Jane Hunter, a former academic librarian, is recruited by the eccentric Cameron Clewe to undertake the inventory and cataloging of his recently acquired assortment of mystery and detective novels. As she delves into the task, an unexpected turn of events plunges them into their own enigmatic journey when a young woman is mysteriously murdered within the confines of the Clewe mansion.

As a retired librarian, I was immediately drawn to the narrative due to its portrayal of Jane Hunter, who shares my professional background. The author's keen attention to intricate details, particularly those pertaining to cataloging, provides a delightful connection for fellow librarians throughout the course of the book.

Evoking shades of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, with Clewe embodying the former and Hunter the latter, "A CRYPTIC CLUE" marks the promising debut of an enthralling new series. I eagerly anticipate delving into its pages in the near future.

The narrator of this audiobook exhibited a remarkable talent for crafting clear distinctions among the various characters, ensuring that listeners could easily discern who was speaking at any given moment. Their adept narration not only enhanced the overall enjoyment of the story but also prevented any confusion that could arise from a multitude of characters within the narrative.

What we have here is a new spin on the Archie and Nero relationship only this time around Nero is Cameron Clewe, a rich thirty three year old man that has social anxiety and is agoraphobic and Archie is now Angela Lansbury and it’s fabulous! While not as cozy as a typical ‘cozy’ mystery it’s an intricately thought out mystery that kept me guessing until the end. This goes to the top of my list of favorite first in series and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

**3.5-stars rounded up**

Recently, after having a terrible reading experience with a SF-Horror novel that shall not be named, I needed a strong palate cleanser very badly if I was to move on.

Cozy Mysteries are go-to stories for me when I need something like that. Something to make me feel comfortable and like all is well with the world. That's exactly what I found here within the pages of A Cryptic Clue, the first installment of the all-new Hunter and Clewe mystery series by Victoria Gilbert.

This series follows 60-year old, Jane Hunter, a recently retired university librarian, who has taken on a new assignment creating an inventory for a wealthy man's vast rare book collection.

Jane's excited to get to work and on her first day, as she meets her new boss, Cameron Crewe, she's surprised by how young he is. She expected a much older man, but Cam is in his early-30s; much closer to her own daughter's age than her own. Regardless, she's there to work and is impressed by Crewe's manor home and collection. This is going to be a big job. She's anxious to get started.

Jane dives in, meeting other employees and acquaintances of Cam's along the way. It's an interesting house, there's a lot going on, including a spat between Cam and a woman he was dating and has recently blown off, Ashley Allen. After a charity event held at the property, Ashley's body is found in the library the next day. She's dead and Cam is the number one suspect.

Cam asks Jane, along with his assistant, Lauren, to help clear his name. He certainly wasn't in love with Ashley, but he never would have killed her. Jane, intrigued by the mystery presented them, gets to work right away and a lovely, classic-feeling amateur sleuth moment ensues.

I had a lot of fun with this. Gilbert delivered exactly what I was hoping for. I really enjoyed Jane as a main character. She's smart and no-nonsense. You can tell her relationship with Cam is going to flourish as the series progresses.

I also liked Cam. He's an intriguing leading man, clever, rich and super into books. I'm interested to see how involved he gets in future mysteries. He's actually a big fan of classic mystery literature, so I feel like that is going to be an influence for him in the books to come.

The mystery itself was simple and easy to follow, which was what I was hoping for. I feel like with many Cozy series, my enjoyment level will increase the more that I become attached to this set of characters. I feel like in general my ratings for Cozy Mysteries always get stronger as the series progresses. I feel like this series will stay true to that pattern.

We have some nice possibilities for future mysteries that this story already sort of set-up. I'm absolutely planning to continue on with these books as they are released.

I did listen to the audiobook for this one and I loved the narration. I felt like the narrator did a great job capturing Jane's character and bringing her to life. I would definitely recommend the audio version if you plan to pick this up.

Overall, I think this is a great start to a new Cozy Mystery series. One that I will happily read for as long as they're published. Thank you so much to the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I love getting in on this type of series from the start, so this was such a treat!

After the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Cam has no choice than to clear his name. So, Jane and he transform from Librarians to amateur Detectives. While Police interviews people, they search for clues inside books. The cover doesn't give you a lot so I didn't know what to expect. So it surprised me in a good way.

The murder mystery starts early, within the first few chapters. I liked the mystery build up, the suspects cast was huge but well done. The pace was kinda slow for my taste and the ending wasn’t that great. I felt it was kinda forced. However, I'm looking forward to read about the new mystery they're going to uncover

The review below is posted on goodreads.

