Bellamy Rose’s Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder is the cozy mystery you didn’t know you needed, hitting shelves on March 18. This laugh-out-loud whodunit follows Pomona Afton, a sharp-tongued, ultra-glam heiress with a surprising knack for solving crimes. Think Paris Hilton meets Sherlock Holmes — armed with designer sunglasses and unstoppable determination. With rom-com charm, quirky humor, and a touch of luxury, this book brings a fresh twist to the amateur detective genre. At its heart, it’s about justice, proving yourself, and having fun along the way. We’ll break down the story, explore its themes, and even dream up the perfect cast. Plus, we’ve got the best book recs to keep the cozy mystery vibes going!
Synopsis
When Pomona Afton, a hotel heiress with a designer wardrobe and a reputation for partying, stumbles onto a murder scene, her life flips upside-down. Her mega-wealthy grandmother is dead, and thanks to a hidden clause in her will, the Afton family fortune is completely frozen. With no access to her trust fund, Pomona is kicked out of her penthouse and forced to crash with Gabe, her former nanny’s infuriatingly good-looking son. His apartment lacks the luxuries her former life held and that she desperately desires. Determined to get her dazzling life back, Pomona realizes there’s only one solution: She has to solve the murder herself. And if she happens to prove she’s more than just a spoiled heiress along the way? Even better.
Gabe, on the other hand, needs this case closed for a completely different reason. His mother spent years working for the Afton family, and her well-earned retirement money is tied up in the estate. With the police getting nowhere and Pomona’s high-society family keeping secrets, it’s up to Pom and Gabe to crack the case. But playing detective isn’t all glitz and gossip — danger lurks behind every perfectly-curated social media post and publicity fundraising gala. As the unlikely duo digs deeper, Pomona starts questioning if her old life is worth reclaiming … especially if it means losing Gabe. Can she prove that she’s more than a privileged party girl and actually solve this murder? Or will this case cost her everything — including her chance at love?
Think Glitz, Glam, and a Cozy Murder Mystery!
Bellamy Rose masterfully blends classic whodunit intrigue with a refreshing, cozy tone, thanks to Pomona Afton’s sharp and hilarious narration. As she pieces together clues, Pomona’s wit keeps the tension light, making the mystery feel more like an adventure than a high-stakes thriller. Instead of brooding detectives or dark alley stakeouts, we get murder-solving over lavish brunches and spa day conversations. Her high-society status allows her to slip into exclusive spaces, gathering secrets with a perfectly timed fake smile. Unlike Gabe, who could raise suspicion, Pomona’s presence is expected, giving her the perfect cover to investigate. This relaxed, humorous approach turns the traditional mystery on its head, making each reveal just as entertaining as it is intriguing.
Adding to the fun, Pomona hilariously turns to a true crime podcast for guidance, treating it like a detective handbook. Her attempts to mimic the hosts’ techniques — sometimes successfully, sometimes not — bring a fresh, self-aware charm to the mystery. Instead of intense interrogations, she navigates the case through witty banter, over-the-top plans, and the occasional unexpected gossip overheard through phone calls and private meetings. Yet beneath all the comedy, the mystery stays gripping, balancing lighthearted moments with genuine stakes. As the clues start adding up, the cozy atmosphere never fades, keeping readers engaged without the usual crime-thriller intensity. Pomona’s ability to investigate in plain sight, wrapped in privilege and charm, makes this mystery as stylish as it is satisfying.
High Society Secrets and One Glamorous Detective
Pomona Afton starts as the ultimate high-society heiress — spoiled, stylish, and blissfully out of touch. Losing access to her wealth forces her into a world she once looked down on, but surprisingly, she adapts. Crashing at Gabe’s cramped apartment opens her eyes to life without luxury, and reconnecting with her disowned cousins Jordan and Farrah makes her question everything she’s been taught about family loyalty. Even baking, something she used to do with her former nanny, becomes a moment of unexpected joy, reminding her of who she was before designer labels and exclusive parties took over. As Pomona sheds her entitled ways, she becomes more than just a socialite playing detective — she’s someone worth rooting for.
