What a fun read! I simply couldn't put this novel down.
Lots of rollercoaster action in this story! I enjoyed the carnival atmosphere too. I loved it because I was once a carnie myself.
You'll love the characters and challenges that they had to face to solve the mystery.

loved the cover, this author really knows how to tell a story . i was hooked in from the beginning to the very end. plus this is the first book in the series that i have read. i make that mistake alot .

3.5 stars

This is the second in a new cozy mystery series from author Camille Sharp. Maiden Harlow is just coming down from the high of helping Golden Glen's new police captain solve the recent murders in her family's inn. Now, Summerfest has officially arrived in their small hamlet and the carnival coming to town means crazy rides, delicious fair food, and carnival fun for everyone. Or does it? Almost immediately, Maiden is yet again drawn into a web of murder, mystery, deceit and danger seemingly lurking around every corner of the fair. And when her dad pops up as one of the possible suspects, Maiden is determined - regardless of her burgeoning feelings for the hunky, sarcastic captain - to clear his name and solve the crime.

I have to admit that I was a bit harsh critiquing the writing style of the first book, but was willing to give it another go round because I enjoy the characters and thought it might mellow out for the second book. And I was right! Honestly, some of my initial critiques are still valid (I don't love the propensity of the author to use descriptors/adverbs in every other sentence to convey tone) BUT this story drew me in much more easily than the first one. I think perhaps the setting of a travelling carnival really helped bring in some strong secondary characters that propelled the plot in an engaging way. I'm looking forward to a third book in the series to see where the characters end up next!

Thanks to NetGalley and author Camille Sharp for giving me access to a free digital advanced readers copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided voluntarily.

This book has an interesting and unique premise from other books I have read in the same genre. I didn't know until after I started reading it that it is the second book in the installment, so I might have to check out the first one. It's a really good whodunit book with a lot of humor sprinkled throughout as well!

A Fair Chance of Murder is book two in A Maiden Harlow Mystery series by Camille Sharp.
What a great cozy mystery story.
The pages fly by and the ending is oh so good.
I have to read book one Murder Checks Inn next.
And can’t wait for book three Pretty Little Princesses.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I was first drawn to the cover of this book, so I didn't bother to look further into it. This is the second Maiden Harlow book with a third releasing in a few days.

Once I received this book (Thank you, NetGalley), I got right to it. I didn't set my hopes too high because there weren't many reviews for it. I was so shocked at how well this book was written. It was such a fun read and falls heavily into the 'YA/cozy thriller' category. It is also still a very good stand alone read. I love how sarcastic and sassy both Harlow sisters were, but I wish Vonny was more prevalent in the entire book and not just the beginning. The inner monologues of Maiden and David were a little cheesy, but doesn't kill the overall vibe.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I look forward to the next one, and will be reading the first one as well!

[I would also like to see this book about a hamster stealing building supplies]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Camille Sharp’s A Fair Chance of Murder is a delightful addition to the mystery genre, offering readers a charming blend of small-town intrigue, colorful characters, and a captivating whodunit. Set in the picturesque town of Golden Glen, this novel is the second installment in the Maiden Harlow Mystery series and continues to build on the engaging world Sharp has created.

The story unfolds during Golden Glen’s annual Summerfest, a time of celebration that turns sinister when a visiting carnival worker is murdered. The victim, known for being one of the most disliked members of the traveling show, leaves behind a trail of suspects and motives. Maiden Harlow’s father, Alfie, becomes a prime suspect, addicting emotional depth to the story. Determined to clear her father’s name, Maiden dives into the investigation, uncovering secrets and navigating the complexities of carnival life.

Maiden Harlow is a standout protagonist—intelligent, resourceful, and deeply loyal to her family. Her determination to solve the mystery and protect her father adds emotional depth to the story. The quirky residents of Golden Glen and the enigmatic carnival performers, add richness to this novel. Each character brings their own unique flavor to the story, making the town of Golden Glen feel vibrant and alive.

