I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Ellen Byron’s newest mystery, A Very Woodsy Murder, so I was delighted when I was able to read an ARC from Netgalley & Kensington Publishing. Today is publication day which means you too can grab a copy of this five star mystery, the first in a new cozy series! 

Sitcom writer Dee Stern and her best friend Jeff (who happens to be her first ex-husband) leave city life behind and become the new owners of a mid-century motel that has its fair share of cobwebs. They dream of the Golden Motel becoming a hiker’s oasis as it is nestled into the wilderness and in the shadow of a national park. 

The quaint village of Foundgold, population 68, is the only nearby town, and townsfolk are hesitant to welcome these newcomers, especially after their very first guest (TV writer Michael Adam Baker) is found murdered on Golden Motel property. Guess who is on the top of the suspect list? You know it’s Dee and Jeff. Determined to prove their innocence and identify the true killer before their new business is murdered, Dee and Jeff dive in head first to the investigation. 

Oh my gosh this was just so much fun. First of all, I’m a big fan of Ellen Byron’s writing. I love her work and this new novel did not disappoint. I was immediately pulled into the setting as the descriptions brought the hotel, small town and surrounding wilderness to life. 

The characters are wonderful and some are truly quirky. This adds a lot of humor into the story which I adored. And some scenes are laugh-out-loud funny. (No spoilers, but just wait until you learn about Stoney the Bear…I’m still giggling).  

The mystery is well plotted with many layers and I loved the ending reveal. I did not guess that until right before. I can’t wait for more adventures at the Golden Motel. 

288 pages, Hardcover

July 23, 2024, Kensington Cozies