This one fancies itself a delightful mélange of mystery, magic, and mental gymnastics. The novel endeavors to engage readers not merely as passive observers but as active participants in its enigmatic escapades.

Enter Destiny Whip, a former child prodigy and renowned enigmatologist whose social calendar is as barren as the Sahara. Her monotonous existence receives an unsolicited jolt with an invitation to become the Scruffmore family’s historian—a position she neither sought nor knew existed. The allure of unearthing her own familial mysteries propels her to the foreboding Eerie Island. The Scruffmores, a family entangled in secrets and supernatural shenanigans, present a labyrinthine challenge that Destiny must navigate, all while deciphering cryptic ciphers and premonitions of impending doom. Enter the fun.

Marais attempts to blur the line between reader and protagonist by embedding riddles and puzzles within the narrative, inviting readers to don their detective hats alongside Destiny. Who didn’t love Clue growing up?! This interactive element aspires to elevate the traditional reading experience into a participatory adventure. I did however find times when I was more excited for the next clue rather than the story and unable to skip anything lest you miss any clues.

Marais’s prose balances gothic ambiance with humor, giving us a “quirky, humorous locked room murder mystery” vibe. The narrative is peppered with contemporary references, such as comparisons to “Knives Out” and “Succession” and the prose oscillates between atmospheric description and lighthearted banter.

Overall, this one delivers on the mystery, magic, and reader interactivity. While not the most exhilarating story to unfold, if you want to be a participant in the mystery, it’s worth the read for uniqueness alone.

3.5/4 stars

I thought this was an interesting book because there are puzzles within the book that you have a chance to solve alongside the characters. I thought it was a fun touch, but I think it could be a turn off for some readers. There isn't as much of a surprise with the twists because you are solving the clues along with Destiny, but the plot and mystery itself was pretty interesting.

It's a who-dun-it mixed with Clue and some Westing Game-esk puzzles to solve. Destiny is barely making it through life after a horrible tragedy. She gets a cryptic invite teasing of family secrets to be revealed.

What follows is so many twists and turns, puzzles and clues, and adventure. Just when you think you know which way is up, the whole game board flips.

The puzzles are challenging, but the author allows for email clues or peaking at the answers if you give up. I loved it! I was hooked until the end and didn't see it coming.

I am sorry to say that A Most Puzzling Murder was not for me.
I think the premise was great, but it was just too much work for me.

I am a mystery lover, all types of mysteries.

I liked the characters, and the interactive aspect, but it was just too confusing for me.

This was the most fun book I've ever read. I really enjoyed the plot and "Clue" feel to this book. The clues, the choose your own adventure scenes, and the fact that there is an email that will send you clues if you need them (and pretty much immediately) Y'all should see my pages of notes from trying to figure out the puzzles. I only wish I had the book in physical form to write, and doodle, and easily flip back and forth to information I needed. Definitely would recommend this book, especially a physical copy!

I thought this book was clever and I love the puzzles. I think reading the physical copy is easier than the Kindle version, but other than that I enjoyed it.

Wow this was so fun! What a unique book where the reader gets to play along. Talk about an immersive story! This book gives Knives Out vibes (which is one of my favorites). I cannot recommend this book enough, loved it!

A Delightful Mystery for Puzzle Lovers!

Destiny Whipp, a former child prodigy, has spent years in self-imposed isolation, preferring the comfort of her home to the unpredictability of the outside world. But in A Most Puzzling Murder, her quiet life takes a sharp turn when she receives an unexpected invitation for a job she doesn’t remember applying for—family historian for the Scuffmore family, a name she’s never even heard before.

Ever the puzzle enthusiast, Destiny quickly deciphers the hidden message in the invitation and, intrigued, decides to take a leap of faith. Her journey leads her to the mysterious and remote Eerie Island, where she finds herself drawn into a thrilling web of riddles, logic games, and even choose-your-own-adventure twists that allow the reader to take part in solving the mystery. As she pieces together the truth behind a shocking murder, Destiny also begins to unravel the secrets of her own past.

The best part? Readers who get stumped on a puzzle can email for hints, ensuring the experience remains engaging and fun rather than frustrating. With its clever puzzles, immersive storyline, and interactive elements, A Most Puzzling Murder is a wildly entertaining read for mystery lovers, puzzle solvers, and adventure seekers alike.

A brilliant blend of mystery and brain-teasing fun—don’t miss it!

#MysteryLovers #PuzzlersParadise #AMostPuzzlingMurder
#biancaHarris #harlequin

What an absolute joy of a book. It is a mystery, but Marais added some fun puzzles for the read to play along with. You could opt to email for an additional hint on the puzzle, or just flip to the coordinating page for the answer. I admit I didn't get the first puzzle, but after that I was ready for the rest of them. It also had some interesting "choose your own adventure" thought experiments as well. It was a very fun read and I couldn't put it down. I really hope Marais does more in this vein! Now I need to go check out her other work.