THIS WAS AMAZING! When a french woman is read her fortune she tries her might to never get murdered and never be placed in a compromising scenario. When her death does happen, her niece is on the case. I had a lot of fun reading this!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was originally lured in by the quirky cover design, but stayed for the fantastic story! How to Solve Your Own Murder lives up to the Knives Out comparisons. Annie Adams is summoned to Castle Knoll to meet her Great Aunt Frances who has decided to suddenly change her will. Frances has spent her life trying to figure out who was going to kill her because of a fortune she received when she was seventeen. When Annie arrives to Frances' estate she discovers Frances' body and the mystery ensues.

This was a great handling of back and forth timelines to figure out both mysteries from the past as well as who the killer was in the present. The pacing was really well done and the overall story telling was engaging. I'm not a huge traditional mystery fan, but this one kept me entertained the entire way.

In "How to Solve Your Own Murder," you'll find a delightful mix of characters and a captivating double murder mystery. Although it's not a cozy, there are a few swear words and one non-explicit sexual encounter. The story is told in two different timelines: the present, where Annie Adams is trying to uncover her Great-Aunt Frances's recent murder, and the 1960s, where the story takes place, following Frances's teenage years when her close friend disappeared under unusual circumstances. I found Frances's backstory more interesting than Annie's, and I enjoyed how Annie learned about her late great-aunt through Frances' diary and old pictures. Annie is motivated by justice rather than inheritance, and her pure heart mirrors that of Frances in her youth. This murder mystery is compelling, evoking memories of Agatha Christie and the spooky homes and chauffeurs from the Clue game. Perrin does an outstanding job of vividly describing the area, creating an almost gothic ambiance. The vast cast of characters can be challenging to keep up with, but it also means there are plenty of potential suspects, making it difficult to identify the true culprit. This was four of five strong stars for me!

I love this book! If you’re looking for a haunting mystery with no gore and lots of heart, put this one on your TBR list.

The story centers around Annie, whose great-aunt Frances spent her whole life trying to outsmart a fortune she was given as a teenager that she’d be murdered. When she does end up dead, Annie has to unravel a whole town’s worth of secrets and lies to solve the mystery.

The story is told in the present-day with Annie and in the 1960s through Frances’ journal. The characters are deep, the setting is interesting, and everyone is hiding something. I don’t know how Kristen Perrin did it, but I found this story remarkable creepy and fun. I’ll definitely be reading her next one.

Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

2.75/5

The synopsis of this book and the comparison to Knives Out had me thinking this would be a quirky, fast paced read. The dual timelines helped with me getting through the book, but mostly because I wanted to get back to young Frances. I was devouring those chapters - I wanna be sneaking onto estates with my silly friends doing silly things (minus the murder part).

I felt no type of way towards any of the characters or really any of the plot. There not only were so many characters, but a majority of them felt so undeveloped that it was so hard to keep track of who’s who. I love a small town vibe but everyone being related to or having dated someone else had me so confused on the dynamic between any two characters. This book left me with the most neutral feeling - I feel nothings towards any character of anything that happened, because of the lack of connection to almost everything in the book.

And as someone who can never guess the twist in the book, I couldn’t even guess this one when it was “supposedly” laid out right in front of me. Overall, I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it!

4.5 stars

Annie, a 25-year-old aspiring mystery writer in London, has just received a letter summoning her to the small town of Castle Knoll to meet her Great Aunt Frances for the first time. Frances is eccentric and has just amended her will to leave everything to Annie, despite their lack of relationship. But when Annie and the other attendees of the meeting arrive, Frances is dead, and has left behind a massive murder board, red string included, centering on this very case. It turns out, in 1965 at age 17, Frances was told by a fortune teller that she would be murdered and spent the rest of her life preparing for this inevitability.

Annie is determined to solve the case, but it turns out that this small town is full of secrets, and that Frances was at the center of more than one. It's almost impossible to tell which threads of this massive web were the ones that killed her in the end. But Annie finds a diary written by 17-year-old Frances that tells the story of some of her earliest secrets, and as Annie gets to know her aunt through her past while trying to make sense of the present, things start to come together in a way she didn't expect, leaving her trying to solve two cases instead of one.

I am a sucker for dual timelines, and found Frances' diary entries very compelling---I'd read a whole book about the 1965 gang getting into mischief. I loved that I was reading them at the same time Annie was, so that once the book was back in the present time I got Annie's reflections on the things I'd just read as well. It was kind of like a little meta book club. I didn't predict the whodunnit, and was satisfied with that twist, but wish we'd gotten more information about the logistics and what happened after the 1965 case that led Frances to live the life she did. But I also understand that part of the story was how things rarely wrap up in a perfect bow.

