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A Ghostwriter's Guide to Murder
Not yet published
Expected 29 Jul 25Charming yet wickedly imaginative mystery ghostwriter Maeve Gardner finds herself at the center of a murder investigation with more twists and turns than any story she's ever written, perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz and Richard Osman.
Maeve Gardner kills people for a living. A dodgy occupation perhaps, but as ghostwriter for the long-running Simon Hills mysteries, Maeve has planned the perfect murder time and again and she enjoys it. She dreams of writing something under her own name someday rather than babysitting her adopted character Simon, but at least she’s writing. And as one of the burnt-out souls who’ve run away from dry land to live on London’s waterways, she has the joy of working from the home she a colorful houseboat. Life on the canals is grand, but when her cheating ex-boyfriend turns up floating face down in the water outside her boat, murdered, and the police arrest her, the plot takes a wayward turn.Ìý
Suddenly, Maeve is thrust into one of her own crime dramas, complete with missing money, violent thugs, extortion, and conspiracy. Only this time, there is no real-life Simon Hill to come to her aid. Instead, with the help of friends from the river–India, owner of a popular floating bookshop; Paul, the exceedingly attractive landlord of the local pub; and Ash, Maeve’s quiet, nerdy neighbor who is keeping some secrets of his own–Maeve may have a shot at saving herself.Ìý
As Maeve and her motley crew of would-be investigators find themselves wondering if they are in over their heads, a killer lurks and won’t hesitate to kill again�
Maeve Gardner kills people for a living. A dodgy occupation perhaps, but as ghostwriter for the long-running Simon Hills mysteries, Maeve has planned the perfect murder time and again and she enjoys it. She dreams of writing something under her own name someday rather than babysitting her adopted character Simon, but at least she’s writing. And as one of the burnt-out souls who’ve run away from dry land to live on London’s waterways, she has the joy of working from the home she a colorful houseboat. Life on the canals is grand, but when her cheating ex-boyfriend turns up floating face down in the water outside her boat, murdered, and the police arrest her, the plot takes a wayward turn.Ìý
Suddenly, Maeve is thrust into one of her own crime dramas, complete with missing money, violent thugs, extortion, and conspiracy. Only this time, there is no real-life Simon Hill to come to her aid. Instead, with the help of friends from the river–India, owner of a popular floating bookshop; Paul, the exceedingly attractive landlord of the local pub; and Ash, Maeve’s quiet, nerdy neighbor who is keeping some secrets of his own–Maeve may have a shot at saving herself.Ìý
As Maeve and her motley crew of would-be investigators find themselves wondering if they are in over their heads, a killer lurks and won’t hesitate to kill again�
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 29, 2025
4 people are currently reading
4,699 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Mullet
14Ìýbooks249ÌýfollowersMelinda Mullet is the author of the Whisky Business Mysteries, a six-part series of traditional mysteries set in and around a boutique single malt whisky distillery in Scotland. And coming in July 2025 the first of a new traditional series, A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder, set on a houseboat along the Regent’s Canal in London.
Melinda is a travel junkie and a life-long advocate for children’s literacy causes both domestic and international. When she is not in the UK, she lives just outside of Washington, DC with her whisky-collecting husband and two wild Covid canines named Bailey and Captain Jack. Find her at MelindaMullet.com or on Facebook and Insta at Melinda Mullet, Author.
Melinda is a travel junkie and a life-long advocate for children’s literacy causes both domestic and international. When she is not in the UK, she lives just outside of Washington, DC with her whisky-collecting husband and two wild Covid canines named Bailey and Captain Jack. Find her at MelindaMullet.com or on Facebook and Insta at Melinda Mullet, Author.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 25, 2025
Maeve is a ghostwriter who suddenly finds herself in a situation that could easily be one of her plots when her ex-boyfriend is found dead in the water next to her houseboat and she's the prime suspect. Together with her friends, India, Paul and Ash, and her faithful canine companion, she sets off to prove her innocence. Throw in a dodgy real estate developer, a bigtime drug boss, a local enforcer (who happens to be one of her ex's friends) and a copper determined to close the case quickly, regardless of whether or not they've got the bad guy, and you have a mystery with every ingredient you might need.
I enjoyed the story and it's a quick and easy read. The chapters alternate between the characters' POVs and once you get used to that, it moves the story along very quickly. There are a lot of elements and a ton of red herrings but the ending is satisfying enough. The characters all have big backstories and I can see how this could turn into a series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story and it's a quick and easy read. The chapters alternate between the characters' POVs and once you get used to that, it moves the story along very quickly. There are a lot of elements and a ton of red herrings but the ending is satisfying enough. The characters all have big backstories and I can see how this could turn into a series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2025
A ghostwriter for a mystery writer finds herself in hot water when she discovers money hidden by her houseboat dock. Despite the name, her profession barely enters into the story filled with red herrings. Despite all the slightly madcap adventures by herself and her friends to clear her name, I just didn't get into this book. I'm not sure why. It was fine but a little too much racing around in constant danger
February 24, 2025
Enjoyed it immensely. Well written and paced, the gradual uncovering of clues is nicely balanced with growing tension. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. the only thing I would add is, if it is set in England, please use English spelling otherwise it is very jarring to a non-American reader. (of which - please be aware - there are lots!)
April 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This book was an absolute blast to read. Melinda Mullet does a fantastic job of crafting characters with distinct and engaging personalities which made them easy to connect with and root for! The story kept me guessing from start to finish, directing my suspicions toward one character after another. I loved how each character brought something unique to the table, even the Captain! I think he may be my favorite character, I'm a sucker for dogs. That being said though, I absolutely adored Ash and I truly hoped he got the girl in the end, but I appreciated that the potential romance between him and Maeve wasn't wrapped up neatly at the conclusion, as it often is in other books. I prefer it to remain open to interpretation, and in my mind, I see Maeve and Ash living happily ever after � after everything they've been through, they deserve it!
I genuinely loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
The only critique I have is the cover. While I love the concept, I feel the execution falls a bit short. It just seems a little too simple for such an exciting and layered story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
This book was an absolute blast to read. Melinda Mullet does a fantastic job of crafting characters with distinct and engaging personalities which made them easy to connect with and root for! The story kept me guessing from start to finish, directing my suspicions toward one character after another. I loved how each character brought something unique to the table, even the Captain! I think he may be my favorite character, I'm a sucker for dogs. That being said though, I absolutely adored Ash and I truly hoped he got the girl in the end, but I appreciated that the potential romance between him and Maeve wasn't wrapped up neatly at the conclusion, as it often is in other books. I prefer it to remain open to interpretation, and in my mind, I see Maeve and Ash living happily ever after � after everything they've been through, they deserve it!
I genuinely loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
The only critique I have is the cover. While I love the concept, I feel the execution falls a bit short. It just seems a little too simple for such an exciting and layered story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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