Returning to Cabot Cove, Maine is like a warm hug and a nice hot cup of tea on a cool fall day. This entry in the series is set among the beauty of autumn trees. Unfortunately, one of those trees is slightly below a ridge and is where a young woman fell to her death, with a bit of help.
Getting out for some much needed exercise, Jessica rides her bike to the top of the ridge to enjoy the beautiful view and runs into newspaper editor, Dan Andrews fixing the flat tire on his bicycle. When he drops the valve for his pump over the edge, he tries to get it before it falls to far. In doing so, he discovers the body of a young Florida tourist, Wendy Lu. While everyone in town is concerned about the bicycle thief grabbing women's purses, and the mayor is up in arms about the safety of the women of Cabot Cove, now Sheriff Metzger has to find a killer in addition to a grab and ride thief.
I was fairly comfortable early on I knew who the thief probably was, the killer somewhat eluded me until near the end and I was a bit surprised at the motive, but not entirely. All that being said, I completely enjoyed the story and as usual love these characters. It was fun to see more of Maureen Metzger as she is rarely much more than a footnote. I always get a huge kick out of Mrs. Lewandowski. She reminds me of several senior seniors I know, resilient and determined to live life on their own terms, regardless of the consequences!
This was a most entertaining read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I’ve read all of the books in this series. I always enjoy the setting in Maine. This was nice as it was set in Fall, when the leaves are turning their colors. Unfortunately, I figured out who the murderer was almost as soon as the murder was committed. I just had to figure out why and I came close in my guess. I always enjoy reading about the people of Cabot Cove. It was pleasant in this book to not hear Cabot Cove referred to as the “murder capital” of the United States. These books are always a fun quick read for me.

Enjoyable read. Reading Murder She wrote book series is like visiting old friends and this story does not disappoint. Filled with small time charm can imagine themselves in the coastal main town in the fall.. It is sure to entertain. Always enjoy how the mystery involves real human emotions and actions.

Returning to Cabot Cove in the latest Murder, She Wrote novel, felt like a warm homecoming for this fan of Jessica Fletcher. This installment delivers the cozy charm the series is known for, set against the picturesque autumn backdrop of Cabot Cove, Maine. When Jessica discovers the body of Wendy Lu, a young leaf peeper from Florida, during a bike ride, what initially seems like an accident quickly escalates into a murder investigation. The familiar cast of characters, including Sheriff Mort Metzger, enriches the story with their small-town warmth and support, making this a delightful read for longtime fans.

The plot weaves together two mysteries: Wendy’s death and a series of purse thefts by a bicycle-riding thief plaguing the town. Jessica, with her keen intellect, dives into both cases while navigating tensions with Mayor Jim Shevlin, who fears the crimes could deter tourists during the vital fall season. The vivid depiction of Cabot Cove’s community and its autumnal setting creates an immersive atmosphere, though the pacing occasionally feels measured. The interplay between Jessica and Mort, alongside the town’s cozy dynamics, keeps the story engaging.

The climax delivers a surprising twist, revealing that one of Cabot Cove’s residents harbors secrets worth killing for, adding depth to the mystery. The Body in the Trees is a satisfying addition to the series, blending classic Murder, She Wrote elements with a fresh, well-crafted puzzle.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC—this novel is a worthy addition to any mystery lover’s bookshelf, especially for those enchanted by Jessica Fletcher’s timeless sleuthing.

I love visiting Cabot Cove and solving a mystery with Jessica Fletcher. I am always amazed at how much intrigue can be found in this small coastline community of Cabot Cove. Jessica meets a young leaf peeper, Wendy Lu from Florida one night at dinner with her college friends. Wendy and her friends are so thrilled to be on this trip to see the foliage and are on a tour that is run by the mayor’s wife. The next day Jessica is out riding her bike when she stops to help a neighbor with his bike and that is when they notice a dead body in the trees. Jessica calls Mort and lets him know, when they arrive, they find out it is Wendy Lu. It might have been an accident, but Jessica believes that it is murder. Jessica also finds out from Mort about a few of the women in the community who have gotten their purses stolen by a thief on a bike. Mort is especially upset because the Mayor, Jim Shevlin, wants to interfere in his case. This becomes even more confusing when Jessica and Mort start to investigate both cases. This mystery is well supported by our lovable cast of characters that live in Cabot Cove. A great ending and a great book to add to your reading list. Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC in Exchange for an honest review.

A very typical Jessica Fletcher murder mystery. Well written, fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed the TV series.

I love that this much beloved series continues as a cozy series more than 40 years after the television series debuted. You can't get better than Jessica Fletcher as a smart, classy heroine and Cabot Cove, Maine, as a familiar and comforting setting.

Of course, not all is comforting in Cabot Cove or there would be no murders for Jessica to solve. In this one, the victim is a young leaf peeper from Florida who is visiting Maine with friends. Adding to the town's woes is a thief who is stealing women's purses while bicycling past them. Jessica has her hands full investigating both cases and also helping to save Sheriff Mort Metzer's job when Mayor Jim Shevlin comes down on Mort, fearing publicty surrounding the crimes will keep away tourists during the crucial autumn season.

The Body in the Trees is a safisfying read with lots of small town ambiance. The mystery is well drawn and the usual cast of characters is present to lend support. A surprising denouement, however, reveals that one of those characters has secrets worth killing for.

Conclusion: a definite winner for this series that fans and newcomers alike will find enjoyable.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.