I loved this one more than I did the first book in the series. The characters just keep growing on me. Cameron reminds me a bit of Spencer Reid from criminal minds.

We first met Jane Hunter and her boss, millionaire Cameron Clew in the first book of the series, A Cryptic Clue. Jane is a retired librarian hired by Cam to catalog his collection of mystery books, but the two of them have also started doing small investigations for people. In this second of the series, Eloise Anderson, a bookseller Cam deals with occasionally, has approached them about her mother’s case. Her mother, now dead, was convicted of killing Eloise’s father, but Eloise believes she was innocent and wants Cam to find out who the real killer was. Things become more complicated when another murder occurs and Eloise is the prime suspect.

Jane and Cam make a good team. They have a Holmes and Watson vibe, but Jane is a more motherly figure than the usual sidekick. Jane is smart and good at talking to people, while Cam is not great at social situations and strongly prefers not to leave his home, They both bring their own strengths and it’s nice not having the typical cozy mystery two main characters flirting with romance

The mystery moves on at a steady pace. Obviously, both murders are connected and we have several potential suspects and possible motives. There are a couple of twists, but nothing that I can say really surprised me. Progress is made on the two secondary investigations that have continued from the first book – the identity of Cam’s real father and the truth of a long-ago suicide. Usually, I’m not a fan of overarching family mysteries, but in this series, they are woven in well and don’t take over the storyline. Also, as Cam tends to not be over-emotional and we see the story from Jane’s point of view, there isn’t much dwelling on the family issues.

Overall it’s a solid book. The characters are more outstanding than the plot.

This is the second book in what is turning out to be a wonderful mystery series. Great characters and plot.

“A Killer Clue” by Victoria Gilbert is the 2nd instalment in the Hunter and Clewe Mystery series. I was hooked from start to finish, devouring the entire book in almost one day! Cam and Jane’s cold-case sleuthing turns urgent—find who committed the murders or watch another innocent woman rot in jail as a cold-blooded killer walks free.

This entertaining page-turner is full of twists, turns, and surprises that kept me guessing. While I did figure out the killer's identity before Jane did, I still found this to be a fun, easy read.

I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book to catch up with Jane, Cam, and their friends. Highly recommended for all fans of cozy mysteries - a must-read!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you Victoria Gilbert( @victoriagilbertauthor ), Crooked Lane Books ( @crookedlanebooks ), and NetGalley ( @netgalley ) for allowing me to read A Killer Clue early (comes out September 34, 2024).

A Killer Clue is the second book in the Hunter and Clewe mystery series.

Book cataloguer and retired librarian, Jane Hunter, and her eccentric millionaire boss, Cameron Crewe, are at it again. They are asked by bookseller Eloise to help clear her mother’s name—in the murder of her father!

But when tragedy strikes around Eloise in her bookshop again, it’s her name that needs to be cleared.

In addition, there is a personal mystery surrounding the paternity of Cameron (Cam) and a mystery woman whose photograph has been found in his family album.

I really like the mother/son type relationship between Jane and Cam. In the first book I wasn’t sure about that dynamic, but it really works and I look forward to reading more.

#AKillerClue #NetGalley #VictoriaGilbert #CrookedLaneBooks

I really enjoyed the first in the series and was excited when I saw that a second one was coming out. This mystery didn’t disappoint. Jane Hunter and Cam Clewe are wonderful characters that you can relate to and feel that you would love to be with them as they solve their cold cases. Jane is an older librarian and Cam is a wealthy young entrepreneur who help each other out when solving mysteries.

