I really liked the idea behind this book. I don't think I have come across something like this before.
The storyline was good and the puzzles were OK.
I think it would have been better if the puzzles were explained a bit better as it wasn't always clear how to solve them.

I would recommend a physical copy of this book so that it's more interactive instead of a digital copy on kindle etc.

I would be interested in more books like this.

A fairly fun puzzle book, where the puzzles have all been connected into a cosy crime narrative. Here, our main character is on his way on his narrowboat to a crime readers' convention, when his companion is done in, bumped off, and thusly murdered. He makes his way alone, then, save for his dog, but every chapter involves something criminal – even if it's merely a mischievous missing cat – and every step of every chapter is something for us to do.

I think it fair to say that if you've picked up a routine puzzle book in the last few decades you'll recognise some, but not all, of these posers. There are crosswords, hanjie shading-in tasks, and the old-fashioned logic problems complete with their grids, and that more recent 'train tracks' one has been turned into a cat trail, but there are also new ones. An early one asking for us to triangulate a sound source looks like one of those oh-so-hip Japanese number ones, but in a fashion I've yet to encounter in the real world.

So we're either fully on board with those or we're not, leaving the appeal of the narrative as the other aspect of the book's success. This takes some time to adjust to, what with it all being in present tense, but generally proves to be fine. It might, of course, take you more time or less to solve the puzzles, and so how distracted from the story you get is going to vary. But it all also has a very disposable feel – this is the cosiest of cosy crime, turning to a ridiculous farce of a training montage, and the sections of plot in between the puzzles are very short, leaving it more than possible to reread them.

Ultimately I don't think the book would last on the shelf once the puzzles have been done, as the story doesn't leave us much that is memorable. It is, however, snappily written, and has some nice callbacks at one point. No, this is a puzzle book first and foremost, and as one it is pretty commendable – the variety and novelty here really refreshing, and that alone is four star worthy. The difficulty level is completely random, with many veering towards the very easy side, but each puzzler's experience is their own of course. My experience is suggesting this is worth thinking of – but don't bother if you want to solve crimes; we work on the puzzles alone.

This book definitely would be better as a physical book rather than an e-book as some of the puzzles need pencil and paper. Fans of cosy crime and puzzles will enjoy.

This might be my first read of puzzles and mystery story combination in a long while.
That aspect is the most potent aspect of this book. By solving the puzzles in order, you picture the story.
It is quite well done, and if you’re gripped, you want to continue solving them to understand the full narrative.
The setting was interesting as well.
4.5 stars.

I love mystery books and puzzle games so this book is the perfect combination for me. There are so many great puzzles to follow.

I’ve never tried puzzle books before but I have to say this one was a lot of fun! As a fan of both murder mysteries and puzzles, I had a feeling this would be perfect for me and I was right.

I never tried a puzzle book before and I really enjoyed this one! There were different difficulties and it kept me entertained throughout the whole book and I did not want to put it down! It's definately a different reading experience compared to a normal book but I recomment trying it!

I really enjoyed this ! It’s so different to normal puzzle books
It was fun interacting and interesting I couldn’t put it down
Definitely think it will be better in paper back

Thank you NetGalley and Collins for this eCopy to review

I thoroughly enjoyed the Killer on the Canal, it combines 2 things I love a great whodunit and puzzles! The story was interesting with a great cast of characters and there was a good variety of puzzles and different levels of difficulty to keep me entertained along the way. I look forward to joining Harvey Rivers again soon.