“Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the queen in the palm of one hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray you. And from that, there’s no coming back. But daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close. All signs point toward your murder.”

When Frances Adams and her two friends visit Madame Peony Lane at the Castle Knoll Country Fair in 1965, the fortune she receives from the psychic will haunt her for the rest of her life. She believes that she is going to be murdered and is determined to figure it out before her demise.

Sixty years later, Frances summons her great niece Annie to meet with her solicitor about the new terms of her will. She would like her to be the sole benefactor, despite the fact they have never met.

Unfortunately for Frances, she is murdered before the will can be read and is unable to discover who wanted her dead.

Annie must now solve the riddle and her aunt’s murder before other family members find out the truth. It’s a race to the finish for the inheritance of Aunt Frances!

The plot of this book is well-conceived but contains so many characters that is it is difficult to keep everyone straight. Better character development would have made this a more enjoyable read for me. At some point, I just gave up trying to figure out who was who and just sort of went with it.

Annie is also the quintessential damsel in distress and constantly faints at the sight of blood and needles. This all became a little too cliche for me. It appears that this book will become a series and I’m not sure if I am interested in continuing with these characters.

3/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group - Dutton for the ARC of How to Solve Your Own Murder in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! I'm not a huge fan of timelines that jump back and forth (too bad for me - seems like every mystery these days has this construct) but I thought the dual storytelling worked well in this book. I liked the main character, Annie, who was spunky and fearless (but also for sure did not think things through all the time). Partway through reading, I wished I had written down a character list to keep everyone straight - maybe it would have helped me solve the mystery faster! Regardless, this was a clever, quick , and enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading the next one!

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I thought the premise of this book was really interesting, and I felt that it was well-executed. The dual mysteries of Frances and Emily play off of each other really nicely, and I always looked forward to the diary chapters. The quaint town of Castle Knoll is easy to get sucked into; despite the fact that there was plenty of suspense and danger around every corner, I felt quite cozy reading about it.

However, I think what put me off the book a bit was the sort of "meta" commentary. I don't mind a mystery that can poke fun at itself, but it was a little over the top for me at times. The narrator, a hopeful murder mystery author to-be, seems constantly aware of the irony of her role in the story, and she isn't shy about calling attention to it. I think the same points could have been made once towards the beginning, maybe with a few other characters chiming in to agree when it dawns on them too, but anything beyond that did feel a bit forced and repetitive.

Given all that, I would recommend this to fans of murder mysteries, particularly cozy readers. I think the Knives Out comparison might be a bit of a stretch, but I can see how the audiences would overlap (myself included). Think less Agatha Christie and more Midsomer Murders.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the Penguin Group for this ARC.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181350367-how-to-solve-your-own-murder" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="How to Solve Your Own Murder (Castle Knoll Files, #1)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1693336762l/181350367._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181350367-how-to-solve-your-own-murder">How to Solve Your Own Murder</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22487384.Kristen_Perrin">Kristen Perrin</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6304936410">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I thought the premise of this book was really interesting, and I felt that it was well-executed. The dual mysteries of Frances and Emily play off of each other really nicely, and I always looked forward to the diary chapters. The quaint town of Castle Knoll is easy to get sucked into; despite the fact that there was plenty of suspense and danger around every corner, I felt quite cozy reading about it.<br /><br />However, I think what put me off the book a bit was the sort of "meta" commentary. I don't mind a mystery that can poke fun at itself, but it was a little over the top for me at times. The narrator, a hopeful murder mystery author to-be, seems constantly aware of the irony of her role in the story, and she isn't shy about calling attention to it. I think the same points could have been made once towards the beginning, maybe with a few other characters chiming in to agree when it dawns on them too, but anything beyond that did feel a bit forced and repetitive.<br /><br />Given all that, I would recommend this to fans of murder mysteries, particularly cozy readers. I think the <i>Knives Out</i> comparison might be a bit of a stretch, but I can see how the audiences would overlap (myself included). Think less Agatha Christie and more <i>Midsomer Murders</i>. <br /><br />Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the Penguin Group for this ARC.

<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/171258469-maeve-kelley">View all my reviews</a>

This novel follows young Frances back in the 1960s and her present day great niece, Annie. Frances was known across town as a woman suspicious of everyone and a carrier of secrets. She spent her entire life trying to prevent her murder that was predicted back when she was just 17 years old. 60 years later, Annie is asked to come to Castle Knoll only to discover that her great aunt is dead. Will Annie be able to solve the mystery? Or will she be putting herself in the same path as Frances?

