This was an entertaining read, not to be taken too seriously, but with some VERY serious themes of abuse and misuse of power. It wrote about a world that is alien to me. Fan zones, worship of television series, gossip about celebrities and internet bloggers. Consequently, at times I found it hard to follow, or even particularly care about some of the peaks and troughs of popularity. On the other hand, I was distressed by the human trafficking and misogyny. It’s a cleverly constructed narrative, interspersed with hashtag comments. I enjoyed it, even though it was different from my normal choice of reading.

Sleuths is a fun debut novel that is thoroughly of its time. It focuses on pop culture and super-fandom while introducing a dark and sinister plot possibility involving a celebrity. Incorporating social media posts and articles about fandom throughout the story makes for an interesting and enjoyable read that is certain to appeal to popcorn thriller fans who like to give new authors a try.

Melody is a fangirl: she is obsessed with the star of a British period drama and has created a popular fan social media account that analyzes the on-screen and personal activities of her idol. When he is captured on hidden video at an exclusive and secret night club with an unknown woman, the gossip begins to circulate. The fervor only escalates when the gossip account pulls the video a few hours after posting it. Melody tries to analyze the situation on a live video feed and gets massively misinterpreted, forcing her to close her accounts in the face of being canceled. She and two of her fellow fans embark on an investigation into who their idol's paramour might be, and in the process they uncover what may be evidence of a human trafficking ring. The plot is thickened by Melody's awkward involvement with a journalist whom she meets while trying to gain access to the secret night club.

The story is fast-paced and very entertaining, and while Melody makes some ridiculous choices, she is likable and easy to root for. The examination of the parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities is timely and spot-on, and this social commentary enhances the plot by making the story feel fresh and new. The author did a fantastic job of creating a fictional fandom very similar to the toxic communities that surround real-life productions and celebrities.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A great read. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC

This book is already compared to Only Murders In The Building, but it really shouldn't be. It is its own witty and dark stands alone story and doesn't need the comparison at all.

That said, let's talk about how 3 fans of a sexy period drama and most importantly of all the handsome leading man stumble upon a very dark secret and set out to save the day.

Mel is floundering at work and in life. She is living the London dream in a tiny flat, eking out an existence, but her fandom page and socials dedicated to Larksholm keep her going and are the centre of her world, that is until one day a grainy video from a night club brings her (virtual) world crashing down and she decides to make it right by finding out the why, where and what for behind the video. Helped (and often hindered) by her fellow fans Aggie and Priya she delves into full detective mode little realising it's going to be taking her to the dark underbelly of London and far away from her beloved regency world.

So I really enjoyed this book, although a lot of the fan stuff passed me by as I have never been a super fan of anything, but the story was captivating enough to keep me hooked. It was witty and dark in equal measure, and I absolutely loved how they just kept coming up with such ludicrous plans that worked.

The only downside for me was the sex scene between Mel and Levi. I just didn't add anything to the book or the plot!

It's not easy running a fan site.

Melody is accused of posting a fake picture, when all she's done is post a picture of actor Griff kissing an unknown woman.

But when Melody and her friends try to prove the photos is real, and Griff is no longer single, they find a missing person's report instead of a girlfriend...

Brilliant

Improved. Investigated. Informed.

I’ll admit it: this book and I did not hit it off at first. The world of online fandoms and celebrity obsession? Not my scene, not my hobby, and not somewhere I’m hoping to vacation anytime soon. For the first few chapters, I was basically side-eyeing everyone.

But then… it clicked.

The writing is genuinely excellent — vivid, sharply observed, and surprisingly funny in places. And Melody, who initially baffled me, slowly shook off the fangirl fog and morphed into a rather determined little sleuth. Once she found her stride, I found mine too.

It ends up being a light, easy read that still manages to orbit around something far darker beneath the surface. And honestly? For a debut, Samantha Moody has done a cracking job.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of “Sleuths” by Samantha Moody.

This book was a hoot! I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. Melody is brilliant. More please.

