Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder
by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Summary
Juniper Bean has big plans for her writing career. Swoony kisses, sigh-inducing happily ever afters—she’s going to write them all.
There’s just one problem: she can’t seem to stop killing off her main characters.
After accepting that a genre change is in order, Juniper sets out to do some research. What’s the best way to carry a dead body? How exactly does one pick a lock? Juniper is going to find out—with the unwilling help of her new roommate, Aiden.
But Juniper’s plans go haywire when she stumbles across an actual, real-life dead body—and before she knows it, she and Aiden are thrust into the middle of a murder mystery that seems suspiciously tied to Juniper’s past.
Who killed the girl in the woods? Can Juniper ever get the hang of mystery writing? And, perhaps the biggest question of all: Why the heck does Aiden look so good in a tweed jacket?
My Review
This book is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and romantic comedy that had me guessing, laughing, and swooning from start to finish. This book is truly one-of-a-kind—like a cozy mystery with a romcom twist—and it was an absolute joy to experience.
I listened to the audiobook and adored the narrators, who perfectly brought the dual POV to life. The two perspectives added depth to the story, allowing me to connect even more with the characters and their journey. It only took me a few days to finish it. I had such a wonderful time!
Juniper is a standout protagonist—quirky, charming, and incredibly relatable. Despite a life filled with hardships and trauma, her bravery, resilience, and joyful outlook are inspiring. I couldn’t help but root for her as she worked to turn her life around. Her spunky spirit and determination make her a character you can’t help but adore.
Aiden, the love interest, is dark academia personified—tweed blazers, Shakespeare quotes, and all. He’s not just sweet but incredibly protective of Juniper, a quality that tugged at my heartstrings. Their shared history, highlighted through heartfelt flashbacks, deepened their connection and made their chemistry shine. Their witty banter and teamwork made their relationship mature, heartfelt, and beautifully authentic.
The murder mystery was intriguing and kept me on my toes. I loved trying to piece together the clues alongside Juniper and Aiden, and the reveal genuinely surprised me. The story’s balance of suspense, humor, and emotional depth was perfect.
Themes of second chances, forced proximity, slow-burn romance, and even grumpy/sunshine dynamics make this book a treat for romance lovers. Beyond the swoony romance and witty mystery, the story also explores weighty themes like child abuse, neglect, homelessness, and grief, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.
Sweet, clean, and closed-door, this romance feels like a warm hug paired with a thrilling mystery. If you’re looking for a genre-bending story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer, this book is an absolute must-read. Gracie Ruth Mitchell has crafted something truly special—I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!