The premise had me SOLD. I am all for a murder mystery and this one delivered on the mystery but fell just a little short in character development. I really got Nancy Drew or Murder, she wrote vibes. I am a sucker for a cozy mystery and this fell into that category for me with just a touch of suspense. I would be interested in reading the sequel to see if we get a little more development with the characters. Overall a fun book that can keep you guessing!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How To Solve Your Own Murder was a fun read with a great premise and great execution. I did not know I needed a small-town murder mystery that involves a fortune of death and an inheritance race but I could not stop once I picked it up. The characters were flushed out and I enjoyed Annie as a main character as well as the entries from Frances. I really enjoyed the mystery, it was fast paced but not rushed. We as readers were given plenty of suspects and I will say I did not guess the culprit before Annie. The ending was well thought out and I had a lot of fun! I would recommend picking this one up!

How to Solve Your Own Murder is a dual timeline whodunnit perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games and Knives Out. In 1965, Frances’s life takes a turn when a fortune teller reads her unfortunate fate… one day, Frances will be murdered. She spends her life in a state of paranoia trying to solve her murder before it even happens. In the present day, Annie is called to a meeting at the incredible estate belonging to her great aunt Frances. Unfortunately, by the time she arrives, Frances had met her unfortunate demise. Annie starts to dig deeper to find out the truth behind her great aunt’s murder. However the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she comes to suffering the same fate as her late aunt.

I loved this book so much. As a fan of Knives Out and the Inheritance Games, I was glued to this from the very beginning. Perrin’s writing was so captivating and I felt like I was truly living in Castle Knoll. Whodunnits can get a bit overwhelming due to the amount of characters introduced, but the characters were all so unique and strong that I very rarely felt lost. The climax was so strong and the story wrapped up very well. I throughly enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the Castle Knoll Files series.

Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for providing me an advanced copy of How to Solve Your Own Murder!

An interesting and unique mystery with dual timelines, this book was an entertaining read. In the 1960's, Frances is only a teenager and receives a prophecy that she will be murdered. Decades later, Frances is found deceased in her home, and her great niece Annie is tasked to discover her murderer. Her quest to fulfill her great-Aunt's final wish reveals unimaginable secrets. With a cast of great characters, and plenty of surprises, I really enjoyed this one!

Kristen Perrin's "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is a captivating and innovative take on the murder mystery genre, blending elements of suspense, paranormal intrigue, and introspective storytelling. The novel centers on Hadley, a teenage girl who wakes up dead and must navigate the afterlife while trying to uncover the truth behind her own murder.

Perrin's writing is immersive and atmospheric, plunging readers into a supernatural realm where Hadley grapples with the shock of her own death and the urgency to find justice. The author deftly explores themes of identity, regret, and the consequences of choices made in life, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and suspenseful. Hadley's journey of self-discovery is compelling, as she pieces together clues and confronts her own past to unravel the mystery surrounding her untimely demise.

What sets "How to Solve Your Own Murder" apart is its unique premise and heartfelt exploration of the human experience beyond death. Perrin blends elements of mystery with poignant reflections on life and death, crafting a story that keeps readers engaged while offering moments of profound insight. The supporting characters, from fellow spirits to those left behind in the living world, add depth and complexity to the narrative, highlighting the interconnectedness of lives and the impact of our actions.

While the novel maintains a brisk pace with its suspenseful plot twists and revelations, it also delves into deeper emotional layers, particularly in Hadley's relationships and personal growth. The resolution is satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of closure while contemplating the timeless themes of justice and redemption.

In conclusion, "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of both mystery and paranormal fiction. Kristen Perrin's skillful storytelling and exploration of the afterlife make this novel a standout in its genre, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to confront the past and find peace.

I wanted to enjoy this story. Kristen Perrin attempted a novel ( pun intended ) plot with a creative point-of-view. However, I just could not find myself captivated by “How to Solve Your Own Murder.” I regret not following through to the end to see if I missed out on a great storyline. But for one of the very few times in my reading life…I did not finish.
I am still grateful to NetGalley for getting the chance to taste this book at no charge.

"How to Solve Your Own Murder" by Krisitn Perrin sounded like a great, unique, cozy mystery, but ultimately I had a bit of a time trying to get through it.