This may have been a slow start but the story built and the ending was exciting
An enjoyable read and would recommend

Sleuths is a sharp, funny and surprisingly tense mystery that takes online fandom, celebrity obsession and the chaos of amateur sleuthing and spins it into a story that feels fresh and hugely entertaining. The central hook is brilliant. A fan account admin posts a photo of her favourite actor and suddenly finds herself at the centre of a storm when the woman in the picture turns out to be missing. It is the perfect mix of modern paranoia, internet drama and real danger.

Melody is such a relatable lead. She is adrift in work, clinging to her fandom for comfort, and when everything blows up she throws herself into detective mode with a mixture of panic, stubbornness and charm. Her friendship with Aggie and Priya gives the book a warm, chaotic energy, and I loved the way they bicker, plot and charge headfirst into trouble. Every plan they put together feels just unhinged enough to work and it adds so much personality to the story.

The mystery itself is clever and fast paced. The deeper Melody digs, the stranger and darker things become, and I enjoyed the way the story shifts from lighthearted fandom comedy into something much more unsettling. The London settings, the nightclub scenes and the glimpses into the darker corners of celebrity culture all add to the atmosphere. There are moments of real tension tucked between the laughs, and the balance works beautifully.

Levi is a great addition to the group and brings a nice spark whenever he appears. The dynamic between him and Melody feels natural and believable without taking over the plot. It sits neatly within the story and adds that touch of warmth without distracting from the mystery.

Witty, engaging and far more gripping than I expected, this is a clever and entertaining thriller with heart, humour and a surprisingly dark edge. A great pick if you enjoy modern mysteries with messy characters, internet drama and a storyline that pulls you in from the start.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This was definitely an interesting unique read
I enjoyed it the characters were definitely interesting and the story was good

It’s defo a one that is a little slow to start but im glad I carried on! I really enjoyed the concept and thought it was a great read!

This book was a little bit hit and miss at times for me, I enjoyed the friendship between Mel, Aggie and Priya but can’t say I was sold on the whole fandom thing.

In the end I went with 4 stars because it was fun overall despite being totally unbelievable but I think that just added to the story.

This was a great debut and I look forward to reading more in the future.

Perhaps not as funny as it may consider itself to be, Sleuths is still a sharp satire of modern celebrity and stan culture, pitching an uber-fan as the unlikely Miss Marple uncovering her idol's seedy underbelly. Enjoyably prickly at times, Sleuths is 'Bridget Jones has a crack at solving a possible kidnapping' and mostly succeeds on those terms

I enjoyed this book once I got into it. At first it didn’t really grab my attention, but it eventually did. It was somewhat slow moving, and it’s written it British English. But overall, it wasn’t bad!

3.75 stars

I genuienly enjoyed this book. I will say that the beginning took a little bit to get going but once everyone came together and started actually planning things out and putting eachother to work it ramped up and became one of those books that I didn't want to put down. All of the characters felt like they were written very well and felt like they responded in a real way to the things happening around them, however I will never claim to completely understand the hardcore fandom individuals so maybe that isn't really how some of them act. I liked that there was a romantic interest included in the story but that it in no way took a front seat to the event they were trying to solve, it felt like an added bonus that made my heart happy.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC. A refreshing and interesting read about today's society with some humour along the way. A good debut for the author.

An amazing debut book which I highly recommend
Wishing the author all the best with this book
And thank you for the opportunity to read this book

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked up this book! But I absolutely loved it!
First it has a great mystery sprinkle in some bad guys and a charming love interest with a smirk I’m in!
The story follows a woman and her friends who are part of a community interested in a tv show and its actors and trying to prove an actor has a girlfriend but they stumble upon a shady club with gangsters and trafficking of women! I read this in one setting and truly hope there is a book 2!
#Sleuths #NetGalley.

