Amazon Original Stories continues to deliver bite-sized literary treats with their latest collection, Busybodies. This series of six novellas brings together a diverse group of authors to explore the world of amateur sleuths who stumble upon peculiar cases. From nosy neighbors to gossipy friends, these stories prove that sometimes the most unlikely detectives are the ones who crack the case.
“Staged” by Elle Cosimano: A Delightful Real Estate Romp with a Deadly Twist
Setting the Scene
In “Staged,” the first installment of the Busybodies collection, Elle Cosimano invites readers into the cutthroat world of real estate with a murderous flair. Known for her thrilling young adult novels and the bestselling Finlay Donovan series, Cosimano proves her versatility by crafting a witty and engaging short story that blends humor, mystery, and the challenges of selling a less-than-perfect home.
A Killer Open House
Lyda, a struggling real estate agent, desperately needs to sell a dilapidated Victorian house. With the help of Dani, a home stager whose expertise comes from binge-watching TikTok videos, Lyda hopes to transform the property into a desirable listing. However, their plans are derailed when they discover the body of Sawyer, the landscaper, in one of the bedrooms.
Cosimano’s crisp prose and sharp dialogue immediately draw readers into the story. The author’s background in the real estate industry shines through, lending authenticity to the setting and characters. Lyda and Dani’s banter is particularly enjoyable, striking a balance between humor and the gravity of their situation.
Amateur Sleuths on the Case
As Lyda and Dani reluctantly take on the role of amateur detectives, Cosimano skillfully weaves together clues and red herrings. The duo’s investigation takes them through a cast of colorful suspects, including jilted lovers and business rivals. The author’s experience in crafting mysteries is evident in the way she drops subtle hints and misdirections throughout the narrative.
One of the story’s strengths lies in its pacing. Cosimano manages to create a sense of urgency as Lyda and Dani race against time to solve the murder before the open house. This ticking clock element adds tension to the plot and keeps readers eagerly turning pages.
A Fresh Take on the Cozy Mystery Genre
“Staged” breathes new life into the cozy mystery genre by incorporating modern elements like social media and the gig economy. The juxtaposition of Lyda’s traditional approach to real estate with Dani’s TikTok-inspired methods creates an interesting dynamic and commentary on the changing nature of work in the digital age.
Cosimano’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making “Staged” a perfect quick read for mystery lovers. Her ability to balance humor with the seriousness of a murder investigation is commendable, allowing readers to enjoy the story without feeling overwhelmed by its darker elements.
A Satisfying Conclusion
Without spoiling the ending, it’s safe to say that Cosimano delivers a satisfying resolution to the mystery. The reveal is cleverly executed, with enough surprises to keep even seasoned mystery readers guessing until the final pages.
The Busybodies Collection: A Diverse Lineup of Mystery Novellas
While “Staged” sets a high bar for the Busybodies collection, the other entries in the series promise equally intriguing premises:
- “The Reunion Dinner” by Jesse Q. Sutanto
- “Crime of Fashion” by Emma Rosenblum
- “The Nosy Neighbor” by Nita Prose
- “One Lucky Subscriber” by Kellye Garrett
- “A Classic Case” by Alicia Thompson
Each story in the collection offers a unique take on the amateur detective trope, exploring different settings and character dynamics. This variety ensures that readers will find something to enjoy, regardless of their preferred mystery subgenre.
Elle Cosimano’s Growing Mystery Portfolio
Fans of “Staged” will be pleased to know that Elle Cosimano has a growing catalog of mystery novels to explore. Her Finlay Donovan series, including “Finlay Donovan Is Killing It” and its sequels, follows a struggling suspense novelist who becomes entangled in real-life crime scenarios. These books offer a similar blend of humor and mystery that readers will find in “Staged.”
Final Thoughts: A Promising Start to an Entertaining Collection
“Staged” serves as an excellent introduction to the Busybodies collection, showcasing Cosimano’s talent for crafting engaging mysteries in a condensed format. The novella’s blend of real estate drama and amateur sleuthing creates a unique and entertaining reading experience.
For readers looking for a quick mystery fix or those interested in exploring new authors in the genre, the Busybodies collection, starting with “Staged,” is an excellent choice. Elle Cosimano’s contribution sets a high standard for the series, leaving readers eager to dive into the remaining stories in this diverse and promising collection.