A Fair Chance of Murder explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the hidden lives of seemingly ordinary people. Sharp’s writing is engaging and witty, with a perfect balance of suspense and humor. The dialogue is sharp, and the descriptions vividly bring the setting and characters to life.

Camille Sharp has crafted a cozy mystery that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. A Fair Chance of Murder is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, offering a clever plot, engaging characters, and a charming setting. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Maiden Harlow series or a newcomer, this book is sure to delight with its clever twists and turns.

Highly recommended for fans of mysteries and anyone looking for a delightful escape into the world of Golden Glen.

Maiden's father, who is a woodworker displaying his wares at the local fair, is implicated in the murder of a much-disliked member of the fair staff. Maiden and her sister are ones who literally stumbled upon the body in the house of mirrors. Maiden has a history with the local captain who must investigate the crime. She seeks to clear her father's name without getting in the captain's way.

I enjoy cozy mysteries, but I couldn't connect with the main character in this one. If I had read book one in the series, perhaps I would have understood the relationship dynamic between Maiden and the police captain, but it seemed that there was unwarranted animosity on her part. I felt that the book should have been set in the late 1800s -- their relationship would have made more sense in a historical context. About a third of the way through, I simply didn't care about the relationship nor the solution to the crime.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a hint of carnival mischief, A Fair Chance of Murder is a delightful ride! Maiden is a sharp, determined protagonist whose quest to clear her father’s name keeps the suspense building. The plot twists through carnival tents, rivalries, and secrets, making each chapter feel more exciting than the last. What I loved most was the combination of humor and tension—it kept me hooked from the very first page. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy sleuthing alongside witty, lovable characters.

Step right up, folks! A Fair Chance of Murder takes you on a rollercoaster ride through carnival secrets, betrayals, and—yep—murder. Maiden’s got her hands full trying to save her dad from being the main suspect, and the whole thing is a wild mix of mystery, humor, and small-town drama. It’s like a cotton candy-coated whodunit with extra twists! If you love snappy heroines and a plot that keeps you guessing, you have to read this book. 🎡🔍

I dnf'd this book. I loved the cover and had high hopes, I didn't get super far. I just felt bored. I did see it's a volume 2 so maybe I need to read 1 first.

This was a strong sequel in the Maiden Harlow Mystery series, it had that charm that I enjoyed from the first book and from the genre. The characters had that element of that I was looking for from the genre and enjoyed the carnival element. I thought Camille Sharp wrote this perfectly and was glad I got to go to this novel.

The story is set in a small town in during the Summerfest. Someone murders a much-hated person at the carnival and Maiden Harlowe tries to find the culprit, because her father is one of the suspects. There are twists and turns in the plot, which makes it really exciting.
I think the strongest point of the novel is the cast of quirky characters and the humorous banter between Maiden and the Captain, which I enjoyed a lot.
I can recommend this book to anyone who like me likes the cosy mystery genre.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery!!

A good read to cozy up with, set in a small town. Highly recommend!

Murder-mystery
Small town
Plot twists and turns
A very very slow burn

I loved the relationship between Captain Anderson and Maiden with all the witty banter and clear romantic tension. The storyline of solving suspicious deaths in a town carnival is compelling, but I did feel some of the story dragged. The descriptions of the attractions, especially the mirror maze and fun house were great for visualization and I never knew who the next suspect or victim would be.

Overall a solid 4⭐️ read if you like a lighter murder-mystery

Camille Sharp’s A Fair Chance of Murder is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and humor, set in a charming Midwestern town that really brings the story to life. The characters are vibrant and distinct, each one with a unique personality that adds layers of enjoyment to the book. I especially loved the chemistry between the lead characters—their romance is sweet, and their interactions are both heartwarming and hilarious. Sharp’s wit shines throughout, keeping the tone light even as the mystery unfolds. My only reservation is that some of the flirtation felt a tad over the top at times, but overall, this was a thoroughly fun read that kept me engaged from start to finish. Highly recommend it for fans of cozy mysteries with a romantic twist!

3.5 ⭐️

Reading this book was such a delight!
It was cosy, it was funny, it was captivating.

