The story follows Luella van Horn, a washed-up wannabe PI who infiltrates a sexy reality show to redeem herself, only to find herself stumbling from one disaster to the next—and somehow discovering a dead body along the way. Luella is a total mess, panicky yet strangely endearing,

The book works best when it embraces this chaos. when the mystery takes a backseat, the dialogue gets a little better and the satire swings big. You’re not here for tight plotting or shocking twists; you’re here for camp, chaos, and the commentary on reality TV’s ridiculous extremes. It’s a short, strange, and very funny beach read that doesn’t take itself seriously, though it sometimes tries too hard and shows it.

Not for me. This one was slow, unbelievable, and just… weird. The whodunnit part was pretty meh and didn’t really keep me engaged. I wanted to like it so badly… the concept seemed like an out-there, wild plot that could have promised humor, but it just fell flat.

From what I’ve seen in other reviews, it might land better as an audiobook, especially with its reality TV vibes. But as a read? It missed the mark for me.

Wasn't really for me.

Felt a lot like reality tv (so if you love that you'll likely love this!), which I jsut do not enjoy.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book... Imagine the Bachelor and Scooby-Doo got plastered one night, woke up on a tropical island, and tried to solve a murder. This book is So out there that it was a fun take on idea.

The MC is a hot-mess as she's a washed-up PI-the kind of detective who stumbles into trouble, panics, and ends up with a dead body in her tub. Throughout the book there are some genuinely funny lines and great moments of cringe comedy. However, at times it the book tries too hard, and it shows. The dialogue and character interactions doesn't always land and the mystery part of what was promoted as a mystery novel fell to the wayside. This read more as a reality tv show competition then a murder mystery for me.

Now the Narrator from the Audiobook was done well. The narrator was able to get the story across even though I could be hard as character interactions wasn't always landing.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and Penguin Random House for the Audio version.

This was so ridiculously funny! I should've known that i was walking into a silly book based on the title but this blew me away. The pacing was great, the characters were hilarious and it was just comedic enough to be a cozy thriller. Is comedic thriller a genre? because this was that! As a loyal Love Island watcher- I was laughing out loud at this book!

Murder on Sex Island is a delightfully twisted blend of satire, mystery, and reality TV absurdity. Jo Firestone brings us Marie/Luella, a down-on-her-luck PI with a flair for the dramatic and a deep love of trash TV, who finds herself undercover on the world’s sleaziest dating show. Strong Love Island vibes and I was here for it.

The mystery is clever, the humor is sharp, and the behind-the-scenes reality TV chaos is perfect. I laughed out loud, rooted for Marie, and loved every ridiculous, blood-spattered minute.

Thank you Jo Firestone, Random House, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

#MurderonSexIsland #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ARCReview #BookReview #WhatImReading #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #InstaBook #Bookish #AdvanceReaderCopy #ReviewCopyProvided #BookishThoughts #ReviewersOfInstagram

This was a new to me author and the title and cover caught my eye. This was a quick read that kept my attention and I wanted to keep reading more to see what happened.

A laugh-out-loud tropical mystery with a killer twist.
When a contestant vanishes from the hit reality show *Sex Island*, producers call in eccentric private eye Luella van Horn—who's actually Marie Jones, a divorced ex-social worker reinventing herself as a detective. Armed with fake teeth, a blond wig, and questionable instincts, Marie goes undercover on the scandal-filled island, only to discover the missing contestant’s body in her bathtub.
Now trapped on set with a group of oversexed reality stars, shady producers, and a growing list of suspects, Marie must solve the murder before the killer strikes again. Hilarious, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt, *Murder on Sex Island* is a whip-smart satire wrapped in a cozy mystery. Perfect for fans of *Finlay Donovan Is Killing It* and *Dial A for Aunties*, this debut delivers sun, sex, and sleuthing with unforgettable flair.

"Murder on Sex Island" by Jo Firestone is a 3.5-star read that's a wild, witty ride through the absurd world of reality TV and murder mystery. If you're looking for something genuinely unique and don't mind a little (or a lot) of tongue-in-cheek humor, you'll likely have a good time.

What Makes It a Fun Read:.The biggest selling point of "Murder on Sex Island" is its hilarious premise and sharp satire of reality dating shows. Jo Firestone, a comedian and TV writer, perfectly nails the over-the-top drama, manufactured romance, and questionable ethics that define these programs. The book's setting, a tropical island where scantily clad contestants are encouraged to "find love" (and ratings), is a character in itself, dripping with absurdity and underlying tension.