A business associate of Cam’s Eloise Anderson asks Cam to investigate her father’s murder because she feels that her mother who was convicted of his killing never killed her father. As Jane and Cam start to investigate her case, the former police officer who investigated her father’s killing is killed in Eloise’s bookstore and Eloise is found over the body. Now Jane and Cam are solving a present murder as well as their cold case one. The hunt begins to clear Eloise and to find out who killed her father. This is full of fun, adventure, crime-solving and a little bit of matchmaking. I highly recommend this series and enjoy Gilbert’s style of writing. Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for

When Eloise Anderson, the owner of an antiquarian bookshop, arrives at the grand Aircroft estate to ask retired librarian Jane Hunter and eccentric collector Cameron Clewe for help, Jane and Cam expect a bookish inquiry. But the bookseller has a different sort of assistance in mind—clearing her mother’s name of a murder Eloise is convinced she didn’t commit. Eloise’s mother has just died after spending many years in prison for allegedly killing Eloise’s father. Armed with new information found in her mother’s effects, the bookseller is determined to uncover the true killer so her mother can rest in peace, even though the case is now colder than ice. When Jane tracks down the original detective from the investigation and discovers him stabbed to death in Eloise’s bookshop, Jane and Cam are sure this murder is connected to the cold case. They think it’s the same killer, but the police unfortunately have their own prime suspect, and this time around it’s Eloise. Cam and Jane’s cold-case sleuthing turns urgent—find who committed the murders or watch another innocent woman rot in jail as a cold-blooded killer walks free. This is the second In this charming new series and I hope there are many more. It reads fine as a stand-alone but you won’t want to miss the first.

This is the second in a series, but can easily be read without the first one. Jane Hunter is a retired librarian cataloging the books for an eccentric wealthy collector. When the owner of an antiquarian bookshop asks for help to, clear her mother of the murder of her father--the original owners of the bookshop--Jane and Cameron--the wealthy collector agree to help. A nice cozy mystery featuring a middle aged woman content with her life and her good friends, with a good surprise at the end. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc and no pressure for a positive review.

I am thrilled that Victoria Gilbert is writing a new mystery series, the Hunter and Clewe series. I’ve been a fan of her other 2 series, so it was very exciting to find this second book, A Killer Clue, on NetGalley.

Eloise Anderson, the owner of a local antiquarian bookshop, asks retired librarian Jane Hunter and eccentric collector Cameron Clewe for help. But not help with a book - she needs them to clear her mother’s name. Her recently deceased mother was imprisoned for killing her husband, only Eloise swears she is innocent. Jane tracks down the original detective only to find him murdered in Eloise’s bookstore, and she and Cam are convinced this is related to the original cold case. Now Eloise may go to prison when she is accused of killing the detective.

This is a brilliantly crafted mystery. Some of the best elements that make a good mystery are in this book: plenty of plot twists, red herrings, suspense, and a killer closing in on the amateur detectives.
I haven’t read the first book in the series, but it is definitely on my TBR list. I enjoyed getting to know the world and characters of the Hunter and Clewe series. This is one of those books that I could not put down, reading far into the night until I knew whodunnit. The ending was such a surprise to me - another element of a great mystery!

This is the 2nd installment in the Hunter and Clewe mystery series. Jane Hunter works for Cameron (Cam) Clewe and although her primary job is that of librarian to catalog his extensive library, she also helps him with “investigations” or research to help others. They have successfully solved a murder and word starts to spread about their side investigations. Eloise Anderson is an owner of a book store that Cam often makes purchases from and he is approached by Eloise to clear the name of her mother who has died but was convicted of murdering her father. Eloise is convinced her mother was innocent but wants Cam and Jane to prove it. Cam is eccentric in that he is shy and does not like to go out in public often so Jane typically is the eyes, ears and legs of the duo. Just as their investigation takes off Jane arrives at the bookstore to meet up with Eloise when she finds her over the dead body of the police detective who help convict her mother. Coincindence? The police do not think so and are convinced it is Eloise. Jane noted a few things out of the ordinary at the scene and expressed concerns to both Cam and the police. Eloise is arrested and Cam bails her out and gives her refuge at Aircroft his mansion. I enjoyed the mystery and the way Jane and Cam solved the mysteries. I also enjoyed that Jane’s daughter was in this book and there was a side mystery which continued from the previous book about the original owners of the mansion. This sets up the next book nicely and I can’t wait to read that. Overall, a very enjoyable and entertaining read. Highly recommend this series.

