A Novel Murder by E.C. Nevin

#ANovelMurder #NetGalley

I enjoyed the title of this book as it could have more than one meaning. Other things that I liked about A Novel Murder included protagonist Jane, and the ways in which the author (who knows the publishing world) looked at the ins and outs of the industry. Nevin’s portrayal of the book festival also was quite entertaining with many players represented as for example, authors, reviewers, publicists and editors. Note again, the cleverness of naming the festival Killer Lines.

The story is told in a somewhat tongue in cheek manner. Around this there are many suspects and a case to be solved. Readers will root for Jane as this mystery writer solves a real crime.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 June 2025

Description:

from the publisher

Welcome to the Killer Lines Crime Fiction Festival, the place for star writers of the genre to meet their adoring fans. But be careful—this year the murders aren’t just on the page.

“Funny, sharply observed and fiendishly clever” —Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things

In the quaint English town of Hoslewit, the biggest names in crime writing have congregated to celebrate all things bookish and murderous. Author Jane Hepburn is determined to make her time at the Killer Lines festival worthwhile. This is her chance to change her fortunes and make her fictional Private Detective Baker a household name. And if she has to resort to sneaking into the book tent after hours to rearrange some books so hers are front and center, so be it. 

But when Jane encounters the dead body of renowned (and reviled) literary agent Carrie Marks, the festival takes on a decidedly different tone. Joined by Carrie’s newest client, debut novelist Natasha Martez, and the agency’s hapless intern, Daniel Thurston, Jane decides to put her fictional sleuthing skills to use in the real world—she’s going to solve the murder. But the list of suspects is long: seemingly everyone at the festival has a motive to kill Carrie, and the more Jane and her new friends investigate, the closer they come to a dangerous truth—one that’s stranger than fiction.

Reviews:

“The pseudonymous Nevin, a former publishing professional, has written a fun, tongue-in-cheek debut that spoofs the publishing industry and social media’s impact (BookTok, anyone?). . . . Jane is a delight. Readers will root for the lonely sleuth as she makes new friends and develops joyful self-confidence. . . . An appealing cozy star is born.” —Kirkus Review

“With its cozy bookish setting and mystery-writer protagonist, this will be a hit with fans of Janice Hallett and Robert Thorogood.” —Library Journal

“E.C. Nevin transports readers to a lethal literary festival in, A Novel Murder. . . . E.C. Nevin is a pseudonym for a former publishing professional who worked with crime novels and thrillers. That knowledge shapes A Novel Murder, where every character is connected to the literary industry in some way. Nevin threads humor throughout the novel, too, creating a winning combination in this debut cozy mystery.” —BookPage

“An entertaining whodunit centered on 40- something mystery author Jane Hepburn. . . . With a well-rounded list of suspects and [a] lovably awed heroine. Cozy fans will hope this is the start of a new series.” —Publishers Weekly

“Terrific fun, a tongue-in-cheek look at the world of writing and book festivals with a delightful mystery.” —The Sun