Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Before reading it just didn't seem like something that would mesh well - murder and pregnancy?! In reality this was brilliant! I love the very realistic portrayal of pregnancy, the bonding at prenatal classes, and the characters inner thoughts at growing a baby. Add in murder (not grizzly), waddlings, and Helen. Oh Helen was the star for sure. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series.

This book was NOT good at all! There were scenes about a placenta that just made me want to stop listening to the book. Too much going on at once! Thanks to publishing and Netgalley for the read and review!

2 STARS

The Expectant Detectives by Kat Ailes
The Expectant Detectives #1
Narrated by Kitty Kelly

Things happen quickly for Alice and her partner, Joe. They met at a bar, got together immediately, moved in together, now Alice is pregnant, and they know they can't afford to raise a child in the big city. Joe finds a place, sight unseen, in the little sleepy village of Penton and off they go to make a new start, unprepared for just about anything. Certainly they aren't prepared for childbirth and parenthood, neither of which they've given any thought to except that they can't afford those things.

The tiny house is barely habitable and is unfurnished but they have their stinky air mattress which has them rolling together into a big lump with their dog, Helen. I'd worry about Helen and any future baby of Alice and Joe's since Alice loves Helen, but will allow her off leash almost all the time. Even after things happen to Helen, she's not supervised enough to keep her out of trouble. If this story wasn't extremely cozy I would fret about Helen. But never fear, Helen one of the main characters of this series so I stopped worrying about her.

Whoa, prepare for childbirth stuff! Having never had a baby, this story make me feel happy I missed the experience when it comes to birthing. As much as Alice and her new friends judge the village folk and each other, the village does have its useful ways that have had it existing for a very long time. This is a kind of hippy, new age-ish place and they have everything you need for the most natural of births. The entire village and nearby commune seem to thrive on natural cures and whatnot. But there is some underlying resentment going on all around with this place and the people and there are a heap of secrets. It doesn't take long for Alice to realize that even Joe seems to be keeping secrets from her and she wonders if she really knows him.

But off to detect a murder that happens at the second birthing class Alice and Joe attend. This happens while they are elbow deep in the birthing experience of Hen, who goes into labor at the class. Eventually all the women of the class are in on the murder detecting in one way or another or else they are suspecting the villagers of being murderers, including a pregnant woman or two. But it's all in good fun, Alice never misses a chance for a good snack, and doesn't seem to mind that she's totally clueless about how to be a grownup and do grownup things.

I was able to both read the digital version and listen to the audiobook. Kitty Kelly does a very good job with distinctive voices for everyone. Her chirpy voice fits the story so well and there is a lot to laugh about in this story. As much as this village is so different than the rural living that I love, I do think I could get goofy with these women when it came to amateur detecting, especially when there seems to be a good snack around every corner.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is exactly what I needed to keep my attention on an otherwise dreary day. It’s interesting sleuthing with characters who may have to give up their investigation at a moment’s notice if their water breaks. I loved getting to know all the characters and following along with Alice as she dealt with her trepidation at becoming a mother and solving a murder at the same time. I laughed a lot and was wrapped up in the investigation; the solution kept me guessing and I was hooked from the start. It’ll be interesting to see how the series progresses (since they all eventually have to have their babies and won’t be so expectant anymore).

Let me just say, I hope when and if I am pregnant, I am not suspicious of my husband and trying to solve a murder with some people I just met in a pregnancy class.

This was a solid 3 star book. There were multiple mysteries within this one book and I found the one about the compound the most interesting. I loved the elements of Helen, the dog! There were also elements of what new moms go through. While I have not had this experience yet, I did enjoy this touch as we got to see how the soon to be mother and father were dealing with the upcoming baby and all the emotions that go along with that.

Should this be a series, which I assume it is, I want to see way more of Helen! I would also like to see more character development in the husband Joe. He fell a bit flat for me, and I wasn't super interested in his character.

Thanks, NetGalley and Minotaur, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

‘The Expectant Detectives’ is ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ but with murder - so fun!

The protagonist, Alice, is a charming, heavily pregnant fool who is, in the end, triumphant. Her voice is hilarious and so, so British.

The mystery itself wasn’t quite as compelling to me as the humor and the characters, so that’s why this isn’t quite a 5 star read for me, but I still really enjoyed it and will read more in the series!

Fan of ’00s style chick lit and humorous cozies will love this!

Thanks, NetGalley and Minotaur, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.