Cat Conway has returned to Port Ellis, a town she spent years in during her childhood. Cat has left Toronto and her son after a bad divorce, and her promising tv journalism career in the dirt after an incident that got her fired.

Cat is staying in a small apartment over a swanky restaurant and bar, run by a kind and talented woman named Adeline Chen, who gave Cat a home and the slight kick in the pants she needed when she arrived in town, feeling a little sorry for herself.

Cat is now a reporter at the Port Ellis community newspaper, the “Quill & Packet”. Her fellow journalists are quirky misfits, while her new boss and friend Amir is stressed worrying about keeping the financially strggling paper going.

The story opens with Cat interviewing a famous, elderly actor, Elliott Fraser, in town as lead for a performance of “Inherit the Wind”. Cat quickly gets the sense that he is vain and self-absorbed, and likely handsy.

On opening night, Elliott dies suddenly, and Cat cannot help investigating, particularly as there are plenty of suspects, such as his ex-wife, a fellow actor whose career he ruined, the local baker whose contract with the theatre he forced theatre management to break, and, as Cat begins digging, the many women Elliott abused over many years.

Reporters from all over the world descend on the small town, eager to find a juicy story, and Cat is hard pressed to scoop the others, particularly a former coworker, and lover, who shows up with an offer from her former newspaper boss. Sorely tempted, Cat wonders whether she should return to Toronto and her former print investigative life, or stay and help build the “Quill & Packet”.

I was already very familiar with Elizabeth Renzetti's work from her former column in “The Globe and Mail”, so I was eager to read this book. The pacing is great, and the prose is economical and clever, often inserting wonderfully expressive phrases describing people or situations. The authors conjure just enough of a noir feeling in this fun mystery to make me happy, even while commenting on a number of things such as declining standards in journalism, vanishing periodicals, the difficulties of being a mother while working in a demanding career, rebuilding a life after divorce, white privilege, and the #MeToo movement. This should have made the novel overstuffed, but instead the authors handily balance these with Cat's investigation, keeping me rapidly turning pages.

I liked Cat, who is flawed, sometimes a little too quick to erupt in anger, but is also driven and smart. Of course she figures out who the killer is, and finally comes to a realization about where she wants to live and work. I am eager to read the next “Quill & Packet” mystery!

Thank you to Netgalley and to House of Anansi Press Inc. for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Cat Conway has recently returned to Port Ellis to work as a reporter at the Quill & Packet. She’s fled the tattered remains of her high-profile career and bad divorce for the holiday town of her childhood, famous for its butter tarts, theatre, and a century-old feud. One of Cat’s first assignments is to interview legendary actor Eliot Fraser, the lead in the theatre’s season opener of Inherit the Wind. When Eliot ends up dead onstage on opening night, the curtain rises on the sleepy town’s secrets. The suspects include the actor whose career Eliot ruined, the ex-wife he betrayed, the women he abused, and even the baker he wronged. With the attention of the world on Port Ellis, this story could be Cat’s chance to restore her reputation. But the police think she’s a suspect, and the murderer wants to kill the story—and her too. Can Cat solve the mystery before she loses her job or becomes the next victim of a killer with a theatrical bent for vengeance? This appears to be the start of a new series and it’s one I will follow. I really enjoyed the story here but felt the authors were a bit late on the #metoo aspect. Solid mystery and interesting characters.

I found this piece to be exceptionally well-crafted, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into more works by this author. Given its potential popularity among our library patrons, we're certainly looking forward to adding it to our collection

I’ve been on a real mystery kick the last few years so was thrilled when two Canadian authors I love teamed up to write Bury the Lead, the start of a mystery series that features a small-town journalist. This novel, written by Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti, was one of my most anticipated of the year and I’m so thrilled to say it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