I got the book as an arc for review on Netgally.

It's the first book in a new Cozy mystery and had both intruiging main characters and case. While it had similar vibes to a lot of other books in the genre the mystery was very easy getting invested in. Definitely looking forward to more books in the series.

This was a great start to a new series, and I'm really looking forward to future installments.

Jane Hunter is nearing retirement, but recently lost her job and still needs to work a couple more years. As an experienced librarian, she takes a private position working for a wealthy young man with an extensive collection that needs to be catalogued and preserved, something that's right up Jane's alley.

Little did she realize when she appeared for her first full day on the job that there would be a dead body in the library she was to be working in.

As Jane joins forces with her employer and her landlord to try to solve the case before her employer is charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend, the three of them get a bit too close to the truth and risk becoming the murderer's next victims if they're not more careful.

As a well-written story, this one was filled with lots of possible suspects who all had the means, motives and opportunities to become a killer. So the question is... Who crossed that line?

This is one of the better mysteries I've read this year, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series as time goes on.

Thank you to Victoria Gilbert, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

2.5
A Cryptic Clue is another disappointing cosy for me. I appreciate that Jane is different from most cosy protagonists but I still found her overly pleasant and bland. There was some nice discussion on trauma and Cam’s likely autism and the usefulness of a diagnosis later in life. That being said It fell short in most of the things I want in a cosy.

Mystery - 3 out of 5. I want a cosy mystery to have a compelling mystery.

My favourite thing about this book is how the mystery is the main focus of the book. We get a decent look into all suspects. I also enjoyed the way Cam and Jane worked together to discuss the case. My only pain point is that I think there could have been 1-2 fewer suspects. I also guessed the culprit super early on. (view spoiler).

There is a 2nd mystery about Cam’s family past. I am never as interested in mysteries in the past in contrast to those in the present.

Cosy Vibes - 2 out of 5. I want a cosy mystery to give me cosy vibes.

The only real cosy moments were some of the relationships between Jane and some of the other characters like Cam. I definitely see the book becoming cosier as these relationships develop in further books. This felt like a cosy mystery but unfortunately, I never wanted to read while snuggled in bed.

Educational - I want to learn fun information about a vocation or hobby. 1 out of 5

We really don’t learn that much about arching books or classic mystery writers. Sure, there is a line here and there but not enough to be satisfying.

60 year old Jane starts a new job with 33 year old eccentric Cam Clewe cataloging his collection of rare books. She hasn’t even officially started her new job when Cam’s ex girlfriend is murdered and Cam enlists her help to catch her killer.

The first in a new series by Victoria Gilbert. I really enjoyed that the main character was slightly older. And her eccentric employer was giving me Sheldon cooper vibes with how he just said things not thinking that he could hurt someone feelings. I listened to the audiobook and while the narrator did a good job, her voice just wasn’t for me. I felt like the different voices didn’t capture my attention the way I would have liked. I am looking forward to continuing with the series! The main characters were fun and entertaining!

Thank you to Netgalley and dreamscape media for the ARC!

So a series with an older woman as the detective/protagonist? Great! Wait! How old is she supposed to be? She sounds much older. The MC is written to be almost elderly and very stiff and one dimensional. So, a murder occurs. If you are reading you will immediately know who is about to get it. Then all of the characters react perfectly normally. And by that I mean perfectly normally as if there were no murder. Just wandering around behaving as if the whole thing were just a brain exercise.

Nothing really held my interest.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victoria Gilbert for providing me with a complimentary digital audiobook ARC for A Cryptic Clue coming out July 11, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Jane Hunter is 60 years old, being forced into early retirement from her job as a university librarian. Ready to start over, she seeks out a new challenge to keep her spirits up and supplement her small pension. But as she’s about to find out, a retiree’s life can bring new challenges—and new dangers.

Cameron “Cam” Clewe is an eccentric 33-year-old collector of rare artifacts. He is also seeking something new—an archivist to inventory his ever-expanding compendium of rare books and artifacts. Jane’s excited to be hired on by Cam and to uncover the secrets of his latest acquisition, a bounty of items related to the classic mystery and detective authors. But Jane’s delight ends when she finds a dead body in Cam’s library. The victim, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, was the last in line of Cam’s failed romances—and now he’s a suspect in her murder.

Cam vows to use his intelligence and deductive skills to solve the case—but with a slight case of agoraphobia, rampant anxiety, and limited social skills, he’ll need some outside help. It comes down to Jane to clear her new boss’ name—but is he truly innocent?