Our protagonist, Luella van Horn (aka Marie Jones), is the chaotic heart of the story. She's an undercover detective who's perhaps not as glamorous or competent as her alter-ego suggests, and her internal monologue is filled with genuinely funny observations and self-deprecating humor. Her attempts to blend in with the younger, sexier cast while trying to solve a murder are a constant source of amusement. The book embraces its cozy mystery elements with a delightfully quirky cast of suspects, each more ridiculous than the last.

Where It Falls a Bit Short:.While the humor and premise are strong, the mystery itself sometimes takes a backseat. The plot can feel a bit loose, with the focus often shifting to the comedic interactions and Luella's personal struggles rather than a tightly constructed investigation. For readers who prefer a more intricate or suspenseful mystery with shocking twists, "Murder on Sex Island" might feel a little too lighthearted.

Also, the pacing can be uneven. There are bursts of rapid-fire jokes and events, but then it might slow down, which can occasionally make the narrative feel less cohesive. Some of the characters, while entertaining, don't get much depth beyond their comedic stereotypes.

The Verdict: Ultimately, "Murder on Sex Island" is a fun, quick read that's perfect if you enjoy your mysteries with a heavy dose of comedy and a satirical jab at pop culture. It's not a masterclass in mystery plotting, but its unique voice, laugh-out-loud moments, and lovable oddball detective make it a genuinely enjoyable escape. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries that lean heavily into the "cozy" and "quirky" rather than intense suspense, this one's definitely worth picking up for a lighthearted diversion.

Thank you Netgalley and Randin House- Ballantine Books for introducing me to a new author.

As someone who used to watch a lot of reality shows, I thought I would enjoy this book since it mocks reality shows. I really enjoyed it! It's murder and dating, well, actually just sex. I didn't have a lot of faith in Luella. She seems to be way in over her head, but it really was a fun read! I didn't know who the heck the murderer was. There was a preview for Sex on Murder Island, and I really want to read it! I think this would be a great series!

The perfect cozy mystery for those of us who have killed hours watching shows like Bachelor in Paradise and Love Island!

This was a fun murder mystery. I enjoyed the typical reality TV tropes. A refreshing palate cleanser.

I have read some serious/heavy books lately and this was the dumb and cozy mystery I needed in my life. I don’t mean dumb in a way to say anything negative about this book— dumb as in… its setting is a on the set of a show that is definitely inspired by Love Island.

I don’t watch Love Island but I am a person who is on the internet and likes pop culture, so it was clear to me this was riffing on the show. I have my own reality TV trash I am addicted to.

This was a good pallette cleanser beach read, and it definitely made me LOL a few times.

It felt like a low stakes read, but there was still a whodunnit involved, which I just cannot resist.

I would love to see a silly 90 minute movie based on this book.

Grab this one at the airport, and let the people on the plane crane their necks trying to read the title.

If you like a book that makes you laugh because the scenarios are just so ridiculous then this is the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have never read this author or series before, but this was a trip!

The plot is linear; Marie (excuse me, Luella) is recruited to help find David G after he goes missing one weekend on a reality TV show, Sex Island. She agrees to come check things out, mostly because she can’t say no with what they want to pay her. Upon arrival, the producers inform her the only way she can be undercover is by participating on the show. She agrees, not thinking much of it, until she shows up to date one and sees her outfit. Plenty of twists and turns, and a constant question of whodunnit!

The characters are definitely… reality TV contestants. 😂 Luella doesn’t quite fit in, as she’s 29 and not a hottie with a body, but a few of the characters in the book show the promise of brains. Isa is probably my favorite character, mostly because you never know what she’ll do next.

The writing is fun and witty and easy to absorb; I had no problems finishing this in two sittings. It makes for a quick and fun read, with lots of surprises within the pages.

4.5⭐️

🏝💕🔪 Murder on Sex Island by Jo Firestone 🔪💕🏝
Genre: Mystery, Comedy
Length: 264 pages
Original Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
Re-pub Date: June 24, 2025
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine Books for the e-ARC of this re-published gem. The opinions stated here are solely my own.

