In The Busybody Book Club, five wildly different members of a dysfunctional village book club are thrown together to solve a real-life mystery when one of their own vanishes—and a dead body is found at his house. Nova Davies, new to town and trying to save the struggling community center, inadvertently finds herself at the center of the chaos. With accusations flying, money missing, and secrets surfacing, the group must channel their inner Agatha Christies to uncover the truth behind Michael’s disappearance. Can they crack the case before the community—and their friendships—fall apart?

This cozy mystery was a charming, big-hearted read, but I’ll admit—I spent the first half convinced I’d already read it. I hadn’t (it’s not even released yet!), but it shares very similar vibes and setting with How to Age Disgracefully, which had me doubting my memory until the pieces clicked. While I enjoyed the concept and the quirky cast, I did find The Busybody Book Club a bit more far-fetched and less engaging overall than both How to Age Disgracefully and Freya Sampson’s own The Lost Ticket / Nosy Neighbors. It’s still a sweet story about misfits coming together for a cause, but the mystery and humor didn’t land quite as strongly for me this time around.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP |★★★.5

The Busy Body Bookclub is out May 27, 2025. Huge thank you to Berkley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.