Category: Mystery

Deadly Does It by Abbi Waxman

On By TracyIn Contemporary, Mystery, New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Deadly Does It (A Mason & Mann Mystery)Deadly Does It by Abbi Waxman

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Mason & Mann Mystery #2

Release Date: July 21, 2026

Sober alcoholic Natasha “Mason” is now working full time for Julia Mann, a fellow alcoholic, former famous actress, convicted murderer and now a lawyer. After closing their most recent case, Mason’s AA sponsor Alexa Rousso hires Julia to find out who has been sending her harassing letters. The letters state that Alexa did something in her past that the sender knows about and threatens to destroy her. Alexa claims to have no idea what the sender is talking about but concedes she did her fair share of bad things before getting sober. Julia accepts the case and so begins a deep dive into Alexa’s former life.

Julia along with her amazing team; Mason, her investigator in training, Will her legal assistant (and resident Know-it-all), Claudia, a former prison mate and cook extraordinaire, Teddy, PI and Claudia’s long time lover, and Archie, who is not technically part of the team, but is Julia’s agent and sometime lawyer, start checking out Alexa’s past and find way more than they were expecting. And with each clue they uncover, the more the letter sender begins to escalate their reign of terror on Alexa. Julia is sure Alexa is holding out on them, but when the threats turn deadly, they will need to solve this mystery before anyone else gets hurt.

This is the second book in the Mason & Mann Mysteries, but if like me, you missed the first book, worry not! The author does a great job of giving the reader plenty of backstory on the characters, so you don’t feel lost. Mason and Julia have an interesting relationship, not quite family, not really friends, but somewhere in-between. I enjoyed the interaction and banter between them, as well as all the secondary characters, including Mason’s family. The story takes lots of twists and turns, which left me thinking I knew who the villain was, but then had me second-guessing myself on more than one occasion. I was totally invested in this story and loved the ending! As I mentioned, I didn’t read the first book, but it is now on my TBR and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment of the series!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield Park by Claudia Gray

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Mystery, New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield: A Novel (MR. DARCY & MISS TILNEY MYSTERY)The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield: A Novel by Claudia Gray

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery, #5

Release Date: June 16, 2026

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are positioned at the center of the story as a pair whose connection is shaped by affection, restraint, and social pressure. Jonathan is recovering physically while also navigating his family’s disapproval, and Juliet is dealing with the consequences of her damaged reputation. Around them, the supporting cast adds tension and complication, especially within the Bingley household, where old loyalties, family expectations, and more calculating personalities create a charged atmosphere.

The plot unfolds around a poisoning at Netherfield Park that draws Jonathan and Juliet back together for another investigation. As they begin looking into the death, the situation grows more complicated with additional danger, hidden motives, and the risk of greater scandal for the household. The mystery develops alongside the broader social conflicts surrounding reputation, marriage, and family duty, giving the story both an investigative thread and a strong connection to the Regency setting.

Overall, I found the book well written and engaging with its blend of mystery, romance, and Austen-inspired drama, but I also felt a bit lost at times because I had not read the previous books in the series. It was easy to tell that many of the emotional stakes and character dynamics had been building for a while, so some moments felt like I was stepping into an ongoing conversation. Even so, Juliet and Jonathan’s relationship, and the unfolding scandal kept me interested enough to appreciate this story, but not enough to go back and read the previous books. This is the fifth book in the series, and I would definitely recommend reading the series in order.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *