Three authors are collaborating on a book writing about three authors collaborating on a book: highly entertaining!

Three American writers, Emma (historical novels), Cassie (cozies), and Kat (urban fantasy), decide to go to a Scottish castle on a small island to write a book about an unsolved murder that happened there 100+ years ago. While there, the well-known author Brett Saffron Presley, who runs workshops in the castle, is murdered. As outsiders, the writers become the primary suspects (I loved the interviews with Detective Chief Inspector Macintosh; they were a total hoot!).  It also turns out all three writers had past encounters with Brett. Together, they take on the investigation and stumble upon so much fun that you will laugh out loud.  Each one is so overdone that they're nearly a caricature, and it's hilarious. I loved the tropes and the over-the-top plot lines. This book is poking fun at itself

I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚

The Author's Guide to Murder
By Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, & Karen White
Publication Date: November 5, 2024
Publisher: William Morrow

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📚MY REVIEW:

The Author's Guide to Murder is a cozy mystery set during a writer's retreat in a castle in Scotland -- it is the perfect fun read to keep you company as you snuggle up on a chilly autumn afternoon, under a cozy blanket on the couch.

Told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of the three female authors who are the main characters of this story, this book immediately drew me into its whodunnit murder mystery! Emma, Kat, and Cassie were all such lovably endearing characters, and their unique personalities and antics throughout the story made me laugh aloud. The whole host of supporting characters in this one, as well as the Scottish town in which the entire novel takes place, had me itching to visit this place and become a part of its history myself.

There was a warmth in this story that radiated from its pages. I loved the historical rumors and stories associated with the castle -- and the way these fictional authors unpacked all the secrets of the castle's history as they tried to prove none of them were the real suspects in this whodunnit mystery.

I could really tell that these three authors had SUCH a fun time collaborating in the creation of this story -- and it made the read even more enjoyable! This book will be loved by anyone who loves cozy mysteries, whodunnit storylines, strong female characters, multiple POVs, or remote settings that feel like they're a warm character of the story themselves. A big thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and these three authors themselves for the gifted advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

#TheAuthorsGuideToMurder #BeatrizWilliams #LaurenWillig #KarenWhite #WilliamMorrow #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #cozymysteries #whodunnitmystery #booklovers #bookaddict #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations

This book was okay. It was interesting enough to keep reading, but it felt like there were scenes and dialogue that was added solely to "fluff" the book, not really add to the storyline, plot, or anything else. It feels like the book is trying to be mysterious, but it doesn't really achieve that. I found myself frustrated at several parts because the authors (of this book) kept dragging out details, for instance, of the women's backstories while adding in details that didn't seem to advance or add to the story. Also, some of the writing did not feel authentic to how real people may act in similar situations. There were times it felt the characters were too calm or didn't ask the right questions or were easily distracted, and for me, it just didn't read well. I also think the title is a bit misleading and the ending was a bit flat. Lastly, the rotating characters each chapter felt like overkill.

Overall, I do give it a solid 2 stars because I did grow to enjoy the odd characters, the setting of the story, and there was a good premise to the plot. I just think it could have been flushed out a bit more.

This was a fun mystery, with lots of inside jokes for all mystery lovers. Loaded with both slapstick humor and heart wrenching emotion, I enjoyed myself tremendously. Each reader will connect with a different author, which may or may not coincide with your favorite type of mystery. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A fun romp through the Scottish countryside - Murder - check, Romantic feelings - check, Questionable relationship with a sheep - check, Informative uses of poison - check. This was a delightful read.

This story started off a bit slow, but once you get past the initial deceit you find out that it is a wonderful mix of romance, thriller, mystery, drama, and humor. Funny, heartwarming, and frustrating all at once this one will keep you hooked until the end.

If you want to read a book written by three talented authors about three talented authors writing a book, you're in the right place! Kat, Cassie, and Emma convince their editor to let them go on a writing retreat in Scotland to write the perfect historical fiction erotic murder... or something like that. These besties (or are they?) head off to Castle Kinloch after winning the opportunity to be part of a retreat hosted by the famous author Brett Saffron Presley. Soon enough though, Brett is dead. The locals all focus on the three women that just came from America - and they all have their own dark secrets.

I think this was a fun book that was full satire of the "locked room" mystery and pokes fun at the three authors that were actually writing this book. I very much enjoy Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White and can see them in their characters. I would read other books by this trio and, now that I know there are a few that exist, I should get to that! Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow Publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book!

I found it a little hard to get into this book. The murder at the beginning set the stage well but I thought the early interview excerpts were confusing. Once the momentum picked up, I devoured it.

Three author best friends join forces to write a novel to defy all expectations. When they arrive at their Scottish castle writer’s retreat, the American in charge mysteriously drops dead. With everybody on the island hiding something, it‘s up to the three of them to clear their names.

