeous, and the story sounded even better! I just wish it had lived up to those hopes and been a bit more streamline. Between the storylines of the murder, Jess and Lars, thrown in with her brother and sister-in-law, her best friend Kat, Nicky and his (ex?) wife and her sister, and Britt, Paula, and George Havers, it was just a lot to keep up with. I lost track a bit through, if I'm being honest. The payoff for the murder made sense, it just felt like it took way too much to get there!
Jess and Kat were so fun to read, and the B&B and it's cast of characters is one that I would definitely continue to read the series, it just probably wouldn't be a priority for my TBR. Jess and James were adorable, so I wish we'd gotten a bit more of that than Jess being so hung up on a high school boyfriend who clearly treats her like trash.
Overall, it was a cute and enjoyable read, but I just wish it hadn't felt so convoluted with all of the twisting plots.

Book Review: Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh
Rating: 4 Stars
Alright, fellow cozy mystery lovers, let me tell you about this gem of a book I just finished called Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh. Picture this: a cozy inn in the Hudson Valley, a murder mystery, and a dash of celebrity drama – that's the recipe for this captivating debut novel.
From the get-go, the author hooks you in with a mix of charm and suspense that's like Schitt’s Creek meets Only Murders in the Building. As Jess Byrne opens The Pearl B&B to the public, things take a wild turn when her ex, Lars Armstrong, becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Cue the drama!
I have to give top marks to this author for her writing style – it's smooth, engaging, and keeps you on your toes as Jess races to clear Lars’ name and save her B&B from scandal. The characters are so likable, especially Jess and her partner-in-crime-solving Kat. You can't help but root for them as they unravel the mystery.
And can we talk about that cover? As a pink lover myself, I couldn't help but swoon over it. It sets the tone for the whole story – fun, quirky, and oh-so-intriguing.
Overall, Peril in Pink is a fantastic start to what promises to be an addictive cozy mystery series. It's got all the elements you want in a good whodunit – suspense, humor, and a touch of romance. So, if you're looking for a book that will keep you guessing and leave you wanting more, do yourself a favor and pick up Peril in Pink. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This was a really fun read. I loved the concept and most of the characters. Super cozy and a perfect fall read.

Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh is such a fun debut and it is a great start to a new cozy series! I thought this book was absolutely hilarious as well as being completely engaging and it is an easy read that you can get through in a day. I loved Jess as well as almost all of the rest of the cast of characters, and the mystery was just the right side of twisty and surprising. The B&B setting was great, and I loved Leigh's descriptions of it and the characters themselves. I can't even tell you how many times I laughed out loud while at the same time, I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
The audiobook was perfect with Traci Odom as the narrator, and I loved the way she brought Jess and the story to life. She nailed the emotions, pitch, and humor perfectly and I really hope she continues as the narrator for this series. Peril in Pink moves at a very steady pace throughout, and if I didn't know this was a debut, I never would have been able to tell. I enjoyed Leigh's writing immensely and it will be interesting to see where she takes the characters AND the B&B next. If you are in the mood for a light, quick read that will make you laugh and has an adorable dog, this is the perfect choice!

This was a cute, cozy mystery. I originally requested it because of the title and cover.
Jess runs a B&B in upstate New York called The Pearl. It's opening weekend, and Jess's ex-boyfriend, Lars, is the headliner for a live show. When not one but two murders occur, Jess does some sleuthing to see if Lars is guilty or innocent.
This book gives you the small town, Hallmark feel with likable characters, and a hostess who is also a true crime fan.

A sparkling debut mystery series that kept me engaged throughout. I loved the quirky characters and the cozy B &B atmosphere. I look forward to the next installment.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh is a fun murder mystery. The characters in this novel were interesting and kept the plot moving steadily. I love a cozy mystery with all suspects under the same roof. If you like them too, this book might be for you. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is an entertaining cozy debut. There’s an engaging cast of characters, a fun setting and an interesting mystery. So many people had reason to despise the initial murder victim that it wouldn’t have been a total surprise to believe that someone would snap and kill him, but when another murder occurs, it’s a struggle for our amateur sleuths to figure out who would have wanted both men dead. There were a lot of characters, and it was somewhat difficult to keep them all straight, which did bog down the story a bit. All in all, this was a cute, enjoyable read and a promising introduction to the series.

Such a cute cozy mystery! I loved the vibes! Such a quick easy read that came at just the right time for me to change up what I was reading! Maybe everyone won't love this but I love things like Murder, she Wrote and Columbo! I can't wait to see what else comes in this series!

Peril in Pink
⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ It’s the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley, and owner Jess Byrne has prepared the ultimate, Insta-worthy welcome, complete with her ex-boyfriend—reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong—performing live. As guests check in and mimosas are poured, Lars arrives with his stepdad-turned-manager Bob in tow. But things go south when Bob is found dead, and Lars is the prime suspect.”
I honestly had a hard time getting through this one. I liked the characters and concept of the story but really had a hard time getting through it. I would recommend it so people can make their own determination. The mystery was a little confusing at first and a lot of characters to keep track of.

I received this book from the publisher but also had the author reach out to me on Instagram. As someone who LOVES cozy mystery, I was so happy to be able to read this.
It hit all of the musts for cozy mysteries - including a quick moving story and a quick start to the plot! I was a giant fan of this book and cannot wait for more books from Sydney Leigh to come my way!

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

“Peril in Pink” is a cute introduction to author Sydney Leigh.
In book 1 of this brand new series, we are introduced to new B&B owner, Jess Byrne.
Chaos ensues when a body is found on opening weekend of the B&B. It’s up to Jess to help solve the mystery to save her business’s reputation.
Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this one.
Thank you NetGalley, Sydney Leigh, and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced copy.

Peril in Pink is a hoot. The setting in a new boutique hotel, friends and enemies from the past, and a big mystery right in the middle. I read it in a day, because I didn't want to leave this world.

Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh is a cozy & fun murder mystery. Opening weekend of the pretty & pink Pearl, a B&B run by Jess and her bestie Kat, a dead body is found. The main suspect is Jess' ex boyfriend and reality sensation, Lars, who is at the B&B to perform. Then, Lars happens to be at the scene of another dead body. Jess knows there is no way Lars could have done it, so Kat & her take up amateur sleuthing to find out what really happened. Jess' Aunt Marnie is my favorite character in the book. She was so quirky. There are a lot of pop culture references, so this book might not be for everyone, but I liked it. It was a quick, easy read.
🩷 Small town
🩷 Whodunit
🩷 Rosè, Rosè, Ross
🩷 Pretty Pink
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.