Here’s the book’s description:
A big-city journalist joins the staff of a small-town paper in cottage country and finds a community full of secrets … and murder. Cat Conway has recently returned to Port Ellis to work as a reporter at the Quill & Packet . She’s fled the tattered remains of her high-profile career and bad divorce for the holiday town of her childhood, famous for its butter tarts, theatre, and a century-old feud. One of Cat’s first assignments is to interview legendary actor Eliot Fraser, the lead in the theatre’s season opener of Inherit the Wind. When Eliot ends up dead onstage on opening night, the curtain rises on the sleepy town’s secrets. The suspects include the actor whose career Eliot ruined, the ex-wife he betrayed, the women he abused, and even the baker he wronged. With the attention of the world on Port Ellis, this story could be Cat’s chance to restore her reputation. But the police think she’s a suspect, and the murderer wants to kill the story―and her too. Can Cat solve the mystery before she loses her job or becomes the next victim of a killer with a theatrical bent for vengeance?
I did not see the end of this mystery coming at all! Hilton and Renzetti left cookie crumbs which I, personally, only realized were there after the story was tied up. Which I loved! There are times when I’m thrilled to have figured out whodunit and there are times I’m thrilled to be completely in the dark and have the author(s) deliver the resolution in a tidy little package. I probably would have been happy with either in this case, honestly, because I loved the book and the writing so much, but I did like that it wasn’t easy to spot who the murderer was. I had fun tracking down the clues for the story with Cat and really enjoyed the resolution (as much as one can enjoy reading about murder and finding out someone in town is guilty of killing someone else…).

I’m not always a fan of the amateur sleuth so I wondered how I would feel about Cat, who is not a law professional, working to solve a mystery. Turns out, it was perfection. She didn’t get in the way of the investigation the cops were running. She just stayed in her own lane and chipped away at the many layers covering up the story she wanted to expose. It was well-balanced, not something every mystery writer can do, so I applaud Hilton and Renzetti for giving me a non-police officer mystery protagonist I can root for!

Which brings me to the journalism side of things. I adored it. I admit that might be because I’m a tad biased as my partner is a journalist. It was a weird thing to read about now, I will admit, because there were massive layoffs at the paper he worked for and it’s a strange and kind of scary time for community news. I don’t think people realize how much we need those journalists and newspapers and they just keep disappearing. That terrifying and sad feeling aside, the authors nailed what it’s like to work in news, especially in a small town. Which didn’t surprise me at all as Renzetti is a former (fantastic) journalist herself who still provides pieces to news outlets today. There was one line where Cat’s talking about waiting for the police press conference regarding the murder and she says it will be held sometime “between now and the end of time” and, oof, isn’t that the truth! But even though the journalist angle had a special place in my heart, I think it’s a fresh take on the mystery genre with the bonus of showcasing how community journalism works. Take notes, friends, and pay attention to what’s happening to the news outlets in your area.

I loved that this story also had some commentary on the world today. Eliot was an absolute garbage human being (not that he deserved to die) and his past (and present) brought up the #MeToo movement and how women have been treated for decades. The reason Cat got fired from her TV job is infuriating (and I definitely guessed it before it was revealed which is a bit sad as I hate that female reporters are still being targeted by idiot males). And having multiple generations commenting on what was happening in town (and had happened in the past) was genius. Things aren’t as black and white as we’d like but it should still be easy to determine what is good and bad behaviour.

Finally, I loved the small town setting. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating here: I’m a small town girl and I really love when stories are set outside cities and I love it even more when the author(s) really “get” what it’s like to live in a small town. I figure Port Ellis is supposed to be somewhere in Muskoka and I grew up just south of the traditional Muskoka area but still in an area where cottagers flocked to in the summer. And reading this book felt right and made me miss summers at my grandparents’ house on the shores of Georgian Bay.

Bury the Lead was an amazing novel and it’s definitely in the running to be a favourite read of 2024. Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti have written a thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery with a heroine who is as intriguing as she is intelligent and I cannot wait to read more in the Quill & Packet series. If you’re a mystery fan, you absolutely must pick up this novel.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, House of Anansi, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

BURY THE LEAD
Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti

I won’t bury my rating this time. I gave BURY THE LEAD three stars.

