A Cozy Mystery with Heart: A Review of The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (A Hu Done It Mystery, #1)
When I first picked up The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by A.O. Houghton, I was intrigued by the playful title and the notion of a cozy mystery centered around a group of women with a shared past. As an aficionado of lighthearted whodunits, I couldn’t resist diving into this tale. But what truly drew me in was the promise of friendship amidst the chaos—and I wasn’t disappointed.
The story centers around three captivating women: Kat, the quirky chemist; Liv, the confident lawyer; and Elle, the charming aspiring writer. When they discover they’ve all been romantically involved with the same man, Tucker, they form the titular Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, initially driven by a desire for revenge. However, things take a darker turn when Tucker’s lifeless body is discovered, leading Kat to become one of the prime suspects. The plot cleverly intertwines humor and suspense, creating a rich tableau of intrigue that kept me guessing until the very last page.
What truly resonated with me was not merely the whodunit aspect but the evolving friendships between the three women. Each character brings her own unique flavor to the group; Kat’s intellect shines in the eyes of a budding chemist, while Liv exudes grace and confidence, and Elle infuses playful wit into her writing dreams. Their bond grows stronger as they navigate larcenous pranks that lead to dark revelations, making the reader invest not only in the mystery but in their relationships. There’s a beautiful progression of camaraderie that felt both realistic and heartwarming, reminding me of the chaos and strength of female friendships in real life.
In terms of writing, Houghton masterfully balances pacing and tone, weaving humor into moments of tension without diminishing the stakes at hand. It’s a skill most authors strive for, but Houghton makes it seem effortless. I must admit, though, I found myself rolling my eyes at one plotline—the podcast. While it serves as a catalyst for the women’s antics, each podcast excerpt clashed with the overall lighthearted narrative, pulling me out of the experience in a way that felt jarring. I genuinely wished the podcast had ended sooner; it felt more like a distraction than a contribution.
Despite this hiccup, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club is a delightful page-turner that perfectly encapsulates the charm of cozy mysteries. With engaging characters, sharp wit, and a compelling story arc, it should resonate with anyone who appreciates tales of friendship and mischief.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to cozy mystery enthusiasts or anyone who simply enjoys reading about budding friendships. Houghton’s novel goes beyond mere intrigue; it captures the essence of connection, the power of solidarity, and the importance of having a crew to lean on when life gets murky. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for granting me the chance to explore this delightful tale—I truly enjoyed every moment spent in the company of Kat, Liv, and Elle!
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