The Author's Guide to Murder

 

The Author's Guide to Murder / Beatriz Williams,
Laura Willig, and Karen White
NY: William Morrow, c2024.
404 p.

I picked this one up as soon as it came into my library; it's a mystery novel cowritten by three writers (all of whom I've read before) and it's about three writers who are writing a book together...yes, it's as meta and frothy as it sounds. Lots of corny humour, pop references, swoony romance, a great Scottish setting, and also -- some serious content and themes in the plot.

Cassie, Emma and Kat have just arrived at a writer's retreat in Scotland, Castle Kinloch. They're 3 besties,  there to research the romance/historical novel that they are going to write together...or are they? Besties or researching - or either? That's the question. And one that gets answered in numerous ways before the story ends, whether cheesy, hilarious or heartwarming ways.

And of course there are handsome Scots in abundance, although Kat's finely tuned gaydar gets a little turned around. There's a hunky man about the place, the estate manager, and a smoldering police detective, too bad he's investigating the trio for murder.

The man who has created the concept of writer's retreats is a rich American male author, leasing the place. And he has a connection to all three of these women, one that has driven them to join forces to come and face him in his tower. Sadly, before they get the chance for vengeance, he's dead and they're suspects. 

This is full of direct references to romance movies, other writers (even one reference to one of the real authors), the publishing world and much more. It is laugh out loud funny in parts, and touching though not maudlin in others. The backstory of these characters and their quest for justice is woven together neatly, giving each character motivation and some depth. And of course there are romantic scenes to enjoy, although nothing explicit, it's definitely closed door. 

Interspersed with the narrative, primarily in the beginning of the book, are transcripts of police interviews with the three characters immediately after the murder is discovered. This adds another level of clever exposition, and provides some more laughs. I really enjoyed this one. Light and funny, with some broad humour, it also gives a satisfying sense of the power of female friendship, especially in the light of the #metoo themes brought up here. I thought these elements were balanced well and the book was surprising in parts, with deliberate echoes of the greats of romance fiction. A satisfying read!