Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for the invitation to this spotlight tour. I was delighted to have an early copy of this title.
344 pages
Mystery and Thriller
Pub date: 09 June 2026
Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts:
The Forty-Year Grudge is the second book to feature the mismatched duo of Aubrey and Olivia. I enjoyed the first in this series which was titled The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant. The characters and their dynamics were brought to life there.
In this new book, Tully taps into a familiar ritual, the school reunion. These events may bring out many feelings and there are different degrees of enjoyment for people. However, most don’t get involved in murder as a result of a decision to spend time with those they knew a number of years ago. Of course, though, Aubrey and Olivia are not the usual attendees.
The story is one with a good plot and challenges for the characters and reader. It was fun to watch the events unfold.
Those who enjoyed the first book will want to read this one as well. Those who have not read book number one can read this on its own, though they may well want to go back for the first title afterwards. These books will be enjoyed by those who like traditional mysteries.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
About the book:
from the publisher
When the World’s Greatest Detective reunites with her college friends, she discovers that time doesn’t heal all wounds.
It’s been four decades since the women of Sigma Delta Tau were last together. The passing years, growing families, and maturing careers may have strained the bonds of sisterhood, but now a reunion at the Western ranch of one member offers an opportunity to renew acquaintances…and at least one long-standing grudge.
Still, this weekend is supposed to be a pleasant diversion for former sorority member and current private investigator Aubrey Merritt. She’s come to New Mexico to reconnect with old friends and she’s brought along her personal assistant, Olivia Blunt—an aspiring detective who is learning more about packing bags on this trip than about solving crimes.
The shocking murder of a sorority sister changes everything. With the local police overmatched, all eyes turn to Merritt and Blunt to crack the case. With a surprising abundance of suspects, it’s going to take both of them to cut through the knot of old hurts and current grievances to find the killer.
More about the book:
from the publisher
The novel, the second in the Merritt & Blunt Mysteries (though it can stand alone), finds world-famous detective Aubrey Merritt in attendance at her sorority’s fortieth reunion only because she believes an old friend to be in danger. However, when someone else is murdered, someone completely unexpected, it’s up to Aubrey and her nondescript young assistant, Olivia Blunt, to parse through old rivalries and piece together the crime.
Editorial reviews:
Kirkus Reviews states, “Looking for a reason to avoid your college reunion? Tully is happy to oblige.”
Publishers Weekly notes, “Readers will enjoy watching Olivia’s investigative skills evolve and appreciate the interplay between her and her imperious mentor. With all the clues cleverly hidden in plain sight, this is a treat for fair-play mystery fans.”
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 