This one had great potential but was not executed very well. It was extremely slow. I kept putting it down and not really caring to read it sadly.

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin is a clever, entertaining who-done-it. Frances Adams has lived her entire life heeding the words given to her by a fortune teller when she was sixteen years old. “Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the queen in the palm of one hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray you. And from that, there’s no coming back. But daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close. All signs point toward your murder.” And from then on, Frances has been obsessed with preventing her own murder. She has collected as much info on her friends, family, and the locals in town and stored them in organized files in the room off her library. But all this doesn't help - Frances is found murdered in her home around the same time she has summoned her family for a meeting. Someone wanted her dead and Frances always knew that fortune was going to come true.

Mystery author Annie Adams was summoned to meet her Great-Aunt Frances for the first time in order to go over some provisions to Frances' will. Unfortunately Frances was murdered the day Annie arrives to the estate and Annie didn't get a chance to meet her. As the other family members arrive, it is disclosed that Frances wants them to find out who murdered her and they only have a week to figure out the mystery. It's a bit of a game, you see, the person that finds the killer will inherit the estate. But if the police figure it out first, Frances' whole estate will be given to land developers. So now, Annie and her relatives are in a competition to find out who murdered Frances, but EVERYONE we meet is a suspect and now Annie has a target on her back.

This book was written in dual POVs and dual timelines. We work with Annie to solve the murder, but Annie also finds Great-Aunt Frances' journals from the 1960s and we get Frances' perspective from the time she was given the fortune as well. There is an additional mystery interspersed (which I was able to figure out before the reveal - and which I think enjoyed better than the main mystery if I'm honest).

I really enjoyed Annie as the protagonist. She was smart and perceptive and I enjoyed working with her to unravel the clues. There are a large number of supporting characters, but they were easy to remember and the storyline doesn't get too complicated.

I think that anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with a lot of red herrings and possible suspects would enjoy this, the first in a new series by Kristen Perrin. I will be looking for the next installment in this series.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I enjoyed reading this! I really liked the back-and-forth timeline of the book and the twist of the murderer I pretty much didn't see coming which I appreciated. I can't wait to see what's next in this series!

The premise was so interesting that it's hard to believe it was executed so poorly and in such a boring way. 20% in and nothing had happened? And the little that happened was so cliché and predictable. And the characters were so boring and one-dimensional.
Not for me.

In the 1965, Frances was told she would be murdered one day. She spent her life wondering who would kill her, but no one took her seriously. After nearly 60 years, Frances was finally murdered. Her great-niece, Annie, has arrived at Frances’s estate, and is looking for a killer. Fortunately, Frances has left clues.

How to Solve Your Own Murder is told through two points of view and timelines – Frances in the past via her diary entries and Annie in the present. This book has plenty of suspects, a lovely setting, and an enjoyable plot.

How to Solve Your Own Murder is a light and fun cozy mystery.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While the story was interesting and had great potential, I found it to be a little convoluted. I think I will give the next book in the series a chance before writing it off entirely, but overall, this book was not as good as I had hoped.

One of the most fun and original mystery plots I've encountered in a good, long while. I was hooked from the start and the perfect tension set by the dual narratives of the story kept me guessing. Both old and young mystery readers alike will delight in Perrin's adult writing debut.

this was a really interesting thriller book. I didn't get into it as much as I had hoped but it still was really good. I might enjoy it more if I go back and reread it.,

When Annie receives a summons to her Aunt Frances’s house, she is excited and nervous to finally meet her. Frances is known in the village as a bit of an eccentric old lady stuck in the past. Many years ago, Frances had her fortune told that she would be murdered. Everything that’s happened since then in her life has led her to live fearing the fortune would come true. When Annie arrives and her Aunt Frances is found murdered, they discover she has set up a game for the recipient of her inheritance. Can Annie figure out who murdered Frances before the others in order to get the fortune, or not? Annie goes on the adventure of her life trying to figure out who the murderer is and tries not to get killed in the process. This was a fun mystery that kept me guessing. I am excited to see it will be a series and can’t wait to read the next one!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Ms. Perrin for the opportunity to review the book "How to Solve Your Own Murder." This was such a refreshing book from other mysteries. I loved the premise of a person who is certain will be murdered and sets up the scene to have someone solve it. The story moved along quickly and having the story be told from the past and present made it even more intriguing. This one is going to be added to my favorites.