Reviewed by Ami
Title: A Novel Murder
Author: K.C. Wells
Series: Merrychurch Mysteries #3
Heroes: Jonathon and Mike
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 197 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: August 11, 2020
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Hosting the Merrychurch Literary Festival is just the distraction Jonathon de Mountford needs. Placating his father and keeping his boyfriend, Mike Tattersall, happy is proving an increasing struggle. But the small event takes on new proportions with the appearance of Teresa Malvain—former Merrychurch resident turned famous murder mystery novelist. But is something about the quaint village setting of her books a little too familiar?
Teresa’s sudden death is certainly something right out of one of her stories, and Jonathan and Mike soon discover there are villagers who might not want the inspiration behind her books revealed.
When it emerges Teresa’s severe allergic reaction was no accident, Jonathon and Mike are compelled to investigate, aided by a few people keen to help them discover the truth. But they’re trying to work out what is fact and what is fiction, and the line between the two blurs constantly. And as for their relationship, Jonathon finally comes to a decision….
Review:
The first Merrychurch Literary Festival turns deadly when one of the star authors, a murder mystery novelist, ends up dead. Lord of the Manor, Jonathon de Mountford and his ex-cop turned pub-owner boyfriend, Mike Tattersall learn that Teresa Malvain is not exactly a nice human being, and there might be more than one person in Merrychurch that has motives to kill the novelist. Alas, apparently the men need to investigate their neighbors once more.
First of all, well, at least the victim is NOT exactly a Merrychurch citizen this time, even if Teresa Malvain used to live in Merrychurch. I mean, if she is, I wonder if the people in Merrychurch will think of Jonathon as a bad luck or something *laugh*.
Other than that, it’s another enjoyable installment of the Merrychurch Mysteries series. Jonathon and Mike do another investigation of the own, asking the people, listing out suspects, learning motives, and well, helping the local police to solve the case. I, myself, managed to figure out the murderer about halfway through.
In the romance department, our established couple also solved the “problem” of Jonathon’s father’s pressure to continue the de Mountford line. I’m pretty happy that Jonathon’s previous plan to handle this problem doesn’t continue very long (spoiler: at first, Jonathon pretends to date his friend, a lesbian, and they figure they can marry while keeping each other’s real relationship).
The ending of this book seems mark an ending of the series. Well, I really hope not. I need small-town murder mystery M/M series in my life. I really do.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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