Amber runs to her grandmother’s home after leaving her boyfriend behind. Once there she meets her grandmother’s quirky friends and find out they do a cold case murder podcast. Her first evening there, one of the friends dies. Amber was training to become a PI, so she takes on the cases of the missing turtle, the case of the missing ring and was it murder or natural causes.
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Surprise, surprise, I did NOT solve this mystery.

A cozy story full of the found family kind of love, Murder Runs in the Family had the most welcoming characters. While a few people took longer to warm up, the community there was so earned. Everyone there loved each other deeply and understood what being there meant. They were each other's biggest champions, supporting each other even if it meant making up jobs to pass the time.

Even Bones eventually grew on me—for just a bit!—but I don't know if I'd be quite as forgiving as Amber had been.

As for the mystery of it all, the ending had me in tears over the sweetest resolution possible. The constant new theories and debunking of those theories was also so fun to read because it felt like the way I'd explore the universe, although with maybe less wiles involved. It was also so cool to use the evidence as we got it, so we got to feel a lot more immersed than if there had just been a grand reveal at the end.

Then, we have the other emotional arc and that was also such a lovely tie-in to the world beyond this book. Because, after spending so much time here and connecting with her grandma, Amber learned to appreciate her family and the life she had. Now, she's just better equipped to find her direction.

If there's more to this universe, I'd love to hear how Amber manages to edit the podcast without incriminating anyone, how Ethan's life is going post-retirement home, and how Bones is handling his Tatianas.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

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Amazon review still pending approval.

Amber is the family screw-up, a wannabe PI whose ex-boyfriend wouldn't sign her training paperwork. She runs away to the one place she could think of: her estranged grandmother's retirement community. When her grandmother's friend dies suspiciously, Amber jumps into action. Add into the mix her burly ex, a 98-year-old turtle named Tatiana, a handsome but grumpy post-surgical patient, and a handful of feisty retirees looking for excitement in their lives.

I enjoyed Amber and Jade (grandma!) and the characterization there. I was glad for Amber that she found someone who will care about her without aggressive expectations.

The storyline was well plotted. I had a guess that the end would shake it the way out did, but the ride was a lot of fun. If you've enjoyed the Thursday Murder Club books, or Killers of a Certain Age, or An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good, this is a great option for you. This was a lot of fun, and the cast of characters is a lot of fun, even Nasty Nancy.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

After a breakup and a stalled career, Amber heads to Arizona to meet the grandmother she’s never known—who just so happens to live in a retirement community. Always feeling like the odd one out in her own family, Amber instantly connects with her quirky grandma, Jade. Turns out, Jade runs a true crime podcast with her misfit retiree friends, and when an actual murder rocks the community and Jade is accused, Amber finds herself right in the middle of a real-life mystery.

With the help of Jade’s podcast crew, Amber’s PI ex-boyfriend Bones, a missing ring, a judgmental turtle, and Ethan—a guy who’s way too young for the community but recovering from a hip replacement—this wild, funny, and unpredictable whodunnit kicks into gear.

I had a blast reading this one! It’s fast-paced, full of laughs, and the twists kept me guessing the whole time. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a quirky cast and a heartwarming family thread, definitely give it a try.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy—I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

"Murder Runs in the Family" is a sharp cozy mystery (fingers crossed this becomes a series). Typical of the genre, we meet Amber who has broken up with her boyfriend and decided to start her life anew. She ends up at her grandmother's place, and it doesn't take long before she has a murder to investigate.

The characters in this book are sassy, strong women (and some cool men) who know what they want and aren't afraid to go for it! I loved them! Tamara Berry has crafted a well-plotted story with a murder case that turns out to be an intricate labyrinth with many twists and turns along the way. The dialogue between the characters is snarky and to-the-point, giving the book a delightful sense of humor.

And the setting in the grandmother's retirement community is absolutely wonderful! I loved the banter and neighborly squabbles over social media - just delightful. If you enjoy funny books with suspense, drama, and quick dialogue, this is the book for you.