Step into the riveting mystery of “A Killer Clue,” where antiquarian bookshop owner Eloise Anderson seeks the aid of retired librarian Jane Hunter and eccentric collector Cameron Clewe. Initially expecting a routine inquiry, Jane and Cam are thrust into a chilling investigation when Eloise reveals her mission: to exonerate her late mother of a murder she’s certain she didn’t commit. As they delve into the shadowy depths of the case, old wounds resurface, and a new murder only adds to the urgency. With the clock ticking, Jane and Cam must unravel the truth before an innocent woman faces injustice once more. Prepare for a gripping tale of secrets, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice in “A Killer Clue.”

The story progresses steadily, although slowly, and even though I had a suspicion about the perpetrator, it was still enjoyable to reach the denouncement. There are several potential suspects in this cold case murder investigation involving a rare bookshop. It’s hardly a suspenseful mystery to be sure. The characters’ looks and attire appear to have taken a lot of the author’s attention. Because of this, the novel was a little stretched, and I occasionally became bored reading it.

A well-written mystery with sympathetic, caring, and skillfully solved crime characters. Gilbert is a rising talent who is giving the traditional whodunit a modern, new viewpoint. Although I generally advise beginning at the beginning, this work is excellent on its own.

A lightweight slice of cozy crime, A Killer Clue continues the larger mystery arcs of its progenitor while also providing a classic 'proving my parent innocent' story. It doesn't reinvent the genre, but it is a warm and comfortable world to inhabit, and cosy crime aficionados could find much worse series to become invested in.

When Eloise Anderson, a local book seller is accused of killing the detective who investigated a murder case in the past that found her mother guilty of killing her father, Cameron Clewe decides to investigate. Jane Hunter is a sixty something woman who is cataloguing his book collection but also helps him solve crimes on the side. This book feels like an old manor mystery but set now. It was an okay story but I felt the characters needed to do more. It felt like all their clue solving was too cerebral. Everything was them discussing everything and then ta-da, they discovered the answer. Because of that, it dragged on a bit for me. I am not sure I would choose to read more in this series. I didn't feel the need to continue sometimes other than it was a NetGalley read and I do feel compelled to read them because they are given to me. This author does have quite a few books written so maybe someday I might read a backlist to see if I like them better. But I am sorry that I didn't enjoy this one more.

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

Initially hired to catalog wealthy Cameron Clewe’s extensive library collection, librarian Jane Hunter has become a part time PI helping the highly reclusive Cam solve cold cases, sort of like Archie Goodwin to Nero Wolfe. They’re expecting something similar when Eloise Anderson wants to hand deliver a book Cam has ordered, especially since her mother recently died in prison, serving time for the murder of her husband – Eloise’s dad. Eloise does ask for their help given some new information she’s found. However, the cold case soon becomes an active case when Eloise is found holding a knife over the body of the detective in her mother’s case, eerily echoing the earlier crime scene.

I enjoyed this book, especially the characters. There are numerous instances that could become a bit cliché, but Ms. Giilbert keeps them more open and realistic. I really like that relationship between Jane and Cam isn’t romantic and how the people around Cam work to help him overcome his reluctance to leave his home and how this reluctance actually manifests itself – not just something he says. The main plot had some nice twists in it as well, and the over arching subplot likewise had some nice advancements.

