DNF at 10%

While the writing was humorous and seemingly lighthearted, Pom is so entitled, and I don't think I could handle waiting for her character arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity.

Thanks to Atria Books for allowing me access to a digital ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.75-4 Stars. Ok, I'll be honest, I requested this ARC on a whim after stumbling upon it while browsing through NetGalley, based on the summary and the title. It seemed interesting and I love a good romcom, and was especially interested to find a good crime-solving one (since I grew up obsessing over the various CSI franchises and Law & Order). There's were a few other ARCs I requested with similar premises, however, that I read first, and after not enjoying them because of how the main characters were protrayed, I was a little hesitant to read this one.

This book, however, was a wonderfully pleasant surprise. The main character was still initially portrayed as a privileged, vapid socialite, however, she was not portrayed as being inherently dumb, as the main character in the other ARC was. Honestly, I really dislike when the main character is written as someone who lacks a lot of knowledge, or isn't very bright, because I'm not interested in reading about someone like that, especially not for a romance, since that makes for a very shallow "love" story, if anything.

Pomona was written differently, and that made a world of difference for this story. She was certainly underestimated and looked down upon, but not clueless. This book is first person from her viewpoint, and I really enjoyed that the writing was written more realistic as to how someone in this age range would actually think instead of always being grammatically correct. Like, at some point she thinks "Well. Here goes." and that's relatable because I don't always think in proper sentence structure either. Pom's character arc was also very well-done, and her confidence as she goes through the story was kind of inspiring. I very much enjoyed the romance between her and Gabe as well, even though it was closed door (I prefer open, but I think in the case of a murder mystery and how it was written, it worked better as closed).

I had read another review that the murderer was "blatantly obvious as soon as you meet them." I don't agree, I definitely wavered between 2 or 3 of the characters as new facts were laid out.

I think overall this book was extremely enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend it as a light, fun, crime-solving read.

This book sucked me in right away. Easy to follow mystery, interesting characters and new relationship story line. Very enjoyable read.

Thank you Net Galley and Publishers for letting me read an arc of this book in return for an honest review.

Overall this was a fun and entertaining murder mystery, but I just couldn't quite get into it. I just really didn't like Pomona at first. She was a spoiled, rich brat that didn't know how to do anything. She was literally handed everything in life and treated the help poorly. She did get better once she lost her trust fund and had to survive as a "normal" person. The mystery part of this book was good. It was simple and I kinda guessed it before it was revealed at the end, but it was still fun. If you're looking for a simple mystery with a small love interest thrown in there this is a good one to pick up.

⭐️⭐️ 2/5

Okay, I was really excited for this because I have loved Amanda Elliot’s books. I was looking forward to a shift in genre under her new pen name. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t do it for me. It felt shallow, rushed and lacked development, plot/character/otherwise.

I’ll definitely continue reading Amanda Elliot, but Bellamy Rose fell short for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a fun cute story after it was all said and done. It did kind of have a rocky start for me, but after a few chapters it started to come together. Pomona did have some annoying characteristics but did show that character growth. Some of the "subtle" mentions did kind kind of make it obvious that they were going to play a part in the ending. Overall it turned out to be a cute story

I received this ARC from publishers via Netgalley.
#Netgalley

Delightfully fun murder mystery romp with just a pinch of romance. After spoiled hotel heiress Pomona Afton's grandmother is murdered, the family finds out that she had a secret clause in her will that froze all the family's many (many) assets after her death--until the murderer is caught. Summarily kicked out of her penthouse apartment and forced to move in with her former nanny's son, Pomona lasts one day working at a coffeeshop before she determines that she will solve the murder to get her life (and her money) back.

I really enjoyed this story! It was lighthearted and humorous, with some real character growth from Pomona throughout the story that was gratifying to see. She teams up with Gabe, her former nanny's son, to do some amateur sleuthing and I appreciated that felt mostly realistic and it didn't quite always go as planned. There is a hint of romance there but a very light touch; the book is definitely more focused on the mystery. Recommended for fans of Jenny Elder Moke's "She Doesn't Have a Clue" or Ally Carter's "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year."

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book will suit plenty of readers, but maybe not the hardcore mystery fans. When I say "hardcore," I mostly mean the people who have read a lot of it. While the mystery aspect was good, there wasn't enough to keep me genuinely hooked throughout. I felt like Pamona Afton was molded after Tessa Bailey's character from It Happened One Summer, Piper Bellinger, but it wasn't done well. Pamona was too ditsy, the surprise cooking skills weren't believable, and I didn't find her all that loveable, honestly. I think the book was cute but not exceptional. I'm sure, however, that the right audience will find it and love it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the eARC!

*Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder* by Bellamy Rose is a delightful blend of mystery and romantic comedy that has garnered positive attention from readers. The story follows Pomona Afton, a privileged young woman who, after her grandmother's unexpected death, is thrust into the world of amateur sleuthing to reclaim her inheritance.

Theres some drawn comparisons to shows like *Schitt's Creek* and *Only Murders in the Building*, highlighting the novel's humor and engaging plot.

The character development of Pomona is particularly praised. As she transitions from a sheltered heiress to a more grounded individual, readers appreciate her growth and the relationships she builds along the way. The relationships in this story really stood out to me. Pom’s growth felt so real as she figured out who she was beyond her wealth and privilege.