When I picked up “Sleuths”, I was expecting a light, cosy mystery—something fun, funny, and easy to enjoy. The cover and title definitely hinted at a playful, fandom-centred story, and I was curious to see how the author balanced humour with a modern mystery. What I got was a lot more complex—and a bit confusing at times.
Melody, the protagonist, runs a fan site for Griff Beckett, a TV star from a historical series. When a gossip site posts leaked photos of Griff kissing an unknown woman, Melody jumps right into action, sharing the photos with her followers. But things spiral quickly when the site pulls the photos down, and suddenly, Melody is accused of posting fake news. That’s when the story really kicks off.
I really enjoyed how fast-paced and action-packed the beginning was. Melody’s work situations felt very relatable—her panic, her stubbornness, her chaotic energy. Her friendship with Aggie and Priya adds a lot of warmth and humour; their bickering and misadventures make the story lively and fun. I loved the dynamic between these three, and it gave the book a lively, chaotic vibe that kept me turning pages.
However, what started as a light-hearted fan-fuelled mystery gradually took a darker turn. As Melody digs deeper, things get unsettling—stalking, murder, human trafficking—all brought into the story with some intense scenes and warnings. There’s also a spicy scene that adds some heat, but overall, the tone shifts from comedy to something more serious, which made the book feel a bit uneven.
The central mystery became increasingly dark, and I appreciated how the story examined fandom culture and the dangers of obsession. It made me think about how fans sometimes live vicariously through their idols and forget that celebrities are real people with boundaries. That aspect was really interesting and added depth to the story.
That said, I did find myself questioning some of the methods Melody and her friends used to investigate the case. The in-person sleuthing and certain coincidences stretched believability quite a bit. It felt like some of their actions were a bit too reckless or unlikely for real life, which pulled me out of the story at times.
Pacing was another issue for me. The book started with a bang, but then slowed down significantly after Melody got cancelled, and the initial chaos died down. The latter half felt less urgent, and I wish the momentum had been maintained throughout.
Overall, it’s not quite a cosy mystery, not quite a rom-com, and not quite a thriller—it’s a bit of all three, which can be confusing. If you’re interested in modern fandom, internet sleuthing, and a story that mixes humour with darker themes, you might find it engaging. But if you’re looking for a cosy, predictable mystery, this might not be your best pick.
In the end, I enjoyed the quirky, awkward charm of Melody and the insightful commentary on celebrity obsession. However, the believability issues and uneven pacing kept me from loving it entirely. Still, it’s a unique read that offers a lot of food for thought about fandom culture, online drama, and the unpredictability of amateur sleuthing.

Fast paced, thrilling & full of humour ~ 4✨
Would I recommend? ☑️

• Murder, missing women & a shady secret nightclub…
• A toxic but surprisingly knowledgeable online fandom & a trio of friends who will stop at nothing to get to the truth…
• One infuriatingly charming but arrogant love interest & all the dry wit, sarcasm & dark humour you could hope for… 🟰One heck of a story.

~

Sleuths was the perfect balance of darkness & light. The fast paced gritty mystery had laugh out loud humour, found family vibes & a slow burn romance running throughout. I really enjoyed the inclusion of things like Aggie’s one liners & Priya’s innocent optimism which were always timed to perfection. However, it’s important to note that the hard hitting themes such as kidnapping, exploitation, trafficking & just downright shady behaviour were approached with great care & consideration.

Whilst I enjoyed Levi’s arrogant charm & Amir’s unexpected softer side, the female characters killed it. Mel, Aggie & Priya’s sisterhood was such a great dynamic. Their contrasting personalities made for some extremely entertaining moments but I loved how they all shared the same strong willed, determined, not afraid to jump feet first into the flames kind of nature. Yes ok, at times their behaviour was a little reckless. HOWEVER, it’s important to remember that their actions were always driven by a desire to help others!! Questionable behaviour with a strong motive - we’ve all been there 👀

~

As a huge true crime fan everything about this book jumped out at me. I loved the cover - the bold colours against the dark background instantly drew my eye & the mention of Only Murders in the Building was like a beacon calling me home (If you haven’t watched the show, I cannot recommend it enough. Dark comedy, unlikely friendships, murder mystery & more).
I appreciated how Samantha explored not only the toxic nature that some fan cultures can exhibit but also the community coming together/strength in numbers aspect.

Overall Sleuths was an entertaining, exhilarating read that I would definitely recommend. OH & that open ending?
I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for more of Samantha’s work! > If you enjoy true crime, crazy toxic online fandom’s, mystery & intrigue, strong minded females & a slow burn steamy romance - you should too!