I thought this was a fun cozy mystery! I’ve listened to other books by this author and I enjoy her writing style. I thought Cam was a fun and eccentric character. I enjoyed his quirks. I think his relationship with Jane was unique. I loved the setting of the mystery and the references to the library and books. I’m definitely interested in checking out other books in the series when they come out.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys older protagonists in cozy mysteries!

I admit that it took me a bit to get into the story. A somewhat reclusive bachelor (mid 30's) hired Jan, an archivist (old enough to be his mother) to help catalog his library. It was refreshing to have a book with a platonic friendship. The employer, Cameron "Cam" Clewe is primarily a homebody as he struggles with agoraphobia and is a bit socially awkward. Having worked with all kinds of people as a librarian, Jane is not at all put off by Cam's idiosyncrasies. Jane could be described as a reluctant retiree, not really expecting to have been let go. When the opportunity to archive a personal collection came up, Jane jumped at the chance. Just as Jane is learning the ropes and where things are in the expansive home, a body turns up (in the library, of course).

Cam needs someone to help clear his name because he is the primary suspect in the recent murder. And so Jane's duties immediately expand to include sleuthing. Librarian-turned-detective is not so very large a leap as every good librarian does a fair amount of detection in helping patrons explore new titles or dive into research projects. And those skills prove invaluable as Jane and Cam methodically sift through clues to find the killer.

Although it took a bit to get into the story, I would say this was an overall pleasant read, not too complicated and nicely wrapped up in the end (with perhaps a hint of future mysteries to come?). If you are looking for a cozy mystery for reading at the beach or lounging by the pool, check out A Cryptic Clue and see if you can guess the guilty party before the final chapter.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital audio recording of A Cryptic Clue from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

Victoria Gilbert’s the Cryptic Clue was a great start to a new series in detective fiction. Unlike 221B Baker St, here we find our sleuthing duo of sexagenarian ex-librarian Jane Hunter and thirty-something philanthropist and recluse Cameron Clewe, her employer.

As with most amateur sleuths, this pair began their detecting efforts to clear the name of Clewe, who was at the wrong place at the wrong time and was being investigated after the death of a party guest.

It was refreshing how very flawed and human Gilbert wrote her characters’ backstories. It made them more relatable and far more interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC.

*3.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"He says you appear to have an unusually logical mind."
"For a woman you mean?"

Logical, smart, cool under pressure and can make small talk with anyone is one way to describe 60 year old retired university librarian Jane Hunter in book one of the new Hunter and Clewe cozy murder mystery series, A Cryptic Clue, by accomplished mystery author Victoria Gilbert.

Jane is looking to supplement her pension and takes a job as an archivist for reclusive, socially awkward, slightly agoraphobic, millionaire Cameron "Cam" Clewe to inventory his vast collection of rare books and artifacts. What neither expects is for Jane to stumble on the dead body of Cam's ex girlfriend, pharmaceutical heiress, Ashley Allen, in Cam's library.

With Cam the number one suspect he asks Jane to help him prove his innocence and the most unlikely crime solving duo is formed and on the case.

I so enjoyed narrator Carrington MacDuffie's interpretation of Jane and Cam as amateur sleuths. She's a more proper Angela Lansbury in Murder She Wrote and Cam is a more stoic put together Monk. Their dynamic was often cautious but respectful; Jane trusts no one! Also, hurray for an older smart funny protagonist.

I was right about the killer but the joy in this mystery is not in the twists but the coziness of Jane always needing her coffee, Cam not understanding why everyone is busy gossiping instead of working, and the start of cryptic clues leading to more Hunter and Clewe cozy murder mysteries.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

*Many thanks to Victoria Gilber, Dreamscape Media, and NetGally for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
Once in a while I do feel like listening to a cozy mystery and hope to enjoy this one. First in a new series it introduces a retired librarian eager to help out with sorting out a collection in a house belonging to a wealthy young man. The plot is a little complicated and some twists and turns did not really generate too much enthusiasm in me. I felt somehow indifferent to the characters and even the victim, which is not a good sign. There are already several series with a very mature female protagonist who unexpectedly becomes a sleuth and I am afraid Jane does not stand out in this category.

I really enjoyed this book! I felt the beginning was a bit slow while I was trying to get the lay of the land but once it picked up it was incredible. I really loved the characters and the plot twist was quite good. I also loved how the author set up future sequels.

I did find what I think was a small error. About 40 seconds into chapter 14 there seems to be a note to self that the narrator left in.

An old unsolved case, a new murder, family secrets, a mysterious person, a whole lot of suspects.... this new duo has everything (and more) they need to sleuth around.

The cryptic clue is a gripping and entertaining cosy mystery with lovable and funny characters.

