‘A Very Novel Murder’ by Ellie Alexander

Published by Storm Publishing,
17 November 2025.
ISBN: 978-1-83700119-7 (PB)

Annie Murray has long wanted to open a Detective Agency, and opening one above her beloved bookstore seems to be the solution. Having studied criminology in college she had intended to pursue a career in that field, with her best friend Scarlet. But that dream ended when Scarlet was murdered right before graduation. Now ten years on, Annie along with Fletcher is going realise her dream. 

The Novel Detective Agency has now been open for three weeks but they have no clients. Until Caroline Miles, a friend now walking out with Hal Christie, the former owner of The Secret Bookshop. Caroline was in her late sixties. Her request for a mystery to be solved concerns Hal Christie, who has long been convinced that he is Agatha Christie’s long-lost son.  He himself had tried years ago but the records remain sealed. She then produces a broach, that she had found in an old box of Hal’s things. Caroline then produces a picture showing Agatha wearing the broach that is clearly the double of the one Caroline is holding. I want to hire you, said Caroline, to prove once and for all that Hal Christie is related to the famous Agatha Christie. 

The following morning an elderly lady called June Munrow telephones saying she has a matter that she would like them to help her with. She is convinced that young girl Kelly Taylor’s recent drowning wasn't the tragic accident everyone believes it to be. June wants them to prove there’s more to the story and hires the Novel Detectives to uncover the truth. 

Annie agrees to take the case and delves into Kelly’s life, which she discovers is a tangled web of secrets. Kelly’s has complicated relationships, a peculiar landlord, and a mysterious roommate. It seems that anyone connected with Kelly seems to be hiding something, and the more Annie investigates, the more confusing the case becomes. 

Will Fletcher and Annie manage to solve the two cases?
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett 

Ellie Alexander is the bestselling author of more than forty cozy mystery novels. Her books have been translated into Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Japanese, reaching readers worldwide. She is the founder of the annual Ashland Mystery Festival and a frequent guest at library programs and author events throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, including the popular Northwest Authors series and independent bookshops across the region. A proud Pacific Northwest native, Alexander now lives in Sunnyvale, California.