I chose this book to read partly based on the fact that it had a woman riding a bicycle on the cover. And I am glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's a sapphic cosy mystery = so you get mystery and a side portion of romance. Both of which I found intriguing.
So many suspects in a small community. So many people with something to hide in their past - or running when the past just won't let them go.
I instantly liked Margaret - perceived as cold, awkward and arrogant. I mean she had a historical dildo in her collection! Bess is seen as a quirky, sociable, kind woman.
Cancer can be written into any story - it is so present in society and those numbers are reflected in books.
What is not to love about Midnight hags who make Doctor Who references?
Margaret is set up for a murder or 2 that she most certainly did not commit and is languishing in jail.

There's action, intrigue and detecting (by Bess, the Historical hags and Margaret when she is free to do so) which brings the guilty culprits into custody and secures Margaret's release.

And of course there is an epilogue.
This is set just 3 months later. Both Margaret and Bess are moving to Melbourne and they might just see each other there.

I really enjoyed this. There were so many twists and turns, multiple events and suspects to keep you on your toes. And a plausible, satisfactory ending.

I really like this series! It’s funny, quirky and mysterious and also sweet, in a sense. Bess e Margaret are a beautiful couple, I love them both so much and I love Bess especially. I love the bond between them, the way their relationship works.
The mystery is intriguing and well executed.

Thank you Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for the arc.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

This a sequel to A Curious Woman which I never got the opportunity to read so I could familiarize myself with this odd couple. Never the less this story is filled with a lot of shenanigans and drama and can be read on its own.


Thanks to the publisher YLVA and NetGalley for this ARC copy.

Jess Lea’s A Curious Visit is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre, offering a fresh sapphic twist that is both charming and engaging. With a cast of quirky, fun characters and a well-constructed plot, the novel strikes a fine balance between lighthearted humor and compelling intrigue.

At its core, this is a mystery-driven story, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Lea skillfully crafts a narrative that remains true to its sleuthing roots while incorporating moments of romantic tension and spice. These elements are seamlessly woven into the story, adding depth to the relationships without overshadowing the central mystery.

The characters are a highlight, brimming with personality and wit. Each one brings something unique to the story, creating a dynamic and entertaining ensemble. Their interactions are lively and often humorous, adding to the cozy atmosphere that defines the genre.

While the spicy moments add a touch of heat, they are thoughtfully placed, ensuring the focus remains on unraveling the mystery. The plot is well-paced and engaging, offering just the right amount of suspense to keep readers hooked while maintaining the book’s cozy and lighthearted tone.

A Curious Visit is a perfect pick for readers looking for a cozy mystery with a sapphic romance twist. Jess Lea has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is intriguing, making it a standout in the genre. Fans of fun characters, clever plotting, and a dash of spice will find much to love in this charming read.

More shenanigans with an unconventional couple
If you've read A Curious Woman and are already familiar with main characters Bess and Margaret, this is more shenanigans, adventure and mystery with the odd couple. This is a sequel but it could be read on its own as the mystery and other happenings are not carry overs from the previous book. I liked this book more than its predecessor and am not sure if it's due to familiarity with the characters or if my mindset and mood were more conducive to them this time around. Bess and Margaret are unconventional individuals and together make for an unusual mix but they provide lots of hilarity while getting involved in some very strange stuff. Set in Tasmania this time with its penal colony past it's a good reading option if you're wanting something different from typical lesfic. The mystery is only one plot thread in the book along with the romance and drama. I guessed a few of the reveals ahead of time but was surprised by the end of the book when all the mysteries were solved. I had fun reading this one and recommend it for those looking for some variety in their lesfic reading, outside of the norm when it comes to the characters, where they spent their time, and what they get up to.
(Reviewed March 28, 2023)