Thank you to NetGalley, Atria, and Bellamy Rose for the opportunity to read and review Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder.

Pomona Afton has it all. A free room in one of her family’s hotels, money, good looks, tons of friends…and she’s going to lose it all. Well, that is if her grandmother’s murder isn’t solved. All assets have been frozen until the killer can be found and after the police doesn’t make much progress, she decides to solve it herself.

This was a cute and easy read. Cozy mysteries can be hit or miss, but this one was a hit! Gabe (her new roommate and former nanny’s son) and Pomona work so well together. They both have a lot to learn about “the other side,” but they balance each other perfectly. Gabe encourages her to step out of her box and believe in herself. Pomona encourages Gabe to take what he deserves. It was heartwarming to watch them grow and solve the mystery.

I fully thought I solved it about 20% of the way in, but then I second guessed myself. However, my first guess was right in the end. It took me a bit to get into the beginning — partially because things were extremely busy — but then I flew through it.

I recommend Pomona Afton for anyone who loves Gossip Girl, Clueless, and Only Murders in the Building!

I dnf'd at 13%.

Unfortunately, this wasn't for me, because the main character's whole personality in the begining is being a rich socialite out of touch with real life, and I'm not interested in reading about this type of people right now.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book it was such an easy read. I feel like this book was more about Pom changing her ways after she loses her money with a touch of romance and a bigger touch of a mystery. I loved seeing Pom on her journey to learn how to live on her own (with Gabe of course) and find her love for baking.

I'm usually not big on cozy mysteries, I find them boring (I stick with mystery thrillers) but this one was not boring in the slightest. With all the other aspects it kept my attention and I found it so charming. It looked like at the very end there might be some little breadcrumbs about a possible sequel and I would definitely read another one of these books.

When the going gets tough...

...she has no idea what she's going to do.

Pomona Afton lives a pretty charmed life. She lives in one of her family's hotels, her trust fund allows her to do whatever she wants whenever she wants, and life is a nonstop carousel of galas, club nights, and fabulous clothes...all of which she documents for the world on her social media accounts. OK, so she was raised more by her former nanny Andrea than by her actual parents (whose chief advice in life has been to keep her feelings bottled up rather than display them to the world - father - along with not causing wrinkles by frowning and avoid eating carbs - mother), who regularly make it clear that they don't think Pomona is good at doing anything and regard her older brother Nicholas as the heir apparent to the family business. And sure her grandmother makes her parents look warm and loving by comparison and regularly wields access to the family money to ensure compliant behavior (just ask her uncle and his family, whom Grandma recently cut off without a cent)...but no one's life is perfect, right? When Pomona ducks Grandma's latest barrage of texts and phone calls and pushes off the "urgent meeting" she is demanding until the following day, how was she to know that Grandma was going to get murdered that night? And that Pomona (hungover and queasy) would be the one to find her? With a clause in the will freezing every family members' access to trust funds, apartments, and more, all of a sudden Pomona has nowhere to live and only a hastily packed suitcase of clothes to her name. She has no job, no marketable skills, and moving in with either her parents (staying at the Hamptons house of friends) or her brother (living with his girlfriend) would just prove them right in having no faith in her. So she moves in with Andrea's (cute but grumpy) son Gabe, takes a job at the coffee shop where he is an assistant manager, and is determined to solve her grandmother's murder ASAP so that she can go back to her old life...even though it looks like the killer is someone in her family.
This is a quick paced, fun mashup between a clueless amateur sleuth whodunnit and a grumpy guy rom-com, set in New York's Upper East Side, featuring a lead character who at first glance is pretty shallow, unaware of how entitled her existence is, and living an alcohol-soaked and aimless life. She is pretty funny, though, and over the course of the novel she gradually grows up and finds out that she actually has more to contribute to the world than she, or anyone in her family, every believed. Gabe has every reason to resent the new roommate his mother sent his way...she has had every advantage and done little with it, and enjoyed far more of his mother's time and attention when he was growing up than he did. Most of Pomona's family and more than a few of her friends are happy to leave her to the wolves, but with Gabe's encouragement she proves them all wrong....and finds that her life will benefit from the shaking up it's getting. The mystery isn't super mysterious, but it's fun to amble along with Pomona and Gabe as they rule out one suspect after another and realize that they may just be perfect for one another. If you are the sort that would enjoy a combination Only Murders In The Building/Gossip Girl kind of story, or are readers of authors like Elle Cosimano, Olivia Blacke or Michelle Chouinart. then this is the book for you. Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for allowing me access to a copy of this entertaining romp.

