Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I didn’t know what to expect from Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder given its intriguing plot but author’s reference to imaging Paris Hilton as inspiration for the main character in the forward (which had my excitement deflating a bit), but if you find yourself in a similar position rest assured, this is a great book that’s worth the read!

I’d say Pomona is less Paris and more Eloise all grown up but somewhat defeated by her family. Pom has a nasty grandmother who rules of the Afton hotels and her family, who are also deeply flawed. After growing up privileged and believing she’s stupid and can’t do much (but at least she has the money to facilitate that), Pom get the shock of her life when she discovers her grandmother murdered and as a result has to make it on her own for a year, as her Grandmother’s will dictates that all Afton assets are frozen to the family for that time frame until her murderer is found.

Naturally Pomona quickly finds out who her real friends are and gets a crash course in real life. I’d say the transition for someone in her position went a little too simply and well - I did wish we could have explored this idea from a more realistic perspective as it would have been extremely interesting. But Pom nevertheless lands on her feet and meets her nanny’s studly and kind son who teams up with her to find the murderer. Their chemistry was pitch perfect, and it makes sense that Gabe is key in helping Pom realize she brings value, isn’t stupid, and should demand respect from her family in the same way she used to demand service from employees and others in her sphere.

A lighter murder mystery that was all around entertaining, this does call back to a certain early 00’s element in Pomona but rest assured, this girl has some depth and is a pleasure to follow as she tries to sort out who murdered her grandmother (everyone, literally, would have motive) while finding the substance in herself. Don’t expect anything too nuanced, the romantic chick lit is as expected, but if you enjoy that you will very much enjoy this.

4/5 ⭐

Plot
In this rom-com meets murder mystery, spoiled heiress Pomona Afton must investigate her grandmother's murder to regain access to her frozen trust fund. Her grandmother, a mean and paranoid society queen, secretly included a clause in her will that freezes the family's assets if she dies unnaturally. With no other option, Pomona moves in with Gabe, the son of her former nanny, and they team up to solve the mystery. As they uncover family secrets, Pomona finds herself falling for Gabe and questioning whether her former life of luxury is worth the risk of losing him.

Thoughts
Pom is much like Cher from Clueless transitioning from a wealthy, privileged background to striving to prove her worth beyond her riches, showing growth and determination.

The relationship between Gabe and Pam evokes the charm of a classic 2000s romcom, full of chemistry and nostalgia that makes it loveable.

Overall, this was a perfect debut rom-com murder mystery by blending humor, romance, and suspense seamlessly!
I hope to read more of Bellamy Rose's work in the future!

Thank you Atria and Netgalley for sending me an arc!!

A fun riches to rags murder mystery with a dash of romance. Coddled heiress Pomona Afton has never had to work a real job in her life. That all changes when her grandmother is killed and a codicil in her will states that if she dies in suspicious circumstances all her heirs will be cut off until the culprit is found. With nowhere to go except renting a room from Gabe, the hunky son of her former nanny Andrea, Pom is in a rude shock. With time on her hands, what if she can solve her grandmother’s murder and return back to her old life?

This was a lot of fun and I breezed right through it. I really enjoyed Bellamy Rose’s romance novels (as Amanda Elliot), so I was eager to read her debut cozy mystery. Pom’s journey is predictable - rich girl becomes down on her luck and who her real friends are, the value of an honest day’s work and finally finding a real purpose. But she’s an endearing character, just a bit vacuous and ignorant, never mean so you can help but root for her. Gabe is adorable, but at times I think their attraction came a bit too early without Pom really having to work for it. Otherwise they were cute together. I also enjoyed the side plots of her friendships and former friendships too.

Overall this was the perfect cozy mystery escapism that is reading catnip for me. I hope we see more of Pom and Gabe solving crimes.

Thanks to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley.