Title: The Busybody Book Club
Author: Freya Sampson
Length: 336 pages
Genre: cozy mystery
Is this book part of a series? No
I discovered this book via… Netgalley working with Berkley Publishing group
Publish Date: May 27th, 2025
Summary (courtesy of Goodreads)
A dysfunctional book club must pull together when one of their members goes missing in this bighearted new mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Nosy Neighbors.
Having recently moved from London to a small Cornish seaside village, Nova Davies started a book club at the local community center, but so far it’s a disaster. The five members disagree on everything, and to make matters worse, a significant sum of money is stolen during one of the meetings, putting the much-loved community center at risk.
Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when he disappears and a dead body turns up at his house. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael’s been framed, while romance reader Arthur believes there’s a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play.
While trying to locate Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money, each of them has their own secrets to protect. But despite the danger closing in, they won’t rest until they’ve cracked the case and gotten everyone safe at home with a book, where they belong.
My Thoughts:
This was a cute cozy mystery. I will say it was more character oriented than plot, but the plot didn’t suffer, and I loved the characters and how they grew into a family. Each character was unique and special- I fell for all of them and am actually really sad that it doesn’t look like there will be more. As a lover of cozy mysteries mainly for the characters, this was just fine for me; though some may be put out that certain things were just…. glossed over. The whole romance aspect was not believable, but I suppose it wasn’t meant to be. Phyllis and Arthur were both very believable characters, I enjoyed watching each of them work through things in different ways.
This was the first of Sampson’s books I have read, but it won’t be the last. I have high hopes for more charming, character oriented stories. The flow of the story was good, easy to follow. There was mystery and intrigue, though some of the plot points were pushed aside with the barest of explanation- I would have liked to see more there. Still, it was a good story, great characters, and an overall good time. I am going to give it three and a half stars.
As far as adult content goes, I wouldn’t say there was too much- some language, gas lighting, reference to past trauma, and violence. It’s pretty tame. While written for adults, I would say that this would be good for new and maybe young adults too- they may like Ash.
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book from Netgalley and Berkley Publishing in exchange for an honest review. My thanks! The book will be out May 27th!
Happy Reading,
Gwen
