The premise really interested me and that's why I requested it. Unfortunately, it did not live up to it for me. I wasn't able to get into the stories or to connect with the characters so I had to DNF.

Welcome to Murdertown by Rian Wynne is a suspenseful murder mystery that will draw readers in with intrigue and a well-written plot.

Marty Gray is determined to overcome her disastrous past podcasting failure. When three people are found dead, Marty is not convinced by the local cops assertion that the deaths are just unrelated events. Diving head first into an investigation of her own, Marty is fueled by the disappearance of her 8-year-old brother twenty years ago. Desperate to make a difference Marty starts digging deep into the secrets of this little town. But the more she digs, the bigger the target gets on her back.

I was really invested throughout this novel, trying to piece together events right alongside Marty. Marty is a great main character, relatable and imperfect, but you really empathize with her. The pacing was good, my only complaint is some parts seemed a little disjointed but I was still highly invested to keep reading late into the night.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rian Wynne for this ARC. Publication day was March 1st 2025.

I think that Marty Gray is a totally relatable character.
She lost her brother and is so hopeful for his return.
After the 2 backpackers are never seen alive again she relates to the not knowing and wants to be helpful.
While she might not have gone about everything the right way she just wanted to help the families like how she wanted closer too.
I always love twists in books so I really enjoyed learning the connection between the two murders and then learning who the killer was!! Didn't see that coming!!

Two unsolved mysteries in a short time in a small space. One disgraced podcaster that tried to solve another. Marty Gray has been called a lot of things. But one thing people seem to have forgotten in Marty Gray the sister of the lost. Everything Marty does stems from the loss of her brother, never to be found.

Obviously, these things are connected. So Marty starts to wonder, while looking at her murder board, why no one else is noticing this. There is a history in murdertown. A lot of overlooked or under-investigated crimes.

The story behind the crimes is not surprising or hard to see coming. It's hard to read because it is far too easy to believe. Marty fights back against everything. The town that turned against her. The parents that left her. The brother missing. And she follows the case all the way to the very bitter end.

This was well written, but the loop backs and twist just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t like the concept about Marty losing her brother at a young age. I couldn’t see why that was relevant in any part, aside from “kind of understanding someone going missing”. But her experience wasn’t the same because she was young and losing someone by them going missing could also be reflected for someone passing.

This was an interesting murder mystery that kept me engaged enough, though it didn’t totally pull me in the entire time. The writing was good, but felt a bit jumpy and disjointed at times. I do wish we got to know the main character more, as the only thing I could really tell you about her is the trauma with her missing brother, which is the main drive behind her desire to find closure for others (and for her failed podcast that this book is named after). We didn’t get much of a view into the character outside of her trauma and her current investigative efforts, making her feel one-dimensional to me. I liked her straightforward attitude, but that’s about as much personality as we got to see.

Overall I enjoyed the plot, and the conclusion makes sense to me, so it made for a solid ending. I feel like it was a bit over-explained at the end, and was basically just a chapter spelling out everything that happened, which I feel like you wouldn’t need if the rest of the story is written well enough for people to be able to connect the dots themselves at the end. I don’t mind a bit of a direct explanation, but this was an entire chapter. Overall I did like it, but it definitely has room for improvement.

I love a good small town murder mystery and this book did not disappoint. I felt at times however there was a lot happening and it felt disjointed. It pulled away from my over attention from the main plot. With that being said, it did hold some merit, having more than on mystery that at the end were interconnected which had be wanting to get to the answers faster.

The characters themselves were well fleshed out well. I really loved Marty, she is quite likeable,

An overall great read!

Welcome to Murdertown by Rian Wynne is a captivating and suspenseful mystery that follows Marty Gray, a determined but often dismissed amateur investigator. When two seemingly unrelated deaths in her small town are quickly closed by the police, Marty’s instinct tells her there's more to the story. Despite a disastrous podcasting past, she plunges headfirst into her own investigation, uncovering hidden secrets that the townspeople would rather leave buried. As she ventures through eerie streets and haunted trails, Marty’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts her in grave danger as a killer lurks just out of sight. With a perfect blend of dark humor, mystery, and tension, Welcome to Murdertown keeps readers on the edge of their seat, questioning who can be trusted and what lies beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful town.

Rian Wynne’s Welcome to Murdertown is a compelling mystery that draws readers into a world filled with suspense, intrigue, and a gripping sense of discovery. The novel follows Marty, an engaging protagonist whose journey keeps the reader actively involved in unraveling the mystery.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its immersive storytelling. Wynne crafts the plot in a way that allows readers to experience the investigation alongside Marty, making for an engaging and interactive reading experience. The pacing is well-handled, ensuring that the twists and turns remain compelling without feeling rushed.

