If you love a murder mystery that’s fast-paced, hilarious, and full of heart, Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry needs to be at the top of your TBR list. It’s a perfect blend of cozy mystery, laugh-out-loud moments, and clever twists—like Knives Out set in a retirement community!
Synopsis
Thirty-something Amber Winslow has had enough. After her dreams of being a private investigator stall out and her relationship implodes, she makes a bold (and slightly desperate) decision: run away in the dead of night and start over somewhere—anywhere—else.
Her destination? Seven Ponds, an exclusive retirement community in sunny Arizona, where her estranged (and eccentric) Grandma Jade lives.
Amber’s never met Jade before, but she’s been obsessed with her true crime podcast for years—without even realizing it was her grandmother running the show!
The plan is simple: hide out, regroup, and figure out what’s next. Except when she arrives, everything immediately goes off the rails. A resident—George Vincent, a.k.a. the Admiral—is found dead, a priceless family heirloom is missing, and worst of all, the community is quick to blame Jade for both the murder and the theft.
Determined to clear her grandmother’s name, Amber launches her own amateur investigation. With a missing pet tortoise, suspicious neighbors, and a web of secrets to untangle, Amber quickly learns that sleuthing in a retirement community is no easy task—especially when everyone has their own skeletons (and a few questionable alibis) hiding in the closet.
Review
✨ 5 Stars | Laugh out loud | Cozy Mystery✨
Release Date: April 29, 2025
This book was pure FUN from start to finish!
Tamara Berry captured everything I love about a good cozy mystery—an irresistible setting, a cast of quirky (but lovable) characters, tons of red herrings, and enough plot twists to keep me guessing right up until the end. I absolutely tore through this story and didn’t want it to end.
Amber is such a relatable and hilarious protagonist. Watching her stumble (and scheme) her way through Seven Ponds felt like catching up with your funniest, most disaster-prone friend.
Her relationship with Grandma Jade was heartwarming and funny, and the entire supporting cast of residents at Seven Ponds practically stole the show.
And let’s talk about Jade and her crew for a second—these seniors are NOT your average retirement community residents. They’re fierce, independent, and living their best lives, amateur sleuthing included. Never underestimate a group of senior citizens...especially not this bunch!
Berry perfectly balances humor and heart with a solid mystery plot. It had serious Thursday Murder Club and Finlay Donovan vibes, but still felt totally fresh and original. I especially loved the little touches: the chaotic energy of the true crime podcast crew, the missing pet tortoise subplot, and the sharp, witty dialogue.
If you love stories where older characters get to be the heroes (and outsmart everyone), you’re going to fall head over heels for Murder Runs in the Family.
3 Books to Read If You Loved This One
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman — Senior citizens solving crime with wit and wisdom!
- Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano — Chaotic amateur sleuth energy and great banter.
- Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala — A cozy mystery with food, family drama, and lots of heart.
Final Thoughts
Murder Runs in the Family is a hilarious, heartwarming, and wildly entertaining cozy mystery that’s impossible to put down. Tamara Berry delivers another gem, and I am crossing all my fingers and toes that we’ll get even more stories featuring Amber, Jade, and the gang.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, keep you guessing, and leave you with a huge smile on your face—this is it.Don’t miss a post!
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If you enjoy this book by Tarama Berry be sure to check out her By the Book Mysteries!
By the Book Mysteries Series
1. Buried in a Good Book (2022)
Bestselling thriller author Tess Harrow retreats to her grandfather's rustic cabin in the woods with her teenage daughter, seeking solace after a divorce. However, their peaceful getaway is disrupted when an explosion rains down fish guts—and a human arm. As Tess gets entangled in the ensuing murder investigation, she realizes that her fictional detective skills might just come in handy in real life.
2. On Spine of Death (2022)
Tess Harrow is settling into her new life in the small town of Winthrop, Washington. When a body is discovered in the local bookstore's basement, Tess can't resist diving into the mystery. Balancing her writing career, motherhood, and amateur sleuthing, Tess navigates a web of secrets that hits closer to home than she expected.
3. Murder Off the Books (2023)
Tess's plans to open her own bookstore are derailed when her mother's new boyfriend is found dead, and her mother becomes the prime suspect. With the town's gossip mill in overdrive and a true crime podcaster stirring the pot, Tess must clear her mother's name while managing her own complicated love life.
Whether you're new to Tamara Berry's work or a longtime fan, these novels offer a delightful mix of humor, mystery, and endearing characters. Happy reading!