Pomona Afton Can So Solve A Murder by Bellamy Rose

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

My girl, Pomona 😌 What a gal. This book is like if Cher Horowitz (Clueless) and London Tipton had a baby 😂. Remember that episode of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody when London loses all of her money and has to go live with Maddie? That’s what this book is, except Maddie is actually her old nanny’s hot son. Truly immaculate vibes 🤌🏼

A little recap: This book stars hotel heiress Ms. Pomona Afton, who stumbles home one night after a gala to discover her rich grandmother’s dead body, murdered 🔪🩸. Pomona wasn’t particularly fond of her grandmother, but unbeknownst to the Afton’s, ol’ Mamaw snuck a clause into her will stating that should she die an untimely death, everyone is cut off until the murderer is found, leaving Pomona on the streets and buh-roke. No money, no prospects. With all of her friends mysteriously having no space for her to stay, Pomona turns to the only person in which she has ever found comfort, her childhood nanny — who just so happens to have a son whose roommate recently moved out. Convenient. After a swift dose of reality, Pomona decides this murder has to be solved ASAP, and who better to enlist for help than her surly new roommate whose mother also won’t get her retirement money if the murder isn’t solved … 🧐

Let me just start by saying, this book was adorable. I actually didn’t hate Pomona like I thought I would in the beginning. She wasn’t giving off spoiled, little rich girl so much as naive and clueless. You can tell right away that she has a good heart and truly cares about people. I mean we can’t choose the life we’re born into, right? It’s surprisingly very easy to sympathize with Pomona. She has a toxic relationship with her family, who always tell her that she isn’t smart enough to do anything, has no skills, and just needs to stay out of everyone else’s way. Basically, sit still and look pretty. No wonder she never had any higher aspirations. No one ever encouraged or challenged her. As soon as she has the chance, Pom proves them all wrong. I love that she found her passion in baking and in helping others. She had so much character growth from beginning to end.

Pomona and Gabe have such an organic relationship. She was his childhood crush, but he blames Pom for how much time his mom had to spend with her family instead of him. Once he finally gets past that and gets to know her a little better, they become reluctant allies and eventually friends. I love how Gabe supported her passion for baking and sold her baked goods in his coffee shop. Literally so sweet. And how Pom encouraged Gabe to stand up to his boss and demand the raise he rightfully deserved. They made each better in all the best ways.

One thing I really enjoyed is that this book was not trope-y at all. I really can’t think of one mainstream trope that was in this book other than he just didn’t like her at first, and I wouldn’t even classify that as enemies or rivals to lovers. It was a refreshing read and not like anything I’ve read recently. There’s no spice in this book, except a few mentions of other characters “hooking up,” so this one is for the girlies who like a nice, clean romance!

I actually did not guess who the murderer was, and I was so sure I had it right. The murder mystery subplot was a lot of fun and kept the story moving right along. I read it in two sittings and never got bored.

I really had a lot of fun with this book! I would recommend it for fans of lighthearted murder mysteries or anyone who enjoys a cute, fluffy romance. If Clueless is one of your comfort movies, then this is the book for you. Cher Horowitz stamp of approval! 💛

Thank you to NetGalley, Bellamy Rose, and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

⭐️ 4.25/5

Thank you @atriabooks for the advanced physical copy & @simon.audio for the advanced listener audiobook!

This was such a great change of pace! A murder mystery mixed in with a dash of romance, this was right up my alley! The concept had me hooked from the start with the comparison to Schitt’s Creek. Just picturing Alexis Rose trying to solve a murder was the spinoff I never saw coming!

Pomona experiences the culture shock of a lifetime, not only losing her grandmother but also her fortune at the same time. On top of it all, Pomona is kicked out of the hotel she calls home and discovers that her inheritance, as well as that of each member of her family, is frozen until the murderer is revealed!

