Book Review: Framed for Murder

Reviewed by Lola Lee

A delicious glimpse into the murder that rocked Pine Cove and the detective turned B&B owner who’s got more than murder on her mind

Framed for Murder is the story of Emmeline “Mel” O’Rourke, a former police officer who left her past behind in order to team up with her grandmother and brother and run the the Babbling Brook Inn in the peaceful town of Pine Cove.

But Mel’s new beginning is disrupted when a murder shakes the small town. To complicate matters, her old nemesis—Poppy, a former cat burglar—reappears in her life, both as a suspect and a new employee at the inn. As Mel investigates the crime on her own, she must confront her complicated past with Poppy, her growing feelings for her neighbor Jackson, her fears, and the challenges of running a business. Dealing with everything at the same time, Mel embodies the idea that life rarely goes as planned.

“You broke into this guy’s office, stole the necklace, and someone started shooting at you. What happened next?”

On the day of the murder in Pine Cove, Poppy is hired to steal a valuable necklace, but things spiral out of control when she discovers a dead body in the room she’s robbing and is nearly shot by the true murderer while escaping. 

As Mel and Poppy work together to solve this case, they have to reconsider their former identities and discover new aspects of themselves. During this process, Mel is forced to reconsider her preconceived notions about Poppy, struggling with the question of whether she can truly trust her former adversary. 

A central point of Framed for Murder is the evolving relationship between Mel and Poppy. Since they were once adversaries—one a cop, the other a thief—Mel’s interactions are initially marked by tension and mistrust. But also in their past, Poppy saved Mel from a near-fatal fall during a chase. It still haunts the protagonist, leaving her with a fear of heights that resurfaces throughout the story.

The novel balances this atmospheric mystery with humor and plenty of character development. Secondary characters, like Mel’s supportive family and her love interest Jackson, add great depth to the story and enhance its emotional resonance. It’s a book that surprises you and makes you feel.

The book also does a wonderful job of highlighting the small-town dynamics of Pine Cove with its peculiar residents and close community. The town itself provides comfort and conflict as Mel seeks the truth.

“The idea of being friends with the thief she’d chased for so long didn’t seem as outrageous as it should. Huh. Just when she thought nothing could surprise her anymore…”

Framed for Murder is a light and engaging read that offers a balanced blend of mystery and personal growth. The mystery is compelling enough to keep readers flipping pages, but the character’s evolving relationships and interactions are the ones that shine and open the door to explore topics such as second chances, family, change, friendship, and more. A cozy mystery with a dash of humor, a bit of romance, and a surprising plot, Framed for Murder excels.

Thank you for reading Lola Lee’s book review of Framed for Murder by Marla A. White! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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