~

❣️A huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK & Samantha Moody for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily.

twisty and intense thriller with a strong focus on fan culture. it all worked quite well. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

This book was good fun, with lots and lots of twists and turns. I love any book that understands the power of fan...NO...STANdom, the most ruthless and investigative people on earth when it comes to the person or show they love. This book was fast paced and funny, and I think it'll be a big hit. Thanks for the chance to read and review this book!

Melody runs a fan account for her favourite actor Griff Becket and when a picture is posted online of him in a tryst with a mystery woman the fandom goes crazy and tasks Melody with finding out the truth and she ends up posting a photo of Griff kissing mystery woman but she gets more than she bargained for. The fandom turns on her accusing her of posting a fake so Melody turns to her internet besties as they use their skills to find out the truth. Sleuths was great fun I enjoyed it a lot. Everybody has done a bit of internet sleuthing in their day so the plot was somewhat relatable and all the extremes and toxicity of the fandoms were brought into focus as Melody sorts out the fake news from reality. It was all very current and topical. Good stuff.

A clever, cosy mystery that kept me guessing. I loved how the Sleuths are a group of unlikely investigators, each with secrets that slowly unravel as the story unfolds. I loved the sharp character dynamics and the way the clues are subtly layered without feeling predictable.

It’s an engaging, character driven whodunnit with a cosy vibe and a slightly darker edge perfect for mystery lovers who enjoy a smart twist.

Thank you netgallery for this ARC copy, i flew through this book and found it full of twists and turns, very funny and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend the book to others and wish the author all the success with this book and future releases.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I read this in one sitting and definitely enjoyed it. It reminded me of To Have and To Heist in a good way - a plucky band of amateur sleths putting their somewhat alarming skills to good use. Melody and her friends are part of a chronically online fandom, obsessing over one of the lead actors in a way that is quite hard to connect with initially. However, the story quickly takes a turn into crime after the actor is spotted in a club with someone who looks like a girl who disappeared a few years ago. As the gang investigate, we see more and more of the dark side of internet culture and organised crime before the story reaches its final caper/showdown, which is both terrifying and hilarious by turns.

Well worth a read.

Finally, one for the fan girls!!! I was so impressed by the way that this book managed to identify precisely what makes fandoms such a powerful force to be reckoned with *without* condoning creepy or stalker-y behavior in any way. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and had no idea who the culprit was going to be until it was actually revealed, which is rare for me!

A cosy, character-driven mystery about amateur detectives who take their hobby a little too seriously. Charming, clever, and full of heart.

Melody runs a fan account for a regency drama. When its star, Griff is pictured in a nightclub with a new woman, not his co-star, she determines to investigate the woman's identity. A visit to the nightclub to do this, discovers human trafficking, misogyny, and many more crimes . Can Melody and her "sleuths" uncover those crimes and bring the night club owner and his members to justice? An enthralling thriller/romance.

I didn't know I needed to read this book til I read it!

This is a 'cozy' crime/mystery, with a sprinkling of romance, humour and action. Set in the modern day, the story follows a unique cast of characters brought together because of an online fandom and them banding together as amateur sleuths.

I will say that the blurb for this one did not set me up for the full plot and that I really loved the direction it went in!

This is an easy and entertaining read with some darker parts, and is a reminder that for all the vile knobheads in the world, there are still some good eggs out there too.

This novel is a wild ride from start to finish. While it requires a heavy suspension of disbelief, the novel is fun and fast paced, exploring the concept of fandom as well as operating within the confines of the mystery genre. 'The characters and much of the plot is silly and a little on the nose at times but, for the most part, its a good reading experience.

I will say that there are some heavy topics dealt with and the author deals with them well, not lingering too long on the dark or upsetting aspects while handling it with care.

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This was an interesting combination of noir detective stories with a modern setting and a lens on influencer and fandom culture. The combination worked really well, creating an intriguing mystery.

