Murder Most Trivial: My Favorite Murder, She Wrote Book Yet! Cozy Mystery Review

 

For many years now, Sundays have meant one thing around here: books. 

Mysteries, cookbooks, the occasional irresistible novel that kept me up far too late — you’ve joined me for all of it. And I’ve loved sharing those reviews with you in this familiar little corner of the internet.

Earlier this year, I experimented with moving my book reviews to a separate blog. It seemed like a tidy idea at the time — giving the books their own dedicated space.  But after some thought (and a great deal of reflection), I realized something important. I don’t want my books in a separate room. They belong here.

Reading has always been woven into my cooking, my entertaining, my quiet evenings, my travel dreams — and into this blog since 2010. It feels only right to bring Sunday reviews back home where they began. So starting today, our Sunday book reviews return.

 If you love mysteries, cookbooks, and the occasional literary treasure, I hope you’ll pull up a chair. There’s always room for one more at the table — and always another book to discuss. 

Now… let’s talk about this week’s read...

 

I've been a devoted fan of the Murder, She Wrote book series for years, and I haven't encountered a single Jessica Fletcher mystery that didn't captivate me. As soon as I finish one, I'm already counting down to the next. While I've genuinely enjoyed them all, the latest release—Murder Most Trivial—truly stole my heart. It's an absolute standout!

  From the opening chapter, I felt like I'd been transported right back into an episode of the beloved TV show. I could practically hear Jessica's thoughtful narration, Mort's gruff sheriff voice, and Seth's warm, witty remarks leaping off the page. Ayuh. The author's spot-on portrayal of these iconic characters makes every scene feel authentic and immersive.

  The story kicks off with a delightful twist: Jessica teams up with her Cabot Cove friends—Seth Hazlitt, Maureen, and Sheriff Mort Metzger—for a local pub trivia night. They dominate the competition and win an unexpected prize—a spot in a high-stakes, five-day trivia tournament being filmed in Los Angeles.

What starts as a fun getaway quickly turns deadly when a crew member is murdered on the very first day. Suddenly, the game show has life-or-death stakes, and Jessica must uncover who stands to gain from sabotaging the production.

One of the book's biggest joys is its game show setting, which offers a fascinating peek behind the scenes of live TV production. Add in clever pop culture references to classic detective series, and you've got the perfect blend of nostalgia and whodunit intrigue that longtime fans will adore.

The metafictional elements are pure genius: the investigation leads Jessica and her crew to filming locations from their favorite mystery shows, where they playfully debate how Columbo, Monk, or Jim Rockford would crack the case. It's a loving homage that had me smiling throughout.

What makes these novels so special is how faithfully they capture the spirit of the original series. The characters feel exactly like their on-screen counterparts—I can hear the actors' voices in my head and vividly picture Jessica pedaling her bicycle through Cabot Cove, Mort in the sheriff's office, or Seth in his clinic. The vivid, visual storytelling makes immersion effortless.

If you're a Murder, She Wrote fan, Murder Most Trivial is a must-read. It delivers cozy mystery, clever twists, and that signature Jessica Fletcher charm. I loved every page and can't wait for the next adventure!

 You can pre-order a copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

 This post contains affiliate links.

Snowy with a Chance of Murder: A Chilling, Captivating Return to Cabot Cove

 

As a lifelong fan of the “Murder, She Wrote” series — I raised my kids watching this series — I can say with confidence that Snowy with a Chance of Murder, the 60th installment (And another is on the way! Woot! Woot!) is one of the best yet.

 

 The story kicks off with Jessica taking a nasty spill on the ice, confining her to a wheelchair. Unable to join a Mystery Lovers cruise, she’s forced to stay home, where she’s drawn into an intriguing mystery right across the street. A new neighbor, Mr. Rymer, moves in and immediately stirs up Cabot Cove with his risqué snow sculptures—naked figures that spark debates over art versus public decency. When the sculptures are vandalized at night, Rymer shrugs it off, rebuilding them with fresh snow as a blizzard looms. But the morning after the storm, Jessica peers out her window to find a chilling sight: Rymer’s body half-buried in the snow, next to a new sculpture. From her chair, Jessica must unravel whether a cold-blooded killer is lurking in her beloved town.

 

 Cabot Cove is my favorite setting for Jessica’s adventures. The familiar cast—Seth, Loretta, and more— the atmosphere, all shine brightly, with delightful moments like a spa day at Loretta’s Beauty Parlor that had me smiling ear to ear. The nod to Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” is brilliant! It captured Jessica’s sharp sleuthing from her confined vantage point without ever feeling derivative. There is a terrific balance of cozy charm and suspense, pulling in all of Jessica’s friends for a story that feels both intimate and expansive.

 

 What sets this book apart is how Barbara Early nails the “Murder, She Wrote” formula, something recent writers struggled to do after the passing of Donald Bain. Early’s Jessica is pitch-perfect—witty, warm, and relentlessly curious—while the quirky snow sculpture mystery feels fresh yet quintessentially Cabot Cove. The addition of a likable young helper hired by Seth adds a new layer of heart to the story, making Jessica’s world feel vibrant and lived-in.

 

  I’ve been hooked on this series since Bain’s era, and Snowy with a Chance of Murder recaptures that magic with gusto. It’s a fun, atmospheric read that kept me guessing until the end, and it’s easily the best since Bain’s time. I’m thrilled Barbara Early has taken the reins and hope she pens many more. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is a must-read. Five stars without hesitation!