This book had a little bit of everything: a long lost relative, a giant tortoise, a suspicious death, an alleged theft, failed romance, potential new romance, a widely successful true crime podcast, and most importantly, a magnificent cast of characters at a retirement community and more (some details left out to avoid spoilers). The protagonist's relationship with her newfound grandmother functions as the main thread throughout the book and this works well as multiple levels of mystery unfold and the protagonist goes through theories and suspects.

I found it fun to read and hope it will be a series as I'd love to spend more time with the characters.

I had so much fun reading this book! Murder Runs in the Family has that perfect cosy mystery vibe, but with a hilarious, chaotic energy that made it feel fresh and different.

Amber Winslow is such a lovable mess, I loved following her as she shows up in Arizona with basically nothing to her name, only to meet her eccentric grandmother who (plot twist!) happens to run her favorite true crime podcast. Their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book, it’s funny, sweet, and sometimes a little chaotic in the best way.

Also, I know the story is set in a retirement community, but please don’t let that turn you off! The residents of Seven Ponds are absolutely hilarious, full of life, and honestly more entertaining than most characters half their age. I loved the setting so much, it made everything even funnier and added so much personality to the story.

The mystery itself was really well done too. There’s a murder, a missing tortoise, a stolen heirloom, and somehow it all weaves together in a way that kept me guessing (and laughing) the whole time. It’s light, it’s clever, and it’s just the kind of book that makes you happy while you read it.

If you love cosy mysteries with some family drama, small-town gossip, and lots of heart, this book needs to be on your TBR.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Mur d*r Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry was an unexpected mystery with a twist among a group of lively folks in a retirement home, a tortoise, and granddaughter Amber Winslow.

Amber flees to the luxurious Seven Ponds Retirement home after a breakup from her P.I. boyfriend Bones, to meet her grandmother Jade whom she has never met. Instantly Jade knows it’s her granddaughter and welcomes her in right away. Amber’s mom has warned her to stay away from her grandmother and has written her out of her life, but Amber wants to meet this woman with nowhere else to turn. Jade hosts a true crime podcast with some of the other residents of the retirement home, and on the night of Amber’s arrival she finds out one of their own has died, only it appears to not be an accident or natural causes. A three million dollar ring is missing along with a tortoise that belong to the victim. Amber having P.I. experience from shadowing her boyfriend for the last three years, takes on the case of the missing tortoise, and also clearing her grandmother’s name who has become suspect number one.

This was a fun mystery. The group of retirees are a funny, loyal group, that you can’t help but like everyone and want to also clear their name as everyone becomes a suspect. I thought I had this one figured out, but had a twist in the end that got me. The ex boyfriend being a P.I. also shows up, so there’s a whole cast of characters that make this mystery interesting.

⭐️ 5/5
Third person POV
Linear timeline
Setting: retirement community in Arizona
FMC: Amber

Amber, a young PI-in-training, teams up with her feisty, podcast-savvy grandma to solve a murder in this sharp, hilarious mystery. This story blends quirky characters, a twisty plot, and just the right dose of chaos. The mystery kept me guessing, but what really stood out was the lighthearted tone balanced by a layered plot and strong character development.

I really enjoyed the retirement community setting…it turns into a chaotic yet tight-knit support system that adds so much warmth and humor. And the theme of finding your purpose and self-worth really resonated with me.


I can’t wait to read what Tamara Berry writes next in this genre!

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for providing me an ARC of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed her are my own.

This is a FUN read! The characters are colorful and a bit over the top. It's well-plotted and paced, with a satifying ending.

"Amber Winslow's life has taken a serious turn for the worse. When an impulsive decision forces her to flee her former life carrying nothing but the clothes on her back, she heads to the sunny state of Arizona and the luxury accommodations of her grandmother's retirement community. Never mind that Amber's never actually met her estranged and eccentric grandmother.

