It’s obvious that the author of A Novel Murder, a debut mystery, knows her way around the publishing industry and literary festivals. This isn’t a cozy mystery, but it’s a traditional one with likable characters. And, uncovering characters and their truth is what the story is about.

Jane Hepburn is a mid-list author with six mysteries in a PI series. But, she’s never put herself forward or sought publicity. Now that her mother, her closest friend, is dead, Jane forces herself out of her comfort zone to attend the Killer Lines Crime Fiction Festival in Hoslewitt, where the biggest names in the crime fiction world, along with agents and publishers, will be gathering. Jane feels lonely and insecure. She sees herself as a “mediocre novelist, perpetual singleton, socially awkward giant.” She has no idea that the murder of her literary agent, Carrie Marks, will force her out of her shell.

A lot of people in the industry have reason to fear and hate Carrie. But, it’s Jane, sneaking into the book tent at 5:30 AM to move her books to a more prominent spot, who finds Carrie’s body, stabbed with a dagger. Once she’s talked to the police, Jane is ready to go home. In fact, she’s on the train when she runs into a fan who knows her books, Daniel Thurston, an intern at her publishing company. Daniel convinces her the two of them can solve the case. What would Jane’s PI do? They return to the festival, and join forces with a rising star, Natasha Martez. Together, they’re determined to find Carrie’s killer.

But, how do they know who has alibis, and who is telling the truth? In fact, Jane has a moment of doubt when a suspect asks her if she and her cohorts even know what they were each up to when Carrie was murdered.

A Novel Murder is a clever, insider’s look at the publishing world. It’s a complex mystery in which three amateurs join forces to uncover secrets and the truth. This is a treat for readers who appreciate the stories behind our favorite stories.

A Novel Murder by E.C. Nevin. Alfred A, Knopf 2025. 368p

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley, with no promise of a review.