Digging through the mess of lies and family secrets, Pomona finds herself rooming and partnering up with the (hot) son of her former nanny. Gabe seems just as eager to help Pomona uncover the murderer, which feels kinda sus…

I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns that popped up throughout this story. The audio kept me on my toes and I couldn’t wait to find out whodunnit! (I was actually surprised!) I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I will be totally honest, I wasn’t sure what I would think of a self proclaimed “Rom-Com meets Murder Mystery.” I did, however, know that I was intrigued.

From the start, I was absolutely enchanted by this fast-paced and lovable read. Pomona Afton loses it all after her grandma is murdered and she must solve the murder if she wants to return to her former life. Pomona reminds me a lot of Alexis Rose and it was so fun to watch her character transform throughout the book. And on top of it all, the love story was adorable!

While the book was quick and easy, the uniqueness of the story stuck with me. I would highly recommend it for anyone in a reading slump or in need of a genre switch up.

I enjoyed this book so much! It was a fun read! I adore Pom and her growth through the book.

The story starts with a wealthy young lady, Pom, lived off her family money. The matriarch of the family is her salty grandmother. Unfortunately, grandma meets an untimely death. Upon this death, all family money is frozen.

Pom makes it her mission to figure out who killed her grandmother to get the family money turned back on. Reading her adventures on this journey, had laugh out moments to heart-warming growth and change.

Order your copy now! Comes out March 18! Thank you NetGalley and Astria Books for this advance read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.

Pomona Afton was so much fun. I really enjoyed this book and the characters throughout. I am so glad I was able to read an advanced copy.

Pomona Afton Can So Solve A Murder is five stars of pure, bingeable, fun neatly packaged in book form. I flew through this novel in a day because I couldn't stop turning the pages. I was smiling and entertained from cover to cover. Imagine if instead of going to law school, Elle Woods was cut off from all of her wealth and had to solve a murder case to get it back. That's this book. And just like Elle Woods, Pomona Afton discovers a new passion and a lot about herself on the journey. And of course she solves the murder (with an assist from a new, handsome man in her life). What, like it's hard?

This is the fun, escapist read that we all need right now! Five stars! Highly recommend!!

Oh, and Bellamy Rose is another pen name for Amanda Elliot, author of Love You A Latke. If you've been following me, you know how obsessed I was with that book as well!

Spoiled heiress Pomona Afton is cut off from her trust fund after the suspicious death of her grandmother freezes the family's assets. Turned out of the penthouse, she finds herself rooming with her former nanny's son, Gabe, in a cramped, dingy apartment, but the close quarters lead to changes Pomona never expected as she and Gabe try to sort out who had it in for her grandmother.

This mix of mystery and rom-com was charming. It was fast-paced, with an adorable friends-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of the investigation. Gabe is swoony in a sweet way, and his support of Pomona is really charming. They put the "amateur" into amateur sleuthing with their less-than-subtle techniques, but it's all part of the fun. However, Pomona's growth is at the heart of the story. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and a heart of gold that adversity polishes to a shine. As the story progresses, she really finds herself and learns to stand on her own two feet. Her internal dialogue is often hilarious.

I enjoyed the author's writing style and lighthearted tone, even while touching on deeper issues, including some of Pomona's family drama and the damaging effects of social media. The mystery isn't overly complex, but it is cute and entertaining, with a bit of a Schitt's Creek vibe, and I enjoyed it.

Thank you to Atria Books Emily Bestler Books and Netgalley for the gifted ARC

This one is a lot of fun! If you 're looking for a mystery that you can pitch to YA readers who are fans of Only Murders in the Building with a side of adorable rom-com, this one works!

Pomona Afton is one of the offspring of the very wealthy Afton family. When her grandmother is murdered (and Pomona finds the body), all of the family's assets are locked, and if no one figures out who killed her grandmother, they will stay that way. Goodbye, minimal consequences party girl lifestyle, goodbye penthouse apartment. Pomona has to find her way - from rooming with her former nanny/housekeeper's very adorable son, to working at a coffee shop (with said adorable son), to trying to figure out who killed her thoroughly unlikeable grandmother.