As soon as she sneaks her things into Seven Ponds (a place she technically doesn't qualify for and definitely can't afford), she's shocked to learn that George Vincent, a.k.a. the Admiral, was found dead the very night of her arrival. Much to Amber's dismay, no one seems particularly distraught over the news of the Admiral's death or the disappearance of his prize pet tortoise. All anyone can talk about is a missing Vincent family heirloom, and they're quick to blame Jade for both the Admiral's murder and the theft of the priceless ring.

Amber doesn't want to admit the woman she's just met—and who accepted her without question—could be a villain, and she's determined to clear her grandmother's name no matter the cost."

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

In need of a fast escape from her current life, Amber heads to her grandmother’s luxury retirement community in Arizona – despite the fact that she’s never so much as met the woman. When one of the residents is found dead the next morning and a family heirloom goes missing, Amber is the obvious suspect. Determined to clear her name and that of her grandmother – and to learn why no one seems upset about the murder – Amber uses her skills as an almost-P.I. to learn what is going on.

I’ve read and enjoyed this author’s By the Book series, so I had high expectations for this book, and I was not disappointed. I like Amber, a woman who stands firm in what she believes in, and her grandmother, Jade, who is harder to figure out but still a woman I can admire – at least by the end of the book. Jade’s friends are an eclectic group of people that I’d like to have on my side when things don’t go according to plan.

The victim was found early in the story, so we didn’t get to know much about him and it was hard to find potential suspects. There were plenty of red herrings to lead readers down the wrong paths, and I fell for a few of them, but not all. I was surprised when the solution to the crime was explained, but I should have considered that possibility.

There’s no indication that this is the first book of a new series, and I’m not really sure where the story could go from here, but I would enjoy reading another book featuring Amber, Jade, and their friends.

Amber takes off to Arizona to connect with her estranged grandmother who lives in a retirement community.
Upon arrival, Amber meets her Grandmother, Jade, and discovers that although they have not met before Jade seems to know about Amber. Now it’s Amber’s turn to find out all about Jade and her group of friends! 🐢

Ambers first night in the retirement community end with one of Jades friends being found dead and Jade is later taken into police custody, suspected of murder 🚔

Can Amber use her PI skills to help clear her Grandmothers name?

This was a fun, cozy mystery with great characters and banter. It’s really a who dun it wrapped in a mystery with a side of a missing tortoise! It was sweet to see Amber five head first into the investigation and do everything she could for Jade. I was absolutely invested in finding out what happened.

Each chapter starts with a quote from a Death Comes Calling podcast episode which was a great way to incorporate the podcast into the story without being overbearing. PIs and sleuthing podcasters unite!! And this cover, come on how fun is the incorporation of the friend group and Tatiana!!!

Thank you to author, Tamara Berry, Publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.

✨ 5 Stars | Laugh out loud | Cozy Mystery✨

This book was pure FUN from start to finish!

Tamara Berry captured everything I love about a good cozy mystery—an irresistible setting, a cast of quirky (but lovable) characters, tons of red herrings, and enough plot twists to keep me guessing right up until the end. I absolutely tore through this story and didn’t want it to end.

Amber is such a relatable and hilarious protagonist. Watching her stumble (and scheme) her way through Seven Ponds felt like catching up with your funniest, most disaster-prone friend.

Her relationship with Grandma Jade was heartwarming and funny, and the entire supporting cast of residents at Seven Ponds practically stole the show.

And let’s talk about Jade and her crew for a second—these seniors are NOT your average retirement community residents. They’re fierce, independent, and living their best lives, amateur sleuthing included. Never underestimate a group of senior citizens...especially not this bunch!

Berry perfectly balances humor and heart with a solid mystery plot. It had serious Thursday Murder Club and Finlay Donovan vibes, but still felt totally fresh and original. I especially loved the little touches: the chaotic energy of the true crime podcast crew, the missing pet tortoise subplot, and the sharp, witty dialogue.

If you love stories where older characters get to be the heroes (and outsmart everyone), you’re going to fall head over heels for Murder Runs in the Family.

Loved this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc copy of this book

It was my first book by Tamara Berry, but it won't be my last.

