Murder Most Actual Review

Murder Most Actual by Alexis Hall

#WLW #MurderMystery #Contemporary

CW: Poisoning, Vomit, Blood, Murder, Stabbing, Discussion of Suicide, Fall to Death, Gun Violence, Mishandling Guns/Ignoring Gun Safety Rules, Classism, Discussion of Divorce, Assault, Threats of Violence, Sexism, Police Corruption, Money Problems, Gambling, Homophobia, Heavy Drinking, Racism, Sexual Harassment, Colonialism

5/5

I have never reviewed a murder mystery novel before, but that changes today! I’ve read a fair bit of murder mysteries, but they're typically from Agatha Christie. Her stories aren't Jewish or Queer, so far as I've come across. When I saw that Alexis Hall had released a queer romance murder mystery back in 2021, Murder Most Actual, I knew I had to read it asap! They are one of my favorite authors, also the author of the first book I reviewed for this blog (Boyfriend Material). Don't know how I had missed it, but I'm glad I finally read it! I was treated to the bonuses of it taking place in a Scottish highland castle and the love interest basically sharing my first name. I know, the book was basically crafted for me, but I think you'll enjoy it too!

Married couple in their mid-30s, Liza and Hanna, end up snowed in with a bunch of strangers in the Scottish highlands. They're there because Hanna wanted to grand-gesture her way into fixing her marriage. She had planned for them to stay in a luxury hotel, but didn't ask Liza. Being trapped is only a bit of an annoyance until another guest winds up dead by way of falling out of his window, or… being pushed! That's when another guest reveals he's a private investigator who's been tracking a criminal mastermind. Liza is a true crime podcaster, but a history focused one, not the amateur investigator kind. Still, she can't help herself, especially not when more people wind up dead. Unfortunately, Hanna is not for it! Will they be able to repair their marriage on this vacation? If so, will they survive to enjoy it?

When reading a murder mystery, I want there to be a human connection. Sherlock Holmes has always bored me because it just feels like solving a puzzle. I want to care about the characters, I want multiple things that need to be solved, I want some of the twists to be emotional. Hall absolutely delivered! We got to have a queer romance and a very messy murder situation. I am not very good at solving puzzles, but I'm great at picking up clues. Once I realized this, I leaned into it. I enjoy finding the pieces and seeing where they lead. For Murder Most Actual, I was very good at ruling suspects out. Now, I wouldn't say I was fully surprised about the main mystery's solution, but I was still considering a couple of other options. Hall did a great job balancing all the elements of their novel.

I've been nervous to step outside of Agatha Christie's contributions to the murder mystery genre, not knowing if it would be as good. I've wanted to find some queer options, though. It's been hard to figure out what is queer and once I do, they usually don't have audiobooks available. Obviously, I'm at an advantage to have found a murder mystery with another author I'm comfortable with, but I believe they're an author all queer readers can find something page-turning from. They're great at jumping into different genres! Always with queer characters and content included! What I found so sweet about the queer romance in Murder Most Actual was that Liza and Hanna had already been in love. There are so few romances that I've come across where it's a couple that wants to believe in their love again. Even fewer where I think they can still work. Still fewer that are queer. Thank you Hall for diverse rep!

If you enjoy a good murder mystery, amateur investigators, and queer romance, check out Alexis Hall's Murder Most Actual. With the added drama of being snowed in, surrounded by a bunch of strangers, and Ruby (you'll see), you'll be on the edge of your seat! Make your way to the Scottish highlands for a deadly good time!