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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I don’t really read murder mysteries and I don't really read sex comedies so I couldn't figure out if the stuff I didn’t like was because I didn’t like the writing / story or if I'm just totally out of my depth with the tropes. Could never tell if it was lampooning things I'm not familiar with or if it was lampooning anything at all. But at the same time it was a breezy read so no love lost, Jo!
⭐️ 2/5
Pub Date: June 24, 2025
First person POV, single narrative
Linear timeline
FMC: Luella van Horn
Setting: Remote, Tropical Island
Murder on Sex Island is narrated by the main character Luella van Horn (Marie Jones). The intimate POV gives the novel a strong comedic voice with her internal monologues, self-deprecating humor, and firsthand reactions as she navigates the ridiculous reality tv show setting.
The book has a unique, absurd premise; an amateur PI posing as a contestant on a raunchy reality dating show to solve a murder. However, I didn’t think that the execution fully lived up to the setup. The humor is quirky and the satire of reality TV is spot-on in parts, with plenty of zany characters and over-the-top situations.
Additionally, there’s just too much going on. Between the endless cast of contestants, behind-the-scenes drama, flashbacks, and fake identities, the story starts to feel chaotic. Despite all the moving parts, it lacks real depth and just felt shallow and immature. Character development is shallow, and many subplots are introduced only to fizzle out. The actual mystery takes a backseat, and the reason for the murder, when it’s finally revealed felt weak and super underwhelming.
It’s a silly, campy read that might work if you’re in the mood for something ridiculous and not too serious. But if you’re looking for a clever, tightly plotted mystery, this one might leave you wanting more.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Bantam for providing a copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date: June 24, 2025
First person POV, single narrative
Linear timeline
FMC: Luella van Horn
Setting: Remote, Tropical Island
Murder on Sex Island is narrated by the main character Luella van Horn (Marie Jones). The intimate POV gives the novel a strong comedic voice with her internal monologues, self-deprecating humor, and firsthand reactions as she navigates the ridiculous reality tv show setting.
The book has a unique, absurd premise; an amateur PI posing as a contestant on a raunchy reality dating show to solve a murder. However, I didn’t think that the execution fully lived up to the setup. The humor is quirky and the satire of reality TV is spot-on in parts, with plenty of zany characters and over-the-top situations.
Additionally, there’s just too much going on. Between the endless cast of contestants, behind-the-scenes drama, flashbacks, and fake identities, the story starts to feel chaotic. Despite all the moving parts, it lacks real depth and just felt shallow and immature. Character development is shallow, and many subplots are introduced only to fizzle out. The actual mystery takes a backseat, and the reason for the murder, when it’s finally revealed felt weak and super underwhelming.
It’s a silly, campy read that might work if you’re in the mood for something ridiculous and not too serious. But if you’re looking for a clever, tightly plotted mystery, this one might leave you wanting more.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Bantam for providing a copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Entertaining and well narrated by the author. I'd read a book by her again
funny
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Murder on Sex Island
By Jo Firestone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: June 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishers for the advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This book is a whodunit mystery, but also hilarious. Very ‘Only Murders In The Building’ meets ‘Big Brother’.
This is the first book in what will I’m sure become a series for the gumshoe alter ego of Marie Jones, Miss Luella van Horn.
I enjoyed this one.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, a decent read. I just wish the book would've leaned more fully into being either complete batshit crazy or nuanced and satirical. Instead, it kinda toes the line between both and doesn't really hit the mark on either. Still funny, still am easy summer read.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is absolutely hysterical, and also manages to be a pretty tight, compelling mystery. I don’t usually laugh out loud at books but I was sobbing laughing the whole way through. Luella Van Horn may well be my favorite new detective and I’m desperate for more. For anyone who has a love/hate relationship with Too Hot to Handle or Love Island this book is a must-read.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced