Book Review - Murder Off The Page by Maggie Allswell

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Title: Murder Off The Page

Author: Maggie Allswell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 1st July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When the local fish and chip shop owner is found dead next to the fryer, is it a case of wrong plaice, wrong time or is a killer on the loose in the village?

Judy is reading late one night when a knock at the door disturbs her. Local teenager Megan has discovered her boss Colin, owner of local fish and chip shop The Codfather, lying dead next to the fryer. Found with the book club pick of the month at his side, surely Judy and her crime-loving book group can help?

The local police haven’t a clue, but as Judy gathers her bookish friends, they soon uncover more suspects than they bargained for. Was it John from rival fish and chip shop Salty Towers, the estranged brother who stands to inherit the family business? Or is there something fishy about Dazza, the new handyman who carries an empty toolbox? But when they both appear to have solid alibis, the book club are worried there are more red herrings in this case than they had counted on.

When another body is found, Judy realises that time is running out to crack the case before the killer strikes again. Can Judy and her book club follow in the footsteps of their fictional detective heroes to uncover the murderer before someone else is found sleeping with the fishes?

An absolutely hilarious and unputdownable new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Faith Martin.

This is set just after the first book finishes (I mean the next day), so I'm very happy I chose to binge read both books together. Means I now have a far better grip on the characters, and they should stay in my head for next books a lot more.  However does mean I have no idea if this works as a standalone as I was too gripped in this heatwave to think! 

What a great mystery this was, at times I was giggling, and others was scratching my head as to what the answer was, and just who the murderer is. 

The serial killer's book club are back on the case, and this time they are in part trying to prove that Judy is innocent, as well as trying to work out who killed The Codfather proprietor Colin. 

We are introduced to all manner of new characters, in addition to what is a rather complex case. This includes the local policeman who seems rather close to useless, but is rather suggestible thankfully. 

Jack is like an over excited puppy for most of the book, he fancies Talisha like mad, is very happy to be going undercover, and then doesn't seem to know when he should be quiet. 

The dynamics between the various club members are highly amusing and I have a big soft spot for all them. 

This is an example of an author coming into her stride properly in her new genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.