I absolutely adore grandma Jade! I love hysterical old ladies, and she's top tier bonkers (in a good way).

Our protagonist, Amber, on a mission to get to know her estranged grandmother becomes entangled in a murder plot that really does make you wonder, "who did it?"

Highly recommend !

I absolutely loved this cozy mystery! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book but it just sucked me in and I really enjoyed it. It was a fast, easy read with a good story line and a good mystery to solve.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4 out of 5 Stars!

Amber Winslow has made an impulsive decision to leave Seattle and head to Arizona, to meet her grandmother, Jade, for the first time. But as soon as she sneaks into Seven Ponds, a retirement community, she is shocked to learn of one of her grandmother’s friends, George Vincent a.k.a. The Admiral has been murdered. Surprisingly, nobody seems to be taking his death hard. Or the fact that his prize pet tortoise is missing. All anyone cares about is the Vincent family heirloom, a priceless ring. Right away, Jade is pointed at for the murder, which confuses Amber. Should she trust her grandmother, even though they had just met?

Wow! “Murder Runs in the Family” by Tamara Berry was a comical mystery book with lots of personality and humor. This was a fast-paced book, with a shocking ending that I didn’t see coming. Not only was it a mystery, but there were other themes, including romance and new family relationships.

I really liked our main character, Amber, and her grandmother, Jade. I thought both of these characters were perfect for their roles and brought so much personality to the book. Without them, I think the book could have had a slower pace which might have lost some readers. But you were hooked on what these two were going to do next! I also really liked the backstories that Berry gave them, which again added to the uniqueness of these characters.

I thought the beginning had a LOT of information. Which, I do appreciate everything up front, but I think Berry could have pumped the brakes a little bit. I think introducing the characters could have taken a little bit more time, just to make them a little more memorable. There were so many characters introduced all at once, I had a hard time keeping everyone in order.

Overall, I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a comical mystery to lighten up their reading. I think it was easy to follow and understand, with a little bit of everything for everyone.

“Murder Runs in the Family” by Tamara Berry will be published on April 29th, 2025!

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Tamara Berry, and Netgalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This was a really fun mystery to follow. I loved the aspect of the grandmother working with her grandchild in this way. There was humor, and a good mystery to solve, which are two of my favorite pieces of a book.

PI-in-training Amber Winslow has left her boyfriend, a detective, who would not sign off on the paperwork to make Amber a full fledged PI. She heads to Arizona’s Seven Ponds Retirement Community where a grandmother she has no relationship with lives. It turns out that Judith Webb is a true crime podcaster known as Jade McCallan that Amber is a huge fan of. Coincidentally, the same night that Amber arrives someone kills George Vincent, a.k.a. the Admiral, also a podcaster. There is also the question of a missing Vincent family heirloom. Oh yes, a tortoise has gone missing, Tatiana. Rumors are buzz, could Grandma Jade, the nice lady who took Amber in, without hesitation, really have killed the Admiral and stolen the heirloom? Almost PI Amber, with help from some of the characters of the retirement community, are on the case.

This is a fun debut! I am looking forward to revisiting this cast of characters. The book started out a little slow, but did pick up the pace. The story is light hearted, but touches on family and the sometimes complex relationships. Although the author gives a conclusion to this case, she has opened the door to another.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for an ARC. The review is my own.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading this book. I must say that I really enjoyed it and became invested with the characters. Amber and her grandmother Jade were such interesting characters. I feel like Amber really grew over the course of the story. All of the senior citizens and Ethan and Tatiana the tortoise were fun additions to the story. Highly recommended. I hope this begins a series.

Amber Winslow is getting over a bad break-up. Therefore,  she decides to go look for her grandmother whom she has never met before. Her grandmother lives in Seven Ponds Retirement Community  in Arizona. Judith Webb, aka grandmother, aka Jade McCallan, 76 years-old runs the Death Comes Calling true crime podcast. And when Amber arrives, a death occurs at the retirement home. Amber needs to help get her grandmother cleared of the crime before she gets sentenced for theft and murder.