I felt there was a bit of a subtle undertone around privacy here. Content and gossip is necessary to the influencer characters to drive engagement, but at what cost? This does explore how damaging rumours can be. There’s a a conflict between wanting to create a community connected by something (in this case a historical romance TV programme) and the toxicity that comes from social media and the internet at times.

I enjoyed the lens of the fandom lead, it was something I hadn’t seen too much of before so it felt quite fresh. I also really liked the thing the fandom was based around. There was a richness to this TV programme and I enjoyed the brief forays into the episodes, plots and characters.

It was the surrounding detail that was the draw for me more than the main plot itself. That was fine but it wasn’t as engaging as some of the character quirks and interests. I really liked the central friendship in this novel between the three mega fans of the TV show. This was lovely and I loved how they connected over this thing they enjoyed so much. The female friendships were great and wholesome, the romance I could take or leave, it wasn’t particularly memorable, though I understood the necessity of that character for the plot.

Sleuths is an absolute blast! It’s the perfect mix of comedy and thriller, keeping you laughing while delivering plenty of twists and suspense. The characters are hilarious and sharp, with great chemistry that makes the whole story even more fun.

This was such an enjoyable mystery. The pacing moves quickly, and the investigative threads are clever without becoming convoluted. I liked how the character interactions balanced the tension.

It feels accessible and entertaining while still giving enough intrigue to stay satisfying. I finished it feeling pleased and genuinely entertained. A solid, engaging read.

I really enjoyed it and it was easy to read. It's honest and makes you think about events still being uncovered in the real world. Its subject is harsh but the story is light, but not light hearted.

4.25. Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of Sleuths in exchange for an honest review.

Billed as “for fans of Butcher & Blackbird and Love in the Time of Serial Killers” - this could have gone either way for me. I LOVE Butcher & Blackbird and did not have a great time with LitToSK…ultimately, this was nothing like either of them and all the better for it!

Melody is a MEGA fan of hit TV regency romance Larksholm… or rather its star, Griff Beckett. She runs a hugely popular fan account, and reposts footage of Griff getting cosy with an unknown-to-fans woman. The highly obsessive, toxic fandom goes absolutely nuclear (as he is frequently shipped with his co-star), and in a collective fit of denial the fandom turns on Melody and accuses her of posting fakes.

The backlash is huge and instant, and Melody has to take a step back from her socials. To try and clear her name and identify this mystery woman, she goes to the scene of the video - an exclusive members only club. She unexpectedly finds herself in way over her head, and the mystery of Griff’s lady friend suddenly gets a whole lot bigger and darker. With the help of her fellow fangirls and the hot journalist, Levi, she meets along the way, Melody starts pulling at threads she’s not sure she’s equipped to unravel.

This was so much more fun than I was expecting! It took me a minute to get into it, and I was worried it wasn’t for me, but I quickly got sucked right in and ended up tearing through this in one sitting! The mystery kept getting bigger and, in my opinion, the payoff was well worth the journey to get there.

I loved Melody, she was so chaotic and healthily unhinged. Who among us hasn’t engaged in some mildly obsessive parasocial behaviour with our favs?! She took everything in her stride and was a total boss in adapting her plans to figure out just how deep and dark this shit went. Her friendship with Aggie and Priya was delightful, their dynamic felt soooo very real to me. Three unhinged babes from totally disparate walks of life bonding over their shared obsession. Female friendships are elite ✨✨

I liked Levi, but I could have done with a bit more from him I think. Maybe a bit more backstory on him? I’m not quite sure, I just felt something was missing for me but can’t put my finger on what.

The plot and central mystery was surprisingly intense and important. The way the fandom came to work together to make real change and do something so SO good was 🤌 chef’s kiss.

Hoping that this is the start of a new series based on that ending, the characters’ relationship dynamics were great and I think this would make for a fun ongoing ride!

I would be remiss if I didn’t quickly cover the fandom behaviour. I’m not in any specific fandoms, but I see all sorts of peeks behind the curtain with hyper specific fandoms (particularly on Reddit). The regency TV romance aspect is obviously drawing on Bridgerton, and some of the fandom behaviour in that fandom is absolutely appalling! Social media has truly made being a fangirl so easy but also hugely problematic. The parasocial relationships that get developed and lead to reality being rewritten is terrifying, and I can’t imagine how it must be to be one of these actors. Agh, I digress!

