Reviews

“Sleuthing & Meddling in Santa Monica by K. Joyner is a gripping YA mystery that follows Lily, a sixteen-year-old sophomore with unusual sleuthing skills who has a penchant for Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew novels. She enjoys investigating mysteries and aspires to become an investigator. And when she learns about the cold case of Will Harris, a boy who once attended their school and died in a creek thirteen years ago, her curiosity is piqued. Lily, aided by Brittany and Abigail, sets out to prove that the death was not a suicide. As the girls dig deeper into the investigation, they uncover hidden clues, track down long-lost witnesses, and even visit a psychiatric hospital where Will’s mom lives. Their sleuthing leads them into danger. To make things even more complicated, Lily is falling fast for Hudson, the older brother of her friend, Abigail. Can she solve the mystery of Will’s death and find true love at the same time?

Sleuthing & Meddling in Santa Monica delighted me with its cast of intriguing, dynamic, and somewhat quirky characters. Lily’s determination and sharp instincts propel the narrative forward, and she instantly captured my attention. Brittany is more cautious but intensely loyal, often acting as the voice of reason. Abigail, the new girl from the UK, offers a fresh perspective and shares Lily’s fascination with true crime. The supporting cast includes Ethan, a boy with secrets, and Sophie, whose wit and humor enrich the narrative. The narrative voice, skillfully delivered in the first person, captivated me and showed Lily’s perspective with clarity. K. Joyner’s prose is crisp and reinforces the suspense and mystery. I enjoyed how the author uses false leads, unexpected encounters, and close calls with danger to build suspense. The short chapters with cliffhangers, the fast pacing, and the engaging dialogues make this story a winner.”