The novel's pacing and blend of genres have also been well-received.

Overall, *Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder* is a charming and engaging read that combines elements of mystery and romance, appealing to fans of both genres. Its humor, character development, and intriguing plot make it a standout in contemporary fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for this E-ARC!

This book is so funny. It’s like if Paris Hilton, Gossip Girl, and Nancy Drew had a baby. But in a funny and heartfelt way. I enjoyed this book more than I originally thought. It’s cute and sad at the same time. Sometimes people with money aren’t always better off.

Pomona has it all. She is extremely rich and famous. Doesn’t have to work. Can lay around all day and then get drunk at night at parties where she never has to wait in line to get in. What else can a girl want right? She’s about to find out. There’s a murder and all of her money, assets, clothes and living are frozen. She’s forced out of her home with only 30 minutes to gather things she needs.
Now she has nothing but the bag of clothes she’s holding on to.
Nobody will get the money back if the murder isn’t solved. Will Pomona have to solve it herself? While trying to find a job that doesn’t have her feet feeling like they’ll fall off? Good luck! Right?

This was a fun little popcorn read. Nothing special or revolutionary but nonetheless fun.

I liked Pomonas character arc a lot and thought the dialogue was very well written but I though the mystery and romance elements weren’t mixed well together, it felt like the first half of the book was romance focused and the second half was mystery with jagged parts of each in between

This book was so wickedly cute.

What would you get if you put Only Murders in the Building in a blender with an equal amount of Two Broke Girls and a splash of a rom-com? This book!

I quickly gobbled this book up. I was hooked from the very first page. The story flows with beautiful and upbeat pacing. Pomona has such exquisite character growth, the romance is believable, and watching the relationships change and grow in a thoughtful way was really heartwarming. The This read was one that could be done in 2-3 sittings.

Thank you so much netgalley & Atria books for this one!

This is a very cute romantic comedy built on a "who done it" murder plot. The characters are uniquely witty & the plot flows very well. This is a super fast-paced read that is just overall an entertaining & great time. The character development for Pom felt quick but I enjoyed it nonetheless. This is a romance mystery that I can see being made for screen. Very impressed that it's also by a debut author.

💖 Murder Mystery Rom-Com
🛏️ Roommates
🏡 Forced Proximity
💸 Rich Girl x Poor Boy
🐟 Fish out of water (Pom goes from socialite to barista)
☝🏻 Single Female POV

This book felt so different than any book I’ve read and I loved it! The plot and the subplots were done so well, I just couldn’t get enough. A perfect book to read when you’re looking for something fun that will hook you from the start!

Pomona leaves a gala to find her grandmother murdered. Her grandmother slipped a clause in her will that froze her assets if she had a suspicious death. She moved into an apartment with her ex-nanny’s son. They both want the assets unfroze as it benefits both of them. Can they solve the murder together?

A sprinkle of romance, a sparkle of mystery, and a sparkle of humor made this book a fun cozy murder mystery. I loved the growth of the main character throughout the book.

Thank you to Bellamy Rose, Atria/Emily Beatles Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. The character’s personality and wittiness was enjoyable to read. It was a fun take on a mystery.

A fun & cozy murder mystery…wait, can I say that?!?!? Pomona is a delightful read…fun characters, a little mystery, some suspense & romance, too, the story told in a light, and sometimes funny way. Pomona Afton is a trust fund child growing up in one of her grandmother’s hotels. She has everything you’d expect her to have - an apartment in a big, beautiful hotel, assistants/hotel staff on hand to help her with anything and everything, and an endless supply of funds, until she doesn’t. One morning she finds her grandmother, and head of the hotel empire, tragically murdered in her sprawling hotel apartment that overlooks Central Park. Not one to give up the last word, we come to find out that Grandma Afton recently changed her will (and just in time) to kick all heirs out and freeze all funds if she were to die an unnatural death. Fresh out of a place to live, Pomona connects with the son of her childhood nanny and sets out to solve this crime. If you like the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano, you’re sure to enjoy this one, too.

I adored watching Pomona grow as a character and come into her life on her own. Her mannerisms/growth gave me Schitts Creek vibes. I loved how the mystery was set out and revealed. I had seen some reviews stating that she was highly unlikable, but I truly see the value in every character and who they are. Everyone wants a real character & real life books, but then complain when a character has just one singular trait that is a little grating. Have. Grace.

I love a good romcom murder mystery, and this is just so witty and fun!

This plot feels like a match-up of Schitt’s Creek and Only Murders In The Building, which is a delightful combination. Pomona may be a typical spoiled rich girl in the sense that she likes her luxury items; however, I love how she sincerely seems to recognize the faults from her past and tries to be a better person while she investigates. Gabe’s character is a great one to help show how she is growing as a person and I enjoy the moments they have. People need to give her more credit than she is given because she is smarter than people perceive her to be. The actual investigation wasn’t anything too surprising, yet I still found myself wanting to read more to see how it was going to unfold. While the plot is slow, I do feel certain things are rushed over, which causes me to get a little confused at times.

I struggled to connect with this book because I found the main character, Pomona, extremely unlikeable. Her self-centeredness permeated every action, making it difficult to root for her. The neatly tied-up ending felt undeserved, and I would have preferred a different outcome for her. Beyond the protagonist, the plot felt disjointed and riddled with holes. Gabe was the only character I found remotely appealing, despite his flaws.