Bellamy Rose has done a terrific job of writing a well-realized main character. Pomona really grows along the way, and we go from wanting to tell her to stop being such a drama queen to actually rooting for her. The very dysfunctional family dynamic is well-captured, to help us understand why Pom is the way she is. I definitely had a sense of where things were going in terms of the murderer before Pomona did, but she gets there in the end! Lots of red herrings to get caught up in, which I always find fun. The romance is cute and light and very friendly to readers who are not looking for a ton of steam.

I'm looking forward to the next one!
Thanks to Net Galley and Atria Books for the e-arc.

3.5!
this was a good read for people who loves light-hearted mysteries, its both a fresh and familiar! there were some part that were a bit predictable but it still is a very pleasant read
The writing is also very engaging, light toned, quick pacing with a good balance of humor, mystery and romcom!

thank you netgalley for the arc!

No one has ever taken Pomona seriously, including herself. When the matriarch of her family is murdered, the family loses everything unless the culprit can be found. Pomona sets out to get her life back, but finds something better along the way.

This was a sweet story of an aimless heiress who learns that money isn't everything, and gains some confidence along they way. The book is short and sweet, with a warm fuzzy ending. There are a lot of "poor little rich girl" moments, but there's also some really heartbreaking moments that give backstory to who she is in the present day. I appreciated Pomona's character growth as well. While it may not be as drastic as we want at times as readers, it was steady and the ending wrapped it up nicely. I also liked Gabe as a steadying hand as she's thrust into a whole different world than she's known before.

3.5 rounded up

Pomona Afton is a spoiled heiress who spends her time partying with friends. When her grandmother is murdered, her life as she knows it is suddenly ripped away. There was a stipulation in her grandmother’s will that stated if her death be of unnatural causes, then all of the Afton family assets will be frozen. With nowhere to go, Pomona calls her former nanny, and she offers Pomona to be her son’s roommate. At first Pomona rejects the offer, but the living situation with her brother and his girlfriend turns out to be not ideal. She ultimately decides to move in with her former nanny’s son, Gabe. His apartment way smaller than she is used to but at least she has her own room and shouldn’t be there too long. Right? Wrong. Pomona learns that if her grandmother’s death is not solved within a year, all the family assets will stay frozen. She asks for Gabe’s help to solve her grandmother’s murder so she could go back to the life of luxury. Gabe isn’t too thrilled about his new roommate, but agrees to help because it’s the only way his mother will get the retirement money she deserves. As they work together, they realize that the other is not so bad and become friends. Pomona also learns a few things about herself along the way. So much so that she’s questioning whether she wants to go back to her old life. And if all of it is worth the possibility of losing Gabe.

I really enjoyed this debut book from Bellamy Rose. It had a good balance of mystery and rom-com elements. Pomona reminded of Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. I had a feeling I knew who murdered Pomona’s grandmother but the author threw me off so much that I second guessed who it was. In the end, my initial theory was correct. I loved how Pomona was able to really find herself and what made her happy. Her character growth from the beginning was great. I didn’t like how her family always treated her like she was some airhead and didn’t know anything. I loved that Gabe was able to show her that she was smart and could do anything. They were so cute together. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m interested to see what comes next from this author.

Thank you Atria Books, Bellamy Rose, and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book is a quick cozy mystery with a hint of romance. Pomona reminds me of an early 2000s Paris Hilton trying to solve a murder, which definitely comes with its fair share of humor. She is so spoiled and obnoxious but yet kind of endearing. I really enjoyed her character development, with her learning how to demand that people in her life treat her better.

The mystery was predictable to me, but it was still enjoyable to watch Pomona figure it out. I also found it very hard to believe that she learned how to bake so quickly and easily, considering she didn’t even realize she could go to the grocery store for chocolate chips herself. However, it was an enjoyable read that kept me turning pages!