Sleuths was a really fun mystery book with a wee bit of spice. The fandom aspect is a great hook and something I think a lot of us can recognise these days, even if we’re not actively partaking in unhinged behaviours. Highly recommend checking this one out!

Fan or stalker? Mel is both I guess and her quest to find the truth about her favourite actor ends up leading her to danger.

It's a fun, cosy type crime story with Aggie and Priya as co-sleuths. There's an interesting dynamic to the trio and somewhat unlikely and yet, they work.

It does lead in a different direction as Mel picks up on a crime that she just can't leave be. Her social media status hinders but then helps and it shows the potential issues around having a big social media presence. People can be overly passionate and quite negative; which is exactly what Mel finds through her social media account.

It seems that Mel has found a new calling. Seems an odd change from where she started and not sure her credentials match but I don't think that would stop her.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC!

I went into Sleuths by Samantha Moody a little unsure if it would feel too “online” for me—aside from Instagram and TikTok, I’m not big on social media—but it ended up being such an entertaining read!

The story was easy to keep up with, and I really enjoyed the pacing of the mystery. It kept me engaged without feeling overwhelming, and the tension between the FMC and MMC had me hooked 🫢

I loved it enough that I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy!

An enjoyable read.

Amateur sleuths, unlikely but fabulous friendships, romance and an intriguing msytery - so many of my favourite tropes were packed into this!

And the story is infused with dark wit and humor, which added a clever, playful edge.

I will say however I found this slow to start and quite hard to get into. However the second half definitely picked up and drew me in.

I did like the commentary on parasocial relationships and keyboard warriors - felt so relevant!

Once I properly got into this book, it was practically unputdownable for me.

But it took me a while to get that stage, possibly as I wasn't overly keen on Melody, but once her investigation into something initially was rather frivolous - does Griff actually have a girlfriend and is it or isn't it his co-star, turns into something much darker I was intrigued and invested into the outcome.

Melody is a youtuber who posts specific fan relegated content for her favourite TV show, and is part of a ultra fan community for the programme. They are all obsessed with every single element of it, and it seems as though the story is highlighting just how toxic these sorts of fandoms can become.

But at the same time, it also celebrates a fandom in a totally unexpected way and this is part of why I ultimately loved the book. But to go into the most exciting and fabulous bits of the book would definitely be spoilers so I will refrain.

Melody isn't alone in her amateur detectives, her two moderators also are keen to help out and she also ends up involved with a journalist, but there is just something about him that makes you wonder just what side he is on.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there are elements of danger, some romance, all manner of thrilling antics, and some engaging writing. And even a hint that I think there might be a sequel.

Loved this team of sleuths!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This book did not take me where I expected at all. In a good way. A very good way. A bit bonkers, with a very murky premise, but larger than life and utterly fabulous characters, it had me smiling from start to finish and completely and utterly invested in the both the story and the fate of our 'out of her depth but channeling her inner success' protagonist, Melody. Alongside her two online besties, Aggie and Priya, they make for the most unlikely of amateur detectives, but by heck, did their antics hit just the right spot.

This book encapsulates everything that is the best, and worst, of online influencer and fan/stan culture from the internet. Melody is the force behind a fan account for a highly popular TV series, making a pretty big name for herself on TikTok and considered one of the best when it comes to producing content around the shows top names. When one of her posts goes awry, leading to not only the loss of huge numbers of followers but numerous nasty, nigh on deadly, comments from followers, she sets out to clear her name and to prove that she hadn't posted what was being dismissed as a 'deep fake'. This leads her, and us, right into the heart of a kind of darkness none of the fans would ever believe it's lead actor could ever be involved in. And, despite Melody's best efforts, neither do the police. So, Melody and her chums take it into their own hands to right wrongs and overturn a dark and shadowy foe who will stop and nothing to protect their empire - even murder.