I really liked Annie, but Frances was my favorite. She was very self-possessed and intelligent, and the author did a great job of giving her the mystique we lend to victims while also making her a realistically flawed and biased character. There were some plotlines that didn't get fully wrapped up, like Annie's writing and potential romance, but I see that this book is listed as book 1 in The Castle Knoll Files, so I'm hopeful that more books in this world will continue those storylines, and will definitely check them out! Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

cozy mystery vibes, agatha christie-esque

while this is typically a type of read i really enjoy, this one didn’t quite land for me

there’s a huge amount of characters that didn’t have many distinguishing features so i could barely most of them straight. i wish that the very small hint at a potential romance had been fleshed out.

the 1960s flashbacks via diary entries were fun

the premise was more promising than the execution but this wasn’t a bad read by any means

thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

"How to solve your own murder" is a small-town thriller written by the brilliant Kristen Perrin.
From the first page you are captivated by the story, the writing is smooth and pleasant, a truly enjoyable read.
The story is divided into two different timelines, we have the present time with Annie, and the sixties, with Frances' diaries.
We manage to capture the essence of that period thanks to Frances' stories. She is convinced that she will be killed, and this is why
pushes her to invite Annie to her house, to solve her own murder.
The real protagonist is Annie Adams, Frances's niece. When Annie receives an invitation from her great-aunt, first she hesitates
and she is tempted to refuse it, but then taken by curiosity, she decides to visit her.
This is where we get to the heart of the story.
Frances is dead.
What happened? Did she die of natural causes? Was she killed? And if so, by whom?
Everyone has a secret, we have lots of suspects, but who did it?
While reading I had some suspicions, valid or not, and in the end I was wrong about the culprit. Nice Shot!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Penguin Group Dutton for providing me with the digital copy, in exchange for my honest review.
Ps i just found out this book has become a series. Give me the second one now!

How to Solve Your Own Murder is a cozy murder mystery that is set in two different time periods. In the present day, Annie is competing to win an inheritance from her great-aunt, Frances by investigating her murder. With the aid of Frances' diary from 1967, Annie is determined to uncover the truth.

I enjoyed reading this book as it reminded me of the classic mystery games like Clue and the recent movie Knives Out. It also had the essence of an Agatha Christie's mystery story. The suspenseful plot kept me engaged throughout the book, and I appreciated the alternating perspectives as it added to the overall intrigue. However, due to the vast number of characters in the story, I found it challenging to keep track of them, and it caused some confusion. It also made it harder to connect with the characters. The ending was great and I have never guessed the whodunit

Thank you to NetGalley and to Penguin Group Dutton for giving me a copy.

I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would!! I think the storytelling was well done and it was a good concept and the cover is awesome. It felt very Agatha Christie to me and I’m a huge sucker for her.

This story has a super fun premise. However, I had a really hard time getting into it. I wasn't really feeling connected with the characters and there were so many of them!

Thank you so much to Dutton books for the advanced reader copy!

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be FUN! That may seem strange for a book title "HOW TO SOLVE YOUR OWN MURDER", but hear me out! While this book is about the murder of Frances Adams, the great aunt of Annie Adams, who has been trying to predict/solve her future murder for the past 60 years, it is told with a lightness and great sense of humor.

The book alternates between present day where Annie Adams is tirelessly trying to solve her great aunt's murder, not only to bring her justice, but also to win her estate and the past told from Frances' perspective in the 1960s. Both timelines held my attention and I enjoyed them equally.

This book is part one in a new series called "CASTLE KNOLL FILES" and I cannot wait to see what kind of shenanigans are waiting for us in book #2!

This book will be available for purchase on March 26, 2024!

Thank you to NetGalley, the Author for the ARC of this novel.

"How to Solve Your Own Murder" is a captivating double murder mystery that delivers both intrigue and charm. While it may not fit neatly into the cozy mystery category due to some adult content, it still retains the cozy atmosphere with its delightful cast of characters.

The narrative unfolds through two timelines, skillfully weaving between present-day events as Annie Adams investigates her Great-Aunt Frances's murder, and the 1960s, delving into Frances's own teenage years and a mysterious disappearance. Despite my usual reservations about flashbacks, I found Frances's storyline to be particularly engaging, adding depth to the overall mystery.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its likable characters, even among the antagonists who possess unexpected layers of complexity. The plot is both plausible and suspenseful, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal. Personally, I found myself enthralled by the setting, especially the English manor house backdrop, which added a sense of grandeur and intrigue to the story.

Overall, "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that combines mystery, suspense, and charm in equal measure. It's a testament to the author's storytelling prowess and a delightful addition to the genre.

Kristin Perrin's 'How to Solve Your Own Murder' was a fantastic and fun take on a murder mystery. As a teenager, Frances Adams receives a fortune predicting she will be murdered. For the next sixty years, Frances becomes obsessed with solving her own murder, becoming increasingly paranoid over time. Ultimately, when the fortune comes true, her great-niece, Annie Adams is tasked with solving the murder using the resources her aunt has left behind.