Journalist Cat takes the assignment to interview an actor on the opening day of his play. By the time the curtain closes at the end of the night, he will be dead. The mystery of his death only leads to more questions than answers.

Cat takes it upon herself to solve the mystery as a journalist and we follow along as she investigates the case of his death and almost ends up a victim herself.

You can pass the time in a lot of different ways. One of the ways I pass the time is by reading thrillers and mysteries. The title of BURY THE LEAD got my attention, the idea of a town full of secrets intrigued me.

BURY THE LEAD wasn’t entertaining or particularly informative; it didn’t teach me anything about journalism or writing, getting the scoop, or burying the lead. It seemed more to explore a lot about the egos of actors and how they dress, eat or don’t, and how many calories are in someone’s lunch.

That’s not what I’m here for.

BURY THE LEAD explores concepts of the #METOO movement but it didn’t add anything to the conversation. Upon revisiting the synopsis I saw that two writers contributed to the book and perhaps that led to my dislike of the material.

Thanks to Netgalley and House of Anansi Press Inc. | Spiderline for the advanced copy!

BURY THE LEAD…⭐⭐⭐

I am glad that I pushed through the beginning which I thought was slow. The rest of the book was a great debut cozy mystery.. I doubt I would have picked this up at a store or library, so I am glad I got the chance to read it via NetGalley.

Thanks to NetGalley and House of Anansi Press for access to this title. I am auto-approved for this publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

The story is set in a small town in Ontario and follows the life of 45-year-old Cat Conway, a journalist from the big city who is trying to redeem herself after a recent divorce. What started as a regular job of interviewing a famous theatre actor, turned into a murder investigation, and now Cat is working hard to solve the case while also repairing her relationship with her teenage son."

Did I need another series on my TBR list? Probably not. Did I need to experience the writing collaboration of Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti? Yes, I certainly did!

I think that book had a few slow parts but it was a solid enough story to keep me turning the pages. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.


Publication Date 05/03/24
Goodreads Review 24/03/24

3.75 stars

An intelligent new mystery featuring Cat Conway, former investigative journalist turned TV reporter, now once again a print reporter in a small town. Cat has a temper and it got her fired from her last job. This is a woman who indeed butts up against some injustice and the same tired misogyny, but still, she could use some anger management counseling.

Cat is divorced with a teenage son who doesn't really want to spend much time with her. She is trying to adjust to life at a small town paper after the rush of the big city. But she finds there are still plenty of secrets to uncover. The mystery centers around the murder of an actor at a prestigious local theater event. As usual, there are plenty of suspects. He was a serial sexual predator and a thoroughly unpleasant human being.

Fairly fast-paced narrative with a likably flawed main character. Cat doesn't always make the best decisions but she is relentless and smart and determined to uncover the facts. Her co-workers at the paper are an appealing group and well-sketched. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5/5 ⭐

The first in a new series about journalist Cat. After getting fired, she decided to move to a small town to start over. She is covering the opening of a play when its lead actor is murdered. Using her investigative skills as a journalist, she sets out to find the culprit.

Overall, I enjoyed this debut. I think it had some slow parts, but it was a solid foundation. I think future books can definitely take the characters and create an even better narrative now that some of the basic groundwork has been laid. I definitely will be on the lookout for the next in this series.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Literary Cozy-ish Mystery set in 2022 Canada following a newspaper reporter as she races to get the scoop on who killed a legendary actor before she becomes the next victim.