Summary (copied from Amazon):
When a cast member goes missing from the hit reality show Sex Island, producers ask the mysterious detective Luella van Horn to go undercover as a contestant and solve the case. What the producers don't know is that Luella van Horn is actually a woman named Marie Jones, a divorced ex-social worker attempting to lead a double life as a glamorous private eye. Unable to resist the opportunity to be a part of her favorite trashy reality show, Marie-as-Luella takes the case. But the more she learns about Sex Island's dark underbelly, the harder it gets to make it out alive. She encounters shady producers, sleazy directors, and contestants willing to do whatever it takes to win the $100,000 grand prize. Will she find the killer? Will she find herself? Will she find... love? Find out now, in Sex Island's most dramatic season yet.

Review:
I actually haven't laughed out loud reading a book like this in a really long time. If you like reality TV, pop culture references, people in ridiculous situations, irreverant banter and insults, a somewhat amateur sleuth solving a murder, hilarious false teeth and wigs, then this book is DEFINITELY for you! Even if you don't like all of those things, but love a good laugh, you should still read this. An absolute delight of a book! It was a fast read, and following 'Luella van Horn's [Marie Jones] sleuthing skills was such a fun ride. I also could totally see how Jo Firestone's debut mystery novel showed her hilarious comedic nature, and I truly can't wait to read Luella's next case, which is called Sex on Murder Island. Love it!

Imagine The Bachelor, Only Murders in the Building, and Scooby-Doo went on a bender, woke up on a tropical island, and tried to solve a murder. That’s roughly the energy of Murder on Sex Island—a purposely absurd, occasionally sharp, but sometimes overcooked satire that knows exactly what kind of book it wants to be, whether or not you’re on board.

Jo Firestone leans hard into the ridiculous premise: a washed-up/wannabe PI, posing as a contestant on a sexy reality TV show, trying to redeem herself while surrounded by influencer types and shady producers. The main character, Luella van Horn is a mess. She’s the kind of detective who stumbles into trouble, panics, and somehow still ends up with a dead body in her tub.

There are some genuinely funny lines and great moments of cringe comedy—Firestone’s humor shines brightest in the details: the absurd confessionals, the petty alliances, the cynical showrunners trying to spin a death into better ratings. It’s reality TV meets whodunnit.

But- it tries very hard. And sometimes, it shows. The dialogue doesn’t always land, the character interactions can feel more like improv sketches than actual conversations, and the plot—the mystery part of the mystery novel—is more like background noise. You’re not here for tight pacing or shocking reveals. You’re here for the chaos, the camp, and the commentary on just how far reality TV will go to entertain us.

Would I recommend it? Yes, just be sure you know what you are getting. It’s a great beach read—short, strange, and never taking itself too seriously. But if you’re expecting a twisty thriller or even consistent satire, you may end up more amused than amazed.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jo Firestone for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder on Sex Island coming out June 24, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I received this directly from NetGalley. I thought I would give it a try, even though the title didn’t seem like something I would enjoy. I was getting some Fantasy Island type vibes. I didn’t really care for the characters. It wasn’t my cup of tea. I would probably check out other books by this author if they had different themes.

In this insightful and practical guide, the author,, offers a refreshing approach to dog training that shifts the focus from the doctor the dog owner.Rather than simply teaching obedience commands, Louise empowers the owners with the skills and the confidence to interpret the dog's needs and behavior, laying the foundation for a stronger , happier relationship.

What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on the human- canine bond.By recognizing that a dog's behavior is often a reflection of their owner's, the author provides owners with tools to build a deeper connection with their dog.This approach not only improves the dog's behavior but also enhances the owner's understanding and empathy.
This book is a must read for dog owners seeking a more meaningful relationship with their canine companions.
Thanks to NewGalley, and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book

Murder on Sex Island is as absurd as the trashy reality dating shows it spoofs—and that’s both what makes it fun and a little chaotic. Jo Firestone throws us onto “Sex Island,” where a contestant has gone missing and undercover detective Luella van Horn (who’s really Marie Jones, a divorced ex-social worker) is sent in to crack the case. Right away, you know this book isn’t taking itself too seriously.

The cast is completely over-the-top—sleazy producers, fame-hungry contestants, and ridiculous challenges that feel straight off reality TV. The humor is snarky, silly, and often raunchy. There’s a lot of sex talk (it’s in the title, after all), so while the mystery setup has a cozy vibe—a quirky sleuth, a confined setting—it’s way too raunchy to actually be called cozy.

I didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. It was entertaining for what it was: light, goofy escapism that made me chuckle but probably won’t stick with me. It sounds like there might be more Luella van Horn mysteries on the way, and while I’m not completely sold, I’m at least curious to see what wild situation she lands in next.

Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC!