Lana, a powerful real estate agent, has been owning the LA real estate scene most of her life. One day a health scare lands her in the hospital and she finds that to get adequate care, she must turn to her daughter, Beth, who lives up the coast. The two women are hesistant to spend time together, as they have long had issues since Beth became pregnant as a teenager. Lana goes up coast to stay with her daughter and gets to spend more time with her granddaughter. One day, Lana notices something mysterious and not long after, Jack finds a body while out giving a tour. The three finds themselves pulled into the mystery of the body and how this person was murdered.

I will be perfectly honest, I am not a mystery reader often. Something about this pulled me in quick. I will say it was more than likely Lana, she was just so well written, as really all of the main characters were. The way this story unfolded too, where you weren't really sure as more characters got introduced, who ended up murdering the person find in the mud flats also kept me reading. Overall, I just really enjoyed this and subtle humor that got put in too.

Thanks for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a three generational story, their lives, their trauma, and learning forgive each other. The murder mystery is the side quest that helps bring them together. The characters are full and well rounded, even the side characters. Heck, even the dead characters. I wasn’t sure about this story for the first half probably, because it’s not the “norm” of what I thought I was signing up for, but in the end it was a great story and the murder mystery did end up satisfying. The beach front and fog rolling imagery made it a picturesque setting. It wasn’t overly nail biting, just one or two brief moments. The family dynamics might be enough that it takes it out of the cozy mystery category, but it is somewhere between that and a higher mystery/thriller.

Quotes:

The non-question hung in the air. If Lana had ever asked for Beth's help before, she couldn't remember it. Demanded her attention, sure.
(Ch. 2)

The house looked like Martha Stewart had been trapped on a desert island for a very long time.
Note: What's wrong with that? Sounds beautiful!
(Ch. 4)

"Aren't you coming in?" Lana asked. "Can't,"
Beth responded. "Too busy." Lana paused for a moment, considering whether to pout.
She decided to go on the offensive instead.
Note: What?! Dropping off for Chemo?!
(Ch. 19)

Lana watched Diana's face for any reaction.
It was as smooth as money and a discreet plastic surgeon could buy.
(Ch. 37)

Beth stared dumbfounded at the bag with its twisted hemp handles. Her mother had never brought her lunch. Ever.
(Ch. 42)

"Eyeshadow is God's highlighter," Miss Gigi said. "But God doesn't want you to get married." "God doesn't want me to get married?" Miss Gigi nodded. "God wants you to be happy. How's a husband going to help with that?"
Note: Bahahahahaha!
(Ch. 42)

"What?" Lana asked. "You know how you told me winners never mumble?" Jack held up the book she was reading about Theodore Roosevelt. "He says you should speak softly and carry a big stick." Lana scoffed. "You think they let women have sticks?"
(Ch. 44)

"Will we be charged as accessory? Sued for negligée?" Beth's mind was still reeling, but she found a smile for the tiny woman. "Tf anyone is going to get sued around here for their nightwear, it would be you."
(Ch. 44)

"The reason doesn't matter. They make up their own reasons. You did, even. I can't control that. All I can do is make you see me. If you see me, I can't be invisible."
(Ch. 55)

As the title suggestions, this is a multigenerational murder mystery with a mom, daughter, and granddaughter working “together” to solve a murder that involves the granddaughter. While I enjoyed this one, I was expecting more. It seemed like this one was trying to be too many things at once - humorous family drama, suspense, murder mystery, and a little bit of nature/environmentalism. I liked the interactions between the three generations of women more than the actual mystery.

I recently had the pleasure of reading this, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations in so many ways. From the very first page, I was hooked by the engaging style and the intriguing characters. The author does an excellent job of building a world that feels both immersive and believable, making it easy to get lost in the story. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story would surprise me with something unexpected. I highly recommend this and all their work.

What a delight! Jack, Beth, and Lana make for a charming trio of complex women. While the mystery of Mother-Daughter Murder Night is fun and well-plotted, the real meat in this novel is the family relationships. The close relationship between Jack and her mother and the strained relationship between Beth and her mother are so relatable to any woman with a mother (or daughter). On the other side of the slough, the relationships in the Rhoads family couldn't be more different, but families are complicated all over.
And my god, the setting. I've never been to Elkhorn Slough, but after reading this I feel like I've felt the breeze from Monterey Bay ruffle my hair. Simon paints the most immersive and fully tangible picture with her descriptive prose.
I'd love to spend more time with these clever, loving women.

This was a lovely and sometimes exciting story about three generations of women, forced to cohabitate due to circumstance. They end up mending their relationships with each other and forging forward as they begin working together to solve the mystery of a murder.
Thank you for the A.R.C!
#KillerCrimeClub
#HarperCollinsCanada
#NetGalley
#Bookworm

Beth lives along a California slough with her teenage daughter, Jack. Beth's mother, Lana, has been staying with Beth and Jack while she undergoes chemotherapy. Jack works as a kayak guide on the slough. On one of her trips, Jack's kayakers come upon on a dead body. At the same time, one of Beth's nursing home residents dies unexpectedly. Jack becomes a suspect in the murder of the man found in the slough. Lana is determined to prove her granddaughter's innocence. Eventually, Beth and Jack join Lana in an effect to find the real murderer.
I enjoyed Mother Daughter Murder Night, which proved to be an interesting murder mystery.
I was given an ARC of Mother-Daughter Murder Night by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#motherdaughtermurdernight
#ninasimon
#netgalley
#murdermystery

Mother-Daughter Murder Night was a good mystery that kept me interested with the dynamics between the daughter, Jack, mother, Beth and grandmother, Lana. I felt the story lacked the urgency of a typical thriller, and felt more focused on the family drama. I happened to enjoy the family drama as the mystery unfolded, however it was not what I was expecting. That being said, there are enough characters and twists involved, to keep a reader guessing till the end.
I would recommend to anyone who likes a good family drama or more light-hearted mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon is a gripping blend of mystery and family dynamics. The story follows a mother and daughter duo who find themselves entangled in a murder investigation during a weekend getaway. Simon masterfully weaves humor and suspense, exploring themes of trust and resilience. The characters are well-developed, with their complex relationship at the heart of the narrative. The plot twists keep readers on their toes, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. Overall, it's an engaging novel that balances tension and emotional depth, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.

Ever wanted the Gilmore girls to solve a murder? Read this book. It is full of mother-daughter disfunction and redemption, with a healthy dose of murder.

unfathomable to me that this became a reeses book club pick. Took so long to get the story going and when it finally picked up, it was tepid at best.

I heard this author speak and was interested in the book. I started reading the book and couldn't stop.
The main character is spunky and her granddaughter is following in her footsteps.
Recommended for fans of family mysteries with an older female matriarch like Vera Wong!

Thank you to #NetGalley, #WilliamMorrow and Cindy Burnett at #ThoughtsFromAPage for a free copy of #MotherDaughterMurderNight by Nina Simon. All opinions are my own.

I was so impressed with this book I was shocked to find out this is her debut novel! For the most part I enjoyed the story and the humor in the book. It was very well written and I liked the characters but the story overall wasn’t a super interesting murder. The ending wasn’t super memorable either but overall not a bad book.

In this engaging mystery novel, family bonds take center stage as three generations of strong women team up to unravel a murder mystery in Monterey Bay's Elkhorn Slough.

When teenager Jack Rubicon becomes the prime suspect in the discovery of a body, her mother Beth and grandmother Lana leap into action to clear her name. Despite their strained relationship, the trio transforms into amateur sleuths, drawing inspiration from their shared love of crime-solving television shows like Columbo. As Lana undergoes cancer treatment and stays with Beth and Jack, she channels her energy into setting up a murder board and delving into the investigation. With nods to classic detective techniques, the Rubicons dive headfirst into uncovering the truth behind the death of Ricardo Cruz, an employee of a local land trust. Their quest for justice leads them to unearth another suspicious death linked to a wealthy local family embroiled in a battle over a coastal ranch. While Lana's character is intricately developed, Beth and Jack provide likeable support as the investigation unfolds.

Filled with twists, turns, and heart-pounding moments, this feisty-female-driven whodunit combines the charm of Nancy Drew with the gritty determination of Columbo. Simon skillfully crafts a compelling plot, brimming with suspects, red herrings, and thrilling attacks aimed at thwarting the Rubicons' pursuit of truth.

This entertaining debut is a fun combination of mystery and family drama. High-powered businesswoman Lana Rubicon is diagnosed with cancer and leaves LA to convalesce with her daughter Beth and granddaughter Jack in their sleepy Monterey Bay bungalow. Just when Lana feels like she is going to die from boredom, Jack happens across a dead body and quickly becomes the main suspect in the murder. The focus on Jack throws the three Rubicon women into chaos and provides Lana with a purpose as she begins scrutinizing this small-town murder case. The characters are authentic, the humor is engaging, the setting is vivid, and the plot has unforeseeable twists making it an all-around stellar read. Mother-Daughter Murder Night is a smart and laugh-out-loud murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.

A heartwarming and fun cozy mystery standalone about an intergenerational group of women who work together to solve a local murder. Great for fans of Only Murders in the Building.

A slow-burn, heartfelt murder mystery with familial drama. This book paid beautiful attention to the dynamic of mothers and daughters while giving us three distinct generations of women.

Mother-Daughter Murder Night takes a trio of makeshift amateur sleuths (Lana - a grandmother/career driven realtor who moves in with her daughter while undergoing chemo; Beth-single mother/nurse; and Jack-teen/kayak tour leader) and puts them smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation.

During one of her kayak excursions, Jack comes upon a body. Despite her age and attempts to explain her proximity to the victim, Jack quickly becomes the main suspect. Lana is positive that the police are not equipped for this job and jumps into action to save her granddaughter, bringing a more reluctant Beth into the fray. The three are desperate to prove Jack's innocence but none of them are prepared for how deep the secrets go.

This was a fun and enjoyable mystery. I liked the family dynamics between the 3 female main characters. I liked the ending. If it’s a series I could see myself reading the next book.

Thanks to the author and Harper Collins for the e-arc I received via NetGalley.

Real estate tycoon Lana is struggling as she undergoes cancer treatment so she leaves Los Angeles to stay with her daughter and granddaughter in a small town north of the city. Her daughter, Beth, is a nurse and her granddaughter, Jack, is a high school student who works part time giving kayak tours along the coast. On a tour one day, one of Jack’s customers stumbles upon a body. Lana doesn’t like the way the police investigation is going and decides to do some investigating of her own.

I picked up MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT when I saw it was a Reese’s Book Club pick and was getting rave reviews but it didn’t work for me. I didn’t think the characters were developed well and the plot was too slow and predictable for a mystery. As a matter of fact, I set this book aside a few times in favor of other books. I’m in the minority, though, so you might want to give it a try if you like cozy mysteries.