Picture the scene, a Brit, a German and an American walk into a club ... and attempt to bring down a network of very abhorrent personalities with a few tricks, some misdirection and a whole lot of passion and guile. Yes, you have to suspend disbelief a little. It's more 'Marlow/Soho Murder Club' than 'Line of Duty' in execution, but it is entertaining from start to finish. And, this is what made this such a fabulous book. Melody, Aggie and Priya are, without question, the most unlikely of crime heroes, and yet something about them really worked for me. Perhaps the banter, the witty back and forth between each of them as they plot and plan how to get their man - or men - that really did bring about a smile, and a laugh as I read along. In spite of the dark subject at the centre of this story, all too plausible and familiar based on recent history, there is something rather endearing about the trio that makes this story a little lighter than it might otherwise be.

Oh - and yes. There is more than a touch of romantic shenanigans threaded throughout the book. In her investigations, Melody bumps into journalist, Levi, and with a kind of 'Hart to Hart' style flair, from the moment they meet the sparks fly. It is by no means plain sailing for this budding relationship, in fact there is more conflict at times than passion, but the chemistry there rivals the tension that builds around the 'Team Sleuth' investigations, and if you like your crime fiction on the slightly saucier sides, there is plenty here to recommend.

It's got great pacing, brilliant banter, some fabulous characters, both central to the story and in supporting roles, and the foes are dark enough to get the hackles rising and to create some fear for the danger Melody and co willingly place themselves in. With several veins of mystery, huge question marks over the trustworthiness of both the stars and the fandom, and a canny look at the potential power - and pain - of a collective online community, this was a thoroughly entertaining read I'd happily recommend. A very pleasant surprise and, based on the closing chapter, I'd not be unhappy to see the team back together again for another investigation. Never say never, right?

I flew through Sleuths! I literally could not put it down.
What starts as fandom drama quickly turns into something way darker, and I loved how unpredictable it felt the whole time. Melody is chaotic but so easy to root for, and Levi?? exactly the kind of love interest I eat up: smart, sharp, and just enough tension.
Fast-paced, twisty, and a little unhinged in the best way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Melody is the queen of an online fandom for a Bridgerton-style show, but when people suspect she faked a video of its star with a woman who isn’t his co-star, she sets out to prove herself by finding him in a club. Here is where I almost quit reading, because a fanatic interest in the stars of a show is not my jam. But I’m glad I didn’t, because from here jt takes a turn. The woman she saw with the star seems to be a woman who went missing, and she finds evidence of other missing women. Now her fandom friends Aggie from Germany and Priya from the US, along with a journalist she met at the club, are following the trail of a trafficking ring with some obsessive online sleuths doing what they do best: tracking down the details.

Despite the arc having terrible formatting, I couldn’t put this down. I probably damaged my eyesight, and it was worth it. A huge coincidence is at the center, but I can suspend my disbelief. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, and it looks like this is first in a series.

I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and had me laughing out loud. I loved the characters and their personality and the romance I really enjoyed too. I read it within a few days and found it so easy to pick up and get lost in!

Sleuths by Samantha Moody is a fun, fast-paced read that is quirky and surprisingly touching. I love how the protagonist’s very online life collides with her real life, resulting in a great future ahead and hopefully a sequel for the readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced reader copy.

Sleuths was a novel that had a lot going on. I am not of the generation that is so invested in social media through Tik Tok, Tumblr, Instagram, fandoms, and the list goes on. I almost did not finish because I found the beginning to be a bit slow and hard to get through, but I am glad I persevered.
The main characters, Melody, Aggie and Priya were from 3 varied backgrounds and shared a love for the show Larksholm. Melody posts a picture of the star Griff getting cosy with a unidentified female and the fandom goes wild accusing her of posting fake photos. Through some internet sleuthing the three friends identify her as a missing woman and the club that the picture was taken in seems to be a club for the rich and powerful and is involved in human trafficking.
I loved how the woman banded together and involved the help of other fans that are part of the fandom to take down the owner of the club. She also gets involved with a mystery man she meets while infiltrating the club and there is a bit of a spicy romance that ensues.
All in all this was an intriguing mystery thriller involving contemporary issues. The ending sets up the possibility of a sequel for these keyboard warriors and I hope this is the case.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.