This is the second book that follows Maiden Harlow’s adventures: while enjoying the local carnival with her sister, they stumble upon a dead body.
This leads Maiden to an investigation to find out who the killer is, and in between some quirky and cute banters with the captain of the police, and a bit too many pies, she unravels the mystery behind the murder.

I liked how the story was presented and how there was the right balance between seriousness and fun.
The unravel of the chain of events kept me engaged to the book, and the relationships between the main character and the characters around her were funny and interesting to read about. The author described the conversations so beautifully that it felt like I was there with them.

I never read the sub-genre “cosy thriller” before, therefore it took me a bit of time to get used to the style of writing. Nonetheless, I recommend this book, and I will definitely catch up with the other books written by the author, Camille Sharp.

Thank you NetGalley, BookBuzz and the author for granting me an e-arc!

A cozy murder mystery with a carnival setting, this book was fun and twisty. I love this entire series almost purely just because of the author's writing style. She always has such great descriptions and fun storylines that keep the readers engaged to the last page.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Camille Sharp for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Fair Chance of Murder, which was released August 30, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this author’s writing! I missed this book when it came out, but I’m loving this series. It’s cozy and mystery fun! I think the carnival was a fun setting. I think the plot was interesting. It was stressful for Maiden’s father to be one of the suspects. I’ll definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

~Murder-mystery, Small-town, Plot-twists, and more!~

A Fair Chance of Murder by Camille Sharp follows Maiden Harlow at the Summerfest carnival in her hometown of Golden Glen. After the last murder at Maiden and her family's business, Harlow House, Maiden is more than ready to ditch all the attention that came with solving the murder. With the carnival in town, she is prepared to relax with her family and enjoy the rides. So when Maiden and her sister, Vonny, stumble upon a body, Maiden knows things are about to get anything but relaxing, especially since her father is one of the suspects. As Maiden starts sleuthing, she realizes things aren't as they seem, with lies, secrets, and betrayal riddling the employees. Will Maiden be able to figure out who did it before things get worse? And will she and Captain McAlister be able to keep things civil?

2| Rating this book was hard. The actual story is great. I loved the descriptions of scenery in the beginning, though it did taper off as the story went on. I enjoyed seeing Maiden and Vonny's relationship in the beginning, even though I wish her presence were a bit more consistent. It also seemed like the Kylie and Gloria storyline disappeared aswell and was only briefly resolved at the end. It seemed too much like an afterthought to me. One part I loved was Miaden and Captain McAlister's banter and dynamic. It was fun to read their interactions. The mystery was great, with lots of twists and turns with secrets coming out constantly. I liked getting to see more of Maiden's interaction with her father. The overall continuation from the last book to this one was well done. The continued library book storyline was a fun touch, and I enjoyed the banter we got through it. Though there were a lot of new characters at once, I did enjoy the new places we got to see, like the cafe. I did wish we got to see more of the Inn. It was only mentioned in passing; I missed some of the day-to-day we got in the last book.

My main issue with this book, and honestly the only reason I rated it so low, is the offensive language towards weight. This may be due partly to the writing style, which I still think clashes with this story and causes a bit of confusion at certain points. Besides Maiden's figure and looks constantly being mentioned throughout the book, weight was also used to put certain characters down. At one point, it was even said a character was "too skinny" to get pregnant, which was used as an insult. At another point, a character was straight-up called overweight, but that didn't matter because their bright clothes distracted from it. It's just odd and offensive language that could have easily been avoided. Not to mention that Bille was called plain-spoken multiple times. Again just strange that so much emphasis was put on that.

Overall, this story has a lot of potential. I hate that my rating is so low because I genuinely enjoyed so much of this story. If the offensive weight talk was taken out, this could easily be a 4-star read. There is so much potential with the characters and story here. This author can write a fantastic mystery, no doubt, and I loved the descriptions of the scenery in the beginning. If things were more constant and the lanugue was less offensive, this would have been 5 stars. I hope this language is fixed for the next book because I enjoy the characters and the story the author has created.