But money and power have always come with dark secrets, and Pomona’s investigation exposes cracks in her family’s golden façade. Her grandfather’s affairs, blackmail, and whispered threats reveal a legacy built on deception. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes her grandmother’s murder wasn’t just about greed — it was personal. Every revelation forces Pomona to redefine what family truly means, making her transformation feel even more earned. By the time she uncovers the truth, she’s no longer just an heiress desperate to reclaim her fortune. She’s a woman who finally knows what — and who — is worth fighting for.
Laughs, Love, and a Little Murder
One of the biggest strengths of Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder is its perfect balance of rom-com charm and mystery. The witty convos between Pomona and Gabe give us that classic rom-com energy we love. Their chemistry builds naturally, especially as they bond over stakeouts, hilarious disguises, and, of course, baking. Pomona’s love for baking, something she abandoned in her high-society life, becomes a surprising spark between them. Watching her rediscover this passion with Gabe makes their romance feel even more heartfelt. The humor throughout keeps the mystery from feeling too heavy, making it an easy, fun read. It’s the kind of story that makes you wish more mysteries had this much charm.
Beyond the romance, Pomona’s determination to solve the case gives the book real substance. Even when faced with the obstacles blocking her every move, she never backs down. Her privilege allows her to blend into high society, but it’s her grit that keeps her pushing forward. The deeper she digs, the more corruption in her family she uncovers, proving that justice isn’t always black and white. What starts as a selfish mission to unfreeze her trust fund turns into something bigger — helping those wronged by her family. This balance of humor, romance, and a strong pursuit of justice makes the book stand out. By the end, Pomona isn’t just solving a murder — she’s carving out a future for herself, one where baking and justice go hand in hand.
What Could Have Made This Book Even Better?
While Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder delivers an entertaining mystery, some aspects could have been stronger, starting with the characters’ development. Pomona’s transformation from a spoiled heiress to a determined investigator is fun but, at times, feels a little surface-level. A deeper dive into her emotional growth, especially her struggles with privilege and identity, would have made her arc more satisfying. Gabe, too, could have used more depth beyond his grumpy, hardworking exterior. His resentment toward Pomona and her family is understandable, but we don’t get enough insight into his own internal struggles and motivations. More vulnerable moments from both Pomona and Gabe — separately and together — would have made their growth feel more natural. Their dynamic is entertaining, but with a bit more depth, their story could have been even more compelling.
The romance between Pomona and Gabe also needed more time to develop. Their banter and tension are great, but their shift from reluctant roommates to something more feels rushed. A few more intimate, heartfelt moments — beyond just solving the case together — would have made their connection feel more organic. Gabe’s personal struggles, like his complicated relationship with his mother’s years of service to the Afton family, also deserved more exploration. And while the mystery keeps readers engaged, the ending unfolds too quickly, wrapping up major plot points in a way that feels abrupt. A slower, more suspenseful final act would have added weight to the big reveal and the decisions Pomona and Gabe make. Despite these minor flaws, the novel remains a fun, cozy mystery — but with a little more time, it could have been truly exceptional.
Final Thoughts
Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder is a fun, fresh take on the cozy mystery genre. This debut novel, penned under the name Bellamy Rose, comes from the talented Amanda Elliot, known for her captivating storytelling. With humor, heart, and a dash of romance, it keeps you entertained from start to finish. While some moments felt rushed, the journey was still an exciting ride. If you love witty heiresses, murder mysteries, and cozy romance, this book is a must-read!
You’ll love Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder if you enjoyed these titles:
- The Mediator #1: Shadowland by Meg Cabot
- Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
- Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
- Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
- The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
- The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Bookstr’s Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder Dream Cast:
- Bella Thorne as Pomona Afton
- Diego Tinoco as Gabe
- Josh Hutcherson as Nicholas Afton
- Ariel Winter as Jessica
- Abigail Cowen as Opal
- Hillary Swank as Grace Afton, Pom’s mother
- Meryl Streep as Marion Afton, Pom’s grandmother
Final Score: 3.5/5
You can preorder Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder now through Amazon and Bookshop! Huge thanks to Atria Books for providing an ARC in exchange for our honest review.
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Be sure to browse our Heart Racingly Good Thrillers and Mysteries bookshelf on Bookshop.org for more mystery recommendations!