5/5 stars: This is the first entry in Hilton & Renzetti's Quill and Packet Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy-ish Mystery that's set in a Toronto Canadian suburb in 2022 and features a big-city journalist who flees the tattered remains of her high-profile TV job and bad divorce to take a job at the small-town newspaper as a reporter. With plenty of twists and turns, Hilton & Renzetti have crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Hilton & Renzetti's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded, complex and yet remain likable. And Renzetti's experience as a reporter really shines through. Cat's been through the ringer and is determined to restore her reputation. I really liked her, she's a tough cookie! Additionally, her co-workers and the various town folks of the holiday town Port Ellis are diverse and unique. Hilton & Renzetti tackles on some sensitive topics, so take care and check the CWs. This is an excellent start to a new series and I can't wait to read more.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and House of Anansi Press Inc., Spiderline in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Bury the Lead is a promising start to a new cozy mystery series set in Canada. I love the main character, Cat (such a cool name!) and her interactions with her friends & work family as she struggles to make a new life post-divorce. The straight-forward interview with a famous actor (whom everyone hates of course) takes a big jump after he is found dead. The mystery was fast-paced with a satisfying number of suspects and motives. There are plenty of clues (and red herrings) to keep the reader guessing - or at least kept me guessing.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the House of Anansi Press, Inc. for a chance to check out the ARC from authors Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti of #BurytheLead. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

I truly enjoyed reading this debut murder mystery! A big city journalist, Cat Conway, goes back home to her small town of Port Ellis, to work at the Quill & Packet, where the lead actor in a play ends up dead on stage.

It got my attention right from the start…

So many suspects, so little time!!

Because….

Every one seems to have a reason to kill Elliott Fraser. Cat is determined to find out WHO did it. Before the murderer strikes again! 👀

It was a bit of a cat and mouse ( no pun intended) story. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen next!

The main character was likeable but with flaws. Divorced. And she has a teenage son who doesn’t want to visit her or even talk to her hardly

If you love a good “whodunnit”, you will enjoy reading #burythelead! Fast paced, witty, and soooooo much cattiness between the characters, it’s everyman for themselves! Such a fun read!

Thank you to #netgalley, the authors Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti, and the House of Anansi Press, Inc. for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Bury the Lead will be available on March 5, 2024!

Cat Conway is back home in Port Ellis, writing for the local newspaper, the Quill and Packet. How did this happen? After years of success in the city, she moved on to TV and then gave in to her feistier instincts…she grabbed a heckler by the neck and used language usually not heard on live TV while trying to strangle him. Now, back in Port Ellis where the big story its the upcoming, star studded (for Port Ellis) performance of Inherit the Wind. Cat interviews aging star Elliot Fraser, the man your mothers warned you about, He’s still at his old tricks but is a shock on opening night when he dramatically dies on stage in front of a horrified audience. His death becomes a major news story and Cat has that last interview but she wants the big story. Who killed Eliot Fraser and why? There are many suspects: a woman who lost business when she refused his advances, a young actor with secrets of his own, a man who is hiding his past…the list goes on. It’s almost too late when Cat realizes she’s playing a role in what could be her own murder.

I hope the Bury the Lead is the first in the new Cat Conway, Quill and Packet series. From the catchy, double meaning title to the surprise conclusion, Bury the Lead has everything. The small town setting is perfect with typical busybodies and local legends. Cat is both funny and intelligent and the supporting characters, especially Amir, Kaydence and Ned, add to the plot. Thank you to Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, House of Anansi Press Inc. and Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti for this ARC.

This book was good but I wouldn't say it met the met the expectation that I had for it, which I completely my fault. It still was very enjoyable an the writing structure was what I could say unique compared to others I've seen.

Really fun mystery. Ofc it has a few minor flaws but I loved the ddetective and the murder victim was a great character to be the victim. Thanks for the arc!

Bury the lead is not only a journalism term but a great descriptor of the book. It begins with secondary stories that eventually result in the death of the lead actor!
Cat has returned to her hometown after a divorce and job loss and gets caught up in the playhouse drama—literally. Eliot Fraser, a famous actor is the star of the season’s show until he drops dead during the first production. There are lots of suspects and Cat almost gets killed as she searches for the truth. Eliot is a known philanderer and abuser. He raped a girl in his first year there. He now has a son who inherited his talents— both good and bad. She discovers the killer and realizes she too was on the hit list. Cat plans to stay—she has new friends and a new job. It moved fast and developed suspense.