Was this a little ridiculous? Yes. Did it still make me laugh? Also yes. The characters are pretty flat, almost caricatures, until the body drops. I almost gave up because they all seemed way too cartoonish. But once the victim dies, we start getting deeper character development that made me rooting for all three of them. And the more we learned, the more invested I got.

It’s a bit of a slow start, but as soon as the victim died, everything became a lot more interesting and it was non stop movement until the end. And I really enjoyed how the humor throughout kept it from feeling too dark as the subject matter of two serial assaulters can make for upsetting reading.

I also love a book that makes me look up even more books. Besides the fact that I hadn’t read any by these authors before, every character kept referencing other stories that I wanted to look up.

The resolution felt a little lackluster, and I’m disappointed that the final reveal is “psychosis made someone do it.”

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this arc.

“Why not join forces? Rachelle had suggested. Emma’s research smarts, Cassie’s heart, Kat’s verve. Or maybe she’d said nerve. Either way, it was a surefire winner. If they didn’t kill one another first.”

This new novel by some of my favorite authors is strikingly similar to one of their insanely popular live collaborative author talks! Banter, jokes and delightful conversation, allegedly ramped up by some adult beverages, was the right book at the right time for me.

The latest by the dynamic trio (Lauren Willig, Beatriz Williams & Karen White) is set in the dreamy Scottish Highlands at a castle converted into a writer retreat and is filled with literary Easter eggs of all kinds. Three authors collaborating on a book about three authors collaborating on a book may seem head-spinning, but the wacky tale is in good hands with Team W. This cozy murder mystery has a supporting cast that reminded me of Louise Penny’s Three Pines gang, immediately taking me into cinematic reading experience. Sexual innuendo never crossed the line into a distasteful zone and provided a fun way to add a bit of an edge to the narrative.

A shoutout to Pequot Library, my beloved small town sanctuary, was icing on the cake! If you have the chance to see the authors on their book tour, I guarantee you’ll be entertained.

The setting and mystery were fun, but I found the lead characters unlikable until about three quarters of the way through the book.

Having been a fan of all these authors, this book wasn’t quite what I was expecting. There were parts that were really good but then others that kinda stunk. The mystery within the book was good. I probably could have done without the epilogue too. It was crazy.

This is an arc review for The Author's Guide to Murder. Thank you to #netgalley and #williammorrow for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Three authors have written a book about three authors from three different genres writing a book together. Ostensibly the three authors in the book meet at a writers conference become best friends and decide to go off on a girl's trip and write a book together. In reality, they have a darker purpose and that is to seek revenge upon someone who has harmed each of them. Two of the authors are single and one is married. They journey to Scotland to a writer's retreat to work on their book and enjoy the castle and spa. Of course, romance ensues for the single ladies and then there is a murder. The authors, like all author characters in books, tv programs and movies believe they can solve the murder better than the local police. Miscommunication and other hijinks ensue. It isn't a bad book but it is very cringeworthy. The authors thought so too because at the beginning of the book, they apologize to the people of Scotland. I give this book 2.5 stars.

I had a really difficult time with this book. I was never invested in the plot, the characters felt like caricatures of their most base archetypes, and the element I most enjoyed (the police style interviews at the start of each chapter) weren’t present throughout the whole book.

This was a good story, but was not what I was expecting. It was a murder mystery and it did include some silly hijinks. For me the characters were hard to connect with which made it hard to be invested in the story. I enjoyed the Scottish castle setting. The first half of the book felt quite a bit slower than I would have expected from these authors. The second half moved a bit quicker, which led to a satisfying conclusion.

Three authors, posing as friends, set off to Scotland to write a mystery novel together in “The Author’s Guide to Murder”. As you will come to find out, they may have a vendetta and a secret plan. I was drawn into this story from the very beginning. The Multi-POV writing style made it easy to understand the distinctions of the main characters. The humor and book-references were a fun addition to the storytelling. I enjoyed the added romance to the story as well! I do recommend checking the content warnings on this one.

For those who love:
📕 Scotland
📕 Cozy Mysteries
📕 Old & New Mysteries to Solve
📕 Multi-POV
📕 Opposites Attract Friends
📕 Meddling Sheep

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Author’s Guide to Murder is a delightful concoction of mystery, satire, and literary homage, brought to life by the collaborative genius of Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White. This novel is a must-read for fans of classic whodunnits and contemporary thrillers alike.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Castle Kinloch, a remote and gothic estate in the Scottish Highlands, the story kicks off with the sensational murder of literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley. Found dead under mysterious circumstances in the castle’s book-lined study, Presley’s demise sets off a chain of events that intertwine the lives of three authors who are attending a writers’ retreat at the castle.

The novel’s strength lies in its richly drawn characters. Each author brings a unique voice and perspective, making the narrative both engaging and multifaceted. The protagonists, all writers themselves, offer a meta-commentary on the art of storytelling, adding layers of depth and intrigue. Their interactions are laced with wit, rivalry, and camaraderie, making for a dynamic and entertaining read.