However, while the concept is strong and the execution largely effective, certain sections could have benefitted from deeper exploration. Some moments lack the descriptive depth that could have further enriched the atmosphere and heightened the emotional stakes. More vivid imagery and character development in key scenes might have made the narrative even more impactful.

That said, Welcome to Murdertown remains a solid read for mystery lovers. Wynne’s ability to build tension and maintain intrigue keeps the story moving, making it a worthwhile pick for fans of the genre.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

This was a really fun and entertaining thriller. I was hooked from the beginning and I always love when a book has a podcast element. This was a bit different than your normal podcast since the MC had already stopped the podcast but the episodes were still included.

I adored the MC, Marty and Peabody especially. They were a lot of fun as characters.

There were quite a few mysteries that are going on at the same time and very interconnected. I didn't expect the twists and how every one intertwined. The ending was also satisfying, which I love!

My only reason for this not being 5 stars is I feel like it was just missing something to make it a fully stand out read. It was great, no complaints, but there was just something missing from pushing it to the best of the best category. Plus I thought it would be a little more eerie with the title and the setting and it was just a thriller.

But overall, a fun and a fast read I would recommend

What a great book this was! Thriller, true crime documentary, mystery all in one book. Absolutely loved the story and the main character.
One of the best books I've read in past 12 months, which is saying something as I read a book per week.
Story starts of great, I was hooked on page one. It got little long towards the middle and ramped up right after.
Lots of twists in the story, likeable characters. I would happily read another book if this became a series.
The writing was exceptionally good, I was very surprised to find this was author's first book, when I've searched to buy more. I would not be surprised if this was a famous written, writing under a pseudonym.

A remote town that has been rocked by a triple murder. The sons of the two most respected families in the town were discovered dead in a parking lot, their throats cut. A third man was also found dead at the scene. An ex-con, few people are mourning his death. A local woman, Willow Snell, is in prison for the murders, having been found at the scene of the crime with no memory of what happened.
Local woman Marty Gray, who has known her own share of family heartache, is not convinced that the case is as clear cut as people want to believe. She determines to start her own investigation.
Unfortunately, with her recent foray into podcasting Marty has got a bit of a reputation in town. Though she examined the case of two missing backpackers with the best of intentions, the fallout makes it hard for her to be trusted. She is certain that the two cases are linked. Someone is determined that she be scared off looking too deeply into this case…someone who has a vested interest in keeping the activities of the towns’ golden boys a secret.
Marty is not always the most circumspect of characters, but her heart is in the right place. I liked her determination to find answers, and in the process the fact she got some form of closure for her own situation.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.

3.5 stars, rounded up! This is the perfect cozy mystery for anyone who loves a good whodunit. It kept me guessing the whole time. I was trying to figure out who did it right alongside Marty!

The plot twists are so much fun, and I was hooked from the very beginning.

What I love most about this book is that it’s a great intro to the mystery/thriller genre if you’re not into super intense stuff. It’s like the perfect gateway book—engaging, fun, and not too scary. Plus, the setting is just so cozy (I mean, a small town and Ghost Mountain? Yes, please!).

This was a fun, easy read that kept me entertained. I definitely recommend it. Trust me, you’ll love Marty and her determination to solve the mystery. Give it a try!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review of this book!

20 years ago eight-year-old Marty Grey's younger brother disappeared on the walk back home through the woods - she turned around & he had gone. Now 28, Marty still lives in the same house & keeps watch, waiting for her brother to come home. The search for her brother led Marty to an interest in true crime podcasts & she eventually started 'Welcome to Murdertown' looking at the disappearance of two female backpackers on nearby Ghost Mountain. Unfortunately it backfired spectacularly leaving Marty almost a pariah in the town & now, when the sister of one of three men killed in a mall car park asks Marty to look into the case, she is reluctant because of what happened before, but the more she looks at the evidence the more she knows that something isn't right.

Wow, this is definitely my Read of the Month! I flew through two-thirds of the book in one sitting, it was as if it was tailor-made for me: true crime, unsolved disappearances, & a supposedly haunted ghost town. Sign me up! Marty is a great main character, imperfect but you can empathise with her & what she has been through. It also had good pacing & the storyline was well planned out. I did work out most of what was going on but not all. Verdict: a really good read. Recommended. 4.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & author, Rian Wynne, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Marty Gray doesn’t know how to let things go. Her brother’s disappearance, a case of two missing hitchhikers, and now three men killed in a parking lot. Will she be able to uncover the latest mystery? Or will it all blow up in her face…again?