Lots of cosy mystery books references, thanks to the library setting, and a humorous and touching relation between Jane, a 60 years old lady, and Cam his 30 years old boss dealing with his share of anxiety.

A first book in a series I definitely intend to follow.

The audio version was very agreeable to listen to, and the narrator has a very good diction, which makes it very easy to listen to for foreign english speakers / students.

My gratitude to NetGalley for providing this advanced copy. The book offered an opportunity to dive into a cozy mystery by an author who was unfamiliar to me. The locale and characters were well depicted and had charm. The author shows promise in the realm of mystery novels, but there are areas ripe for growth.

While the story was interesting overall, the predictability of the climax left something to be desired. The thrill of a good mystery often lies in its unforeseen twists, and this particular tale seemed to miss that mark. Also, the narration of the book could use more warmth and fluidity - it felt slightly stiff, distancing me from the characters at times.

That being said, the characters, despite their flaws, were intriguing in their resourcefulness, adding a certain charm to the story. I am hopeful that future works from this author will exhibit more unpredictability and a smoother narrative style.

Thanks once again to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this opportunity. My review represents an honest and balanced opinion.

A Cryptic Clue is the first book in a new series. This is a series that I am very excited to continue. The two main characters are Jane Hunter and Cameron “Cam” Clewe. Jane is a sixty-year-old retired librarian that starts working for the thirty-three-year-old Cam.

Jane has not been working for Cam long when a murder takes place in Cam’s estate and a body is found in his library. This is an ex-girlfriend of Cam and Cam becomes a suspect.

Cam has a lot of quirks about him and has a hard time leaving the estate. He asked Jane to help investigate and clear his name. I enjoyed following Jane and watching her investigation but I think Cam was the strongest character. All the quirks he has makes him so relatable and a likable character.

Not that this is an issue but the way Jane was described and the way she carried herself I had a hard time picturing her as a sixty-year-old woman. I kept seeing her as someone barely in her forties and had to constantly remind myself of her age for certain scenes.

This was a strong start to a new series. Don’t sleep on this one and I can not wait for the next entry.

Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending ⭐️⭐️

A Cryptic Clue is book #1 in the new A Hunter and Clewe Mystery series from Victoria Gilbert.

This book follows retired librarian Jane Hunter, a single-mom in her 60's, as she begins a new position as an archivist for the eccentric (to put it mildly) Cameron Clewe. As it goes with cozy murder mysteries, a body is found and our amateur sluthes, Jane and Cam, are on the case.

As cosies go, this was pretty average imo. We get to the action pretty quickly, but it just never picked up for me. It was rather much a snoozefest, and I don't believe I would have finished it if not for needing something to listen to on a drive. The story dragged out longer than needed due to too much unnecessary conversation. Far too long for a cozy mystery, in my opinion. I didn't particularly like Jane or Cam. He's haughty, rude, super blunt, and pretentious (among many other things) and I found Jane to be just as unlikable. She came off as bland, overly into her own intelligence, and wildly unprofessional. Discussing her employeer's (Cam) personal life with anyone who will listen, reading personal love letters of Cam's mother, and taking personal photographs to give to a journalist is not my idea of professional. I found her questioning of individuals to be rather clumsy, and the author relies on info dumping from characters. Everyone overshares. Unprompted, we get everyone's life story. It's unrealistic and lazy. There was absolutely no chemistry between the two MCs, as far as I was concerned, they hold information back from each other, which doesn't a good team make.This is the first book, after all, so perhaps it gets better as it goes, but I just don't care enough to find out.

The narration from Carrington MacDuffie was absolutely stellar. She has a clear, precise reading voice. Her voices and accents are distinguishable between the different characters, and I found her to be the highpoint and saving grace of this audiobook.

While I wouldn't further read this series, I would recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, especially if you enjoy an older FMC, as that isn't common. I did find that refreshing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced audiobook I received in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @ 41%
Audiobook critique- 62 shouldn't sound like someone's great great grandmother. You made Jane sound ancient!

That being said, I didnt love this. Cam Clewe (get it, "Clue") and ______ found dead in the library with the candlestick? Immediately felt cheesy. The actions of the characters was too in depth for my ADHD brain. I dont need to know every thought Jane has or when she bites her cheek. This story could have been shortened by leaving out the excessive amount of unnecessary details, and I may have been able to finish it. Maybe reading the physical book would have been better so that I could skim past it. As is, at least the audiobook, was a no for me.

This audiobook was gifted to me through NetGalley in return for my honest review. A Cryptic Clue, written by Victoria Gilbert, narrated by Carrington MacDuffie.