The trio of authors masterfully blends their distinct styles into a cohesive narrative. The alternating points of view keep the story fresh and fast-paced, while the seamless transitions between chapters showcase the authors’ collaborative synergy. The prose is sharp and evocative, capturing the eerie beauty of the castle and the tension of the unfolding mystery.

The Author’s Guide to Murder is a celebration of the mystery genre. It pays homage to the greats like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, while also addressing contemporary issues such as the #MeToo movement. The novel deftly balances its homage with modern sensibilities, making it relevant and thought-provoking.

The Author’s Guide to Murder is a clever and stylish tale that offers three mysteries for the price of one. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted whodunit. Whether you’re a fan of classic mysteries or looking for a fresh take on the genre, this novel is sure to satisfy your literary cravings.

This book is a testament to the authors’ ability to craft a compelling narrative that is both a tribute to and a reinvention of the classic murder mystery. It’s a perfect read for a cozy night in, with a cup of tea and a penchant for puzzles.

4.5 stars rounded up.

The Author’s Guide to Murder is a zany murder mystery written by longtime friends and collaborators Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White. They are all accomplished storytellers, and this satirical “locked room” mystery is written, as they note, “with a wink and a nudge and…maybe a grain of truth.” It is all great fun for admirers of these authors’ previous novels!

The premise is straightforward: Three successful writers are sent on an all-expenses paid retreat to Castle Kinloch on a small Scottish island. While there, they realize they each have a complicated history with the retreat’s expert author (and womanizer) Brett Saffron Presley. He is found murdered, and so the writers 3 decide to solve the murder. This becomes an immersive read, as the personality of each woman—Emma, Kat and Cassie—shines with their warm sharing moments and witty repartee. I chuckle that this is probably very loosely based on real-life friends W, W, and W, and their imagined adventures together. There are lots of over the top extended metaphors and double entendres, sometimes cringe-worthy, as well as edgy inside jokes. Sly references to characters in their novels (Prunella Schuyler!) give a tip of the hat to their real-life works.
The denizens of the island are quirky and broadly drawn, especially frustrated DCI Macintosh, and the castle’s owner Archie, whose constant companion is Beatrice, the ewe sheep. The island’s residents remain in character throughout with their Scottish brogue and endless rrrrrrrrrrs.

This novel is very entertaining and I can imagine the fun these authors had developing the imaginative plot and tongue-in-cheek delivery. A great read by a talented trio!!

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Three authors who claim to be “best friends” meet up in Scotland to research and write a book together. While visiting, a murder takes place, and the women find themselves prime suspects.

I genuinely wanted to loved this story, as I love this author trio. Sadly, this one didn’t work for me. I did enjoy the 3 POV between Kat, Emma and Cassie, but I didn’t particularly like any of them. I enjoyed the Scottish setting, and I did laugh a few times at the cast of supporting characters. I did enjoy Part 1, as it had snippets of the police interrogation, but that was lost totally in Part 2. This book is not these authors’ typical historical fiction, and I just didn’t vibe with the story. I also think the synopsis didn’t really tell readers the right thing, so I went in thinking I was getting a locked room mystery, but left without that.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for an e-copy arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5

Cozy mystery: CHECK
Humor: CHECK
All the references (books, movies, et.) : CHECK

3 Authors (of completely different genres) meet at a bar and decide to write a book together in none other than Scotland. Different country, small town, big castle with an interesting past, murder, and a sheep.

I loved the writing style and layout of the first 50% being a mix of the present and the past with hints of what has happened and what was to come. Sadly in my opinion it went down hill from there with a detour of The Match, Scotland edition. They were trying to solve a murder and prove innocence while also going on fill page distractions of how someone is hot or smells nice. If it kept with the plot i could see it working but it really just come out of no where at times making me roll my eyes so hard and debate if i should just skip pages until the characters were back on track. Picture watching the Scooby Gang only to have full 5 minutes of Fred and Daphne stopping looking for clues and just standing there talking, flirting, and acting like nothing else matters multiple times. It just got me out of the story and didnt more the plot along 75% of the time. The last 15% or so is when it started to get good again and the random side conversations started to feeding into the plot moving things along in the right direction.

I have to admit this book kind of stumped me. Half way through i had a prediction that in a sense turned out correct but with a twist (i wont say more because of spoilers). So it was an easy mystery to solve but also not with some holes and turns involved.

Over all not a pretty good read. This was marked down due to my interesting going down hill at the half way mark until it came back at about 80-85% and the romance idea (no smut just the forcing of everyone getting a partner and happily ever after) down my throat when i just wanted more murder mystery solving. There was also the ending that just was out of the blue with two characters showing up for a task then the book to end almost like it was a rewrite that didnt have enough time to go back and add more to the book to make it logical.