I recommend this book for readers who enjoy women’s fiction with mystery and a little romance. Because it spans a few genres, I also think this book would be the perfect palate cleanser for anyone in a reading slump. It was easy to read and entertaining! Thank you to Bellamy Rose, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Read if you like:
💕 Family mystery/drama
💕 Cozy mysteries
💕 Celebrity characters
💕 Delicious baked goodies

While the book was a little slow to start for me, I was quickly engrossed in the story. I loved the mystery element without the characteristics of a standard mystery novel. I was constantly guessing who did it. Pomona was absolutely terrible but had a wonderful character arc and finally stood up to her mother which made me happy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC!

Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder
By: Bellamy Rose
4 stars

I went into this one completely blind. I know that I read the description at some point but when I picked up the audiobook thanks to S&S Audio, I was shocked at first! Pomona was so insufferable in the beginning of this that I thought “there’s no way people like this exist!” After giving it some time I came around once it was clear that this fall from grace for Pomona and her family was setting her up for this huge character shift and thank goodness it did!

Pomona Afton is a wealthy 20-something coming from a family who gained their immeasurable wealth from the hotel business. When he grandmother and matriarch of the family ends up murdered, her family, who all live in penthouses atop the Afton Hotel in NYC, are forced to evacuate and all their wealth is frozen due to the nature of her grandmothers death. If they cannot solve the case of who murdered her grandmother within 1 year, they lose their fortune. Pomona moves into an apartment with her longtime nannies son, Gabe, and must learn how to be a regular person from doing laundry, working a regular job, and eventually, trying to solve her grandmothers murder.

This was wonderfully done from the evidence collecting, to interrogating her family members and hotel staff, and even with Pomonas whirlwind of self discovery away from the life of privilege. Pomona’s naivety with life was gently handled by an understanding Gabe who never belittled her, but believed in her. I loved how she took a simple hobby of baking and turned it into a passion that reshaped her world. I loved that through her lack of wealth, Pomona was forced to take a look at her past relationships and actions and forge new, meaningful bonds with those around her.

While this was a murder-mystery at its core, it was entertaining and engaging. I didn’t once suspect the true murderer and honestly, I love that! The true story was watching Pomona grow into herself and use her new skills to make a world for herself that she wouldn’t have been able to do without the tragedy that kickstarted the whole story.

I’m excited for anything else Bellamy Rose writes! Thank you to Atria for the eARC and S&S Audio for the ALC!

4.5 stars! I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this mystery rom-com but I loved what it turned out to be! Pomona’s whole life gets turned upside down after her grandmother is murdered, and as she works to try to solve the murder with the help of Gabe, she learns so much about herself and who she wants to be going forward. Despite the storyline revolving around a murder, I found this story to be really cute and funny! Pomona’s growth throughout the book is evident. I love her relationship with Gabe and how he helps to bring out the best in Pomona and makes her really consider what she wants in her life. I also really enjoyed the exploration of friendship in this book. Pomona learns some hard lessons of who she can rely on and how to make amends, and how to decide what kind of people she wants in her life. Overall a great read!

Pomona Afton is everything you imagine when you imagine a ditzy airhead living on generational wealth. Yes, she has a college degree but most basic things in life don’t even occur to her. Yes, she claims to live by herself, but this just means living in her own suite in one of her family”s hotels with her own personal assistant taking care of her needs and whims. Her life basically consists of attending galas, detoxing after galas and planning to attend the next, How other people”s lives differ from her own doesn’t even occur to her, she’s an Acton, a queen bee. Now this story would be much if it weren’t for something to interrupt this kind of mindless existence and something does. The matriarch of the family, Pomona’s grandmother is killed quite gruesomely in her personal suite. Pomona discovers her, because her grandmother, the one who technically controls the purse strings had been wanting to talk to her. Now the family discovers that their matriarch’s last will included a provision in case of her violent death, all assets are moved into a trust and the family is kicked out of hotels and out of access to funds - showing who the grandmother feared most, those closest to her. Was she right in her assessment ? After a harsh awakening of what life in the real world means and what little marketable skills she actually possesses. Pomona starts an investigation into the murder, the only way to free up the assets, she starts to work in a coffee shop and starts a baking business and lives with a roommate, her former nanny’s son and discovers the power of actual friendship mending rifts.
This is a cozy mystery at its core and it is a good one with the appropriate amount of twists and red herrings making this a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.