Highly recommended! While this the second book in the series, it works well as a standalone.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

Hunter & Clewe #2 centers around two murders that occurred in the same bookshop decades apart. Eloise's mother spent a life in jail for a murder her daughter is sure she didn't commit, but when a second murder occurs in the same location Eloise is charged with that murder. Like mother like daughter? Jane and Cam believe she is innocent but can they prove it? A mystery that centers around books has to be good and this one does not disappoint. Jane in particular is a very relatable character that we enjoy sleuthing with. A great second story in an ongoing series.
Thank you to #NetGalley#AKillerClue#CrookeLaneBooks for the EARC

This time Jane and Cameron are trying to solve a cold case. Eloise's mother has recently died. She was convicted of killing her husband. But when going thru her effects evidence is found that points to her innocence. A compelling read. Great characters. Good story plot. This is the second book in the series. Thanks #Netgalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

series, librarian, bookseller, reclusive, wealthy, amateur-sleuth, cozy-mystery, multiple-deaths, cold-case, local-law-enforcement, locked-room-mystery*****

Since her forced retirement from the university library, middle aged Jane has taken a new job in the private library on the Clewe estate. Her employer is the thirty something wealthy and reclusive Cam Clewe. Jane's landlord (a retired journalist) is there to rather stridently urge her on to extricate the clues to the murders and more.
Eloise Anderson operates a rare books store and when she delivers Cam's latest purchase, she asks him to investigate a cold case. Her mother recently died in prison for killing Eloise's father and Eloise wants Cam and associate Jane to help clear her mother's name. Shortly thereafter, Eloise is arrested for the murder of the lead detective from her mother's case with the cases being eerily similar. The story held my interest with it's fast pace, engaging characters, and surprising twists. Great!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

The Next Outing..
The second in the Hunter and Clewe mystery series and a new case is on the horizon following an unusual request for help from the owner of an antiquarian bookshop. Rather than a bookish query, this particular request has murder at its root. Let the sleuthing begin. Another hugely entertaining and enjoyable instalment with a pair of likeable and unique amateur sleuths, a firm sense of time and place and a well plotted, solid mystery at its very heart

Victoria Gilbert’s second Hunter and Clewe mystery brings back the unusual detecting duo in a traditional mystery, A Killer Clue. Red herrings, a cold case, a current case, and stolen books all add up to an interesting story for book lovers. Gilbert throws in some Mary Stewart for those of us who enjoy Gothic suspense.

Jane Hunter narrates the latest case for the pair. She’s sixty-one, a librarian who now works for Cameron Clewe, a wealthy book collector who lives at Ashcroft, a North Carolina estate. Cam suffers from anxiety, struggles with social skills, and doesn’t like to leave his house or go out in public. But, Jane has learned to work with her young boss.

When Eloise Anderson, owner of Last Chapter Bookshop, insists on hand-delivering Cam’s latest purchase, both Jane and Cam are surprised by her request. After fifteen years of incarceration, Eloise’s mother just died in prison. Although her mother never wanted her case reopened or reexamined, Eloise wants them to prove her mother didn’t murder her father. When Eloise was eighteen, her father was found stabbed to death in the bookstore, and her mother was the only one in the store at the time. Eloise still doesn’t believe her mother was a killer.

But, history might repeat itself. Jane makes a trip to meet with Eloise at the bookshop, only to find the retired detective, Bruce Parker, who handled the case, dead on the floor. He’s been stabbed, and Eloise is the only one in the bookstore. Naturally, she’s also the primary suspect. But, Cameron uses all of his resources to hire a good attorney, and provide a refuge at Ashcroft for Eloise. It isn’t long, though, before Jane suspects Eloise is keeping secrets.

Along with the murder investigation, there are several other curious cases lurking in the background. Years ago, the heir to Ashcroft died when he fell off a nearby cliff. Accident or murder? The truth has never come out. Then, there’s the puzzle about Cameron’s own identity. Who is his real father? Gilbert manages to include clues to all the cases in the carefully paced mystery.

I like the Hunter and Clewe mysteries. Gilbert, a librarian, understands rare books and library collections. And, her detecting duo of an older woman and younger man, are not involved in a romance that sometimes gets in the way of a good crime story. Looking for an interesting traditional mystery? You might want to try A Cryptic Clue, followed by A Killer Clue.