I wouldn't classify myself as an avid mystery reader, largely because I've found many of the mysteries I've read to follow a similar template. However, this book fell completely outside that scope, laying out the mystery as a game. I also won't say I'm quick to solve mysteries, even with the most predictable ones, but I REALLY did not see this one coming. I loved the way Perrin wove together two timelines and two stories so seamlessly, and I found this to be a great way to continue to grab my interest.

100% would recommend to others, especially for readers who, like me, have found the genre to be rather monotonous. This was a 4.5/5 read for me - as a reader who only gives 5 stars to books I would 100% read again.

TL;DR- Quick paced mystery humming with the grief of unknown and delayed justice. Would read again, and read others if turned into series.

While the book takes a moment to bring the reader in, Perrin does not fail to set her hook and captivate the reader to the point that the need to find resolution is near overpowering and remembering to slow down, take the story in, becomes a chore. Two narratives are beautifully paralleled with no confusion for what timeline is currently being discussed. An excellent addition to the emerging dark-cozy mystery field.

Pros: Well balanced between two leads. Strong female depiction in new form, acknowledging that it doesn't just mean able to handle blood but strength in character matters as well. Time periods feel natural and immersive. Enjoyed sense of impending trouble from other characters, hinting at future continuation plots. Overall well-written. Good resolution that managed both justice-in-fiction and acknowledgement of loss in real world settings.

Cons: The start had more intrigue for Frances' story. Felt rushed/too quick in pacing. Switching between first and last names made some characters confusing.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

This is a fun mystery. I like that we get to see the Great Aunt's backstory through the diary chapters and that it's really two mysteries getting solved. I didn't guess the killer, but it made enough sense.

2.5, thank you to netgalley for this ARC 🤝

Fortunes, fate, and friendship turned murderous. Such a unique and compelling premise, yet sadly its execution was underwhelming and impractical. I was intrigued with how a woman’s forewarning would finally ring true after 60 years; however, this aspect got lost throughout the novel.

While the story centered around Annie, there were two (maybe even three) handfuls of characters too many. Each was so underdeveloped that even after the mystery was revealed at the end, I was unsatisfied and skeptical because I knew so little about the characters. Genuinely think it was impossible to see the plot twist coming, and not in a fun way.

On a positive note, I did love the double narrative and was fully hooked on the diaristic parts of Frances’ teenage years. This genuinely kept me on the edge of my seat and made it hard to put down. Would love to read a novel that was just Frances and her friends getting up to mischief.

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

Review:

I was immediately Intrigued when I came upon the title of this book. This is a classic murder mystery with a dual timeline set back in 1965 and today. It takes place in a small English village and manor house some place outside of London. In addition to this typical setting, the pacing and plot remind me of a modern day Agatha Christy tale.

As is true of any small place, the village is filled with quirky characters whose lives have overlapped for generations and secrets, lies and gossip abound. I enjoyed following along as Annie, our protagonist works to figure out a pair of murders one which takes place in the past and her Great Aunt Frances' murder.

There is a game element to the story which I have always enjoyed and was done very well here. My favorite character is Annie's best friend Jenny. She's the comic relief and since the book reads like the first in a series I hope we get more of her in the second book. I also look forward to getting to know Annie's Mom Laura who is an artist and tends to express herself visually instead of verbally. This aspect of her character could take the reader to interesting places.

I did feel like there were a few too many characters but other than that it was an extremely enjoyable read and I look forward to reading from this author again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for an early ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.25 stars

4.5 stars. This book was such a fun mystery- who done it book I highly recommend. You follow the main character Frances who goes to a fair with her friends, and they see a psychic that tells Frances that she is going to end up getting murder in her future. Frances ends up devoting so much time into trying to figure out who is going to commit this crime. Fast forward so many years and she ends up getting murdered. Her great niece Annie is invited out to her estate for a meeting but when she gets there, she finds out its too late and that her great aunt is dead. There is so many characters and stories and people in Frances's life that it really makes you think. I kept trying to guess who did it and didn't end up getting it before the end. It was such a fun read and I feel like anyone who loves mystery who done it movies, or the inheritance games trilogy will love this. Also, the book jumps back and forth with timelines, but I think the author was able to do it so well where it didn't feel confusing, and I was so interested to see the different time points.

This book felt very much like a classic, Agatha Christie-esque mystery. While I wasn't at the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating for the next chapter, I thought the pacing was well done, as the two plotlines (past and present) created momentum for each other. I also enjoyed the plot and the amount of detail that went into slowly revealing each clue. Although the story is set in a small town, there were enough interesting characters that I can easily see how this story might be the first of many.

The only thing that disappointed me was the ending; it fell a bit flat, and I felt as though the reasoning for the crimes wasn't well justified. Maybe this was exacerbated by the lack of tension leading up to the final reveal. If this had been advertised more as a cozy mystery, I wouldn't have minded so much; however, given the publisher's comparison to Knives Out, I was hoping for an ending that was more twisty and thought provoking. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to future books in the series!

Thank you to Net Galley and Dutton for the ARC!