A psychological thriller full of mystery, cover-ups, and grief.
I liked the eeriness of Ghost Mountain, the chilling atmosphere of the setting. Not unique per se, but still slightly creepy and unsettling.
‘Weird’ Marty Gray, our main character, was a decent heroine, if not maybe a tad too nosy for her own good. She’s determined to find the truth, even risking her life to unmask the ghosts and secrets of Murdertown.

I had a bit of a hard time with the storyline, but the ending was somewhat satisfying.

This is fast paced thriller which is enjoyable quick read; however, I didn't connect with any of characters or particulary like any of them, but I didn't ave any other strong feelings towards this book either. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it so it gets a solid middle rating of 3 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC.
I really enjoyed this and it was really fast paced and addicting. This was a fun time and kept me guessing the whole time, I loved seeing everything fall into place and learning the truth behind the murders.
If you like small town mysteries, I think you’re going to like Welcome to Murdertown.

★★★★.5

Marty Gray’s life and identity have been shaped by her brother’s disappearance nearly 20 years ago. She is seeking closure, but unlike the people around her, she needs to know what happened before she can finally move on.

When two Norwegian backpackers, Astrid and Linnea, disappear nearby, Marty decides to start a podcast in an attempt to uncover the truth and bring the families of the two girls some closure. If anyone understands the importance of closure, it must be Marty. Rumors swirl around the case—after all, the girls vanished in the small, abandoned ghost town of Golden, at the base of Ghost Mountain, part of the Blue Mountain Range.

“It’s Ghost Mountain, you know? Weird things happen.”

Astrid was found dead a few days after her disappearance, with a heart condition believed to have caused her death. But Marty suspects there’s more to the story. In her mind, the evidence just doesn’t add up. All that remains is a YouTube video of the two girls in a local bar, singing a made-up song that now feels eerily close to the truth:

♬♪♫ “It’s a ghost town / There’s nothing to see / But don’t look / Don’t look for me…” ♫♪♬

And then, there’s the chilling, heartbreaking final message from the still-missing Linnea: “I’m here.”

Most locals moved on, but things in Plymouth didn’t stay quiet for long. Another murder occurred—the Parking Lot Murders. The victims: two of the town’s golden boys and an unknown local who barely garners any media attention. Once again, things don’t add up. Another half-hearted investigation identifies what must be the least likely suspect in history! Despite the fallout from her attempted podcast nearly a year ago, Marty feels it’s up to her to uncover the truth and bring closure to the victims’ families…

”Welcome to Murdertown? More like Welcome to My Overactive Imagination.”

What a fantastic book! I was a little hesitant to read yet another crime novel centered around a podcast, but in this story, it wasn’t the focus. The story was well-written—definitely not a debut, as confirmed by the writer. Rian Wynne writes under a pen name—a mystery surrounding the mystery—I am here for it!

The character development was amazing, as was the atmospheric setting. Marty is a unique character—flawed at times, but you can’t fault her. Growing up in the shadow of her brother’s disappearance in a small town with no resolution, always being reminded of what was and what could have been, she felt incredibly relatable. Rian Wynne did an excellent job bringing her to life! The description of the twice-abandoned ghost town and the eerie woods surrounding both Max’s and the backpackers’ disappearances made it feel like I was right there, hiking alongside Marty.

As for the mystery, I was utterly clueless! Other than knowing that the world’s least likely suspect was about to be charged, I had no idea what was going on—it was perfect! I highly recommend you check this out!

Thank you NetGalley and Rian Wynne for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.


Marty Gray was running with her brother in the woods when they were children and he disappeared without a trace. His vanishing has haunted her all these years. While her parents moved away in an effort to move on, she stayed behind, always leaving the porch light on in hopes he would return home.

Since then, there have been more disappearances and murders that can’t be explained. The police took everything at face value, but Weird Marty Gray suspects there may be more to these crimes than meets the eye.

I had mixed feelings about this story. I went in without expectations and it was a good time. I liked the Podcast element of the story and mostly enjoyed Marty as a main character. She could be insufferable at times, but as a single female living alone, I suspected I was more afraid for her than she was for herself. On the one hand, her perseverance made me anxious, as I was afraid of the repercussions. On the other hand, her unwillingness to give up and let things go is what I liked about her.

I felt the story was pretty predictable. There was one small secondary plot twist I hadn’t expected, but for the most part, I had guessed the whodunnits. I would still recommend this book to readers I think would enjoy it. I think it was a decent story and I had a good time. I’ll definitely try another book from this author to see if it hits the mark more for me.

At first, this book was hard to get through because almost nothing happens in the first half. I don’t really get why people hated the main female character so much because of her podcast—even to the point of sending her threats. That just seems ridiculous to me. Though, to be fair, she annoyed me the entire time. There’s way too much focus on how everyone hates and misunderstands her. If that part were cut down, the book would be half as long, and the plot would move a lot faster.