 You can grab your copy here.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Sleuth in Miniature: The Jessica Fletcher Action Figure from "Murder, She Wrote"

 

As a lifelong devotee of mystery novels and their on-screen adaptations, I’ve been captivated by sleuths since my childhood days curled up with Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and Trixie Belden. But as an adult, one detective stole my heart: the inimitable Jessica Fletcher from “Murder, She Wrote.” Her sharp wit, relentless curiosity, and knack for stumbling into (and solving) murders in the quaint town of Cabot Cove made her a timeless icon. So, when I recently grew exasperated with the lackluster offerings on streaming services (I ditched cable long ago), I decided to revisit “Murder, She Wrote” from the very first episode. It’s been a nostalgic joyride, and it reignited my love for Jessica’s world—including her charming, detail-filled home. 

As a miniature enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the set design of Jessica’s cozy Cabot Cove residence. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice delightful quirks, like the Delft coffee grinder in her kitchen, hilariously hung upside down. This got me thinking: why hasn’t anyone created a miniature version of her home? While daydreaming about tiny replicas, I stumbled upon something even more thrilling—a Jessica Fletcher action figure by NECA! I couldn’t resist, and when it arrived, I could not have been more pleased. Let me tell you, this 8-inch figure is a must-have for any “Murder, She Wrote” fan.

This fully articulated 8-inch figure is a love letter to the 1970s-style toy lines, complete with tailored soft goods clothing that captures Jessica’s classic style. From her cozy sweater to her signature scarf and jacket, every detail is meticulously crafted. The figure comes packed with accessories that bring Jessica’s world to life: a handbag, a flashlight (perfect for snooping around dark crime scenes), a typewriter for crafting her mystery novels, and even a copy of her book, The Corpse Danced at Midnight. But the real standout? Interchangeable faceplates that let Jessica express shock and surprise, because let’s be honest, she’s always stumbling across another body in Cabot Cove! 

 The figure’s articulation makes it a delight to pose, whether she’s typing away at her desk or investigating a clue. Packaged in a retro window box, it’s as much a collector’s item as it is a playful nod to the show. The attention to detail is nothing short of amazing, and I’ve had so much fun setting her up in different scenes, imagining her solving mysteries in my own miniature world.

 

As someone who cut her teeth on Basil Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes films and devoured Nancy Drew as a kid, I can say with confidence that this Jessica Fletcher action figure is a treasure for fans of the genre. It’s not just a toy—it’s a celebration of a character who made mystery-solving accessible, relatable, and endlessly entertaining. Whether you’re a longtime “Murder, She Wrote” devotee or a newcomer revisiting the series (like me, binge-watching from episode one), this figure brings a piece of Cabot Cove into your home. 

 

If you’re a fellow fan, I highly recommend grabbing this NECA figure. It’s a delightful way to honor Jessica Fletcher’s legacy, and who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire someone to create that miniature Cabot Cove home I’ve been dreaming of. Until then, I’ll be posing Jessica with her typewriter, ready to crack the next case—upside-down coffee grinder and all. 

What’s your favorite MSW moment? And fellow miniature enthusiasts, wouldn’t a tiny Jessica Fletcher house be the ultimate addition to your collection? Let me know in the comments. Am I experiencing my second childhood? Yes, I am. Does it bother me? Not on your life! 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

All photos copyright NECA 

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas, Reviewed

I’m dating myself here, but I watched the pilot episode of "Murder, She Wrote" when it first aired on television. I knew from that very moment, despite being unfamiliar with Angela Lansbury, that I was going to love that series, and I did. It is wonderful that it continues on in this series of books that always makes me feel as though I am sitting by a fire, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping a cup of cocoa or tea. I can easily visualize the characters from those in the series, I can hear their voices, I can smell that salty sea air.

Photo credit: Universal Studios

The latest book in the series, A Killer Christmas (book number 59!), scheduled for release on Tuesday, like the others, captures Jessica and Cabot Cove quite well. Not all of the books in the series take place in Cabot Cove (How could they?), but this one does, and those are my favorites. It also takes place around the holiday season, and that makes it even more enjoyable in my estimation. It centers around copious holiday preparations, where the town is competing with others across the state in the hope of being named the most seasonal in all of Maine, an honor that comes with a cash prize. Meanwhile, Cabot Cove realtor, Eve Simpson, is delighting over the fact that she has finally found a buyer for an old property, long vacated, that is going to mean a hefty commission. The mystery is a good one, the characters are at their absolute best, (I have to admit to loving Eve), the book is as enjoyable as expected, and I can’t wait for more.

 I am so grateful to the variety of authors who have delighted us with this series over the years. Keep them coming. This "Murder, She Wrote" fan can never get enough.

Many thanks to NetGalley, author Terrie Farley Moran, and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Angela Lansbury's Cottage Pie

If you have been reading this blog for a while, then you are no doubt aware that, in addition to loving cooking, I also love mysteries. It should come as no surprise, then, that I collect mystery cookbooks (and have the draft of one I edited years ago still unpublished). Some of these books I cook from, others not, and it should be fairly obvious which is which just by looking at the picture.

Over the weekend, I pulled out the Murder, She Wrote Cookbook and stared paging through. I came upon Angela Lansbury's recipe for Cottage Pie, and had to make it.

I did so during the opening day of baseball season, while watching the abysmal game between the Cardinals and Pirates and was only too happy to have the diversion. Cottage Pie, like Shepherd's Pie, is a great “cleaning out the fridge” kind of meal because it makes use of all of those leftover vegetables that you have haunting your fridge.

I like to make mine in individual dishes, and pipe on the mashed potatoes to make for an elegant presentation of a rather peasant dish, but the piping is not at all necessary.

This is a tasty meal, paired nicely with a fruit cup and glass of burgundy.

This post is linked to:

Wow Us Wednesday
Work It Wednesday

Wine’d Down Wednesday

Wake up Wednesday

Full Plate Thursday

Create It Thursday

The DIY Collective

Simple and Sweet Fridays

Foodie Friday & Everything Else