If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with a little sass and a lot of growth, Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder by Bellamy Rose might just hit the spot. This was a fun read, and while it had its share of lighthearted moments, it also gave me some surprising twists that kept me guessing along the way. It’s expected to be published in March 2025, so keep your eyes out for this one.
The story centers around Pomona Afton, who starts as an over-the-top spoiled brat, completely reliant on her cushy life. But when her wealthy grandmother is murdered and the will freezes all of the family’s assets for a year—unless the murderer is found—Pom is thrown headfirst into the real world. Watching her fumble (and fail!) through her first job and then slowly transform into a more grounded, relatable character was so satisfying.
The mystery itself was also enjoyable. I’ll admit, I thought I had it all figured out within the first few chapters. I was patting myself on the back, ready to solve the case before Pom. But then Bellamy Rose threw in some fun twists that kept me on my toes. It wasn’t mind-blowing or overly complex, but it was layered enough to keep me engaged and turning the pages.
I also loved the cozy vibes woven throughout—baking, cozy apartment feels, and the dynamic relationships Pom builds along the way. There’s a nice balance of humor and heart, and the ending ties everything up in a way that leaves you smiling.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a little character transformation and some unexpected turns, this one’s worth picking up. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Bellamy Rose.
Andrea: Pom’s childhood nanny and mother to Caleb and Gabe.
Gabe: Andrea’s son and Pom’s roommate.
Nicholas: Pom’s brother, who works in the family business.
Jessica: Nicholas’s girlfriend.
Vienne: Pom’s ex-friend.
Opal: A childhood acquaintance and later key figure in the mystery.
Summary:
Pom’s life is upended when her grandmother is brutally murdered. The day before her death, her grandmother called Pom, insisting they talk, but Pom was too busy. The next day, after a night of heavy partying, Pom finds her grandmother stabbed seven times.
The aftermath reveals that Pom’s grandmother left a stipulation in her will: if foul play is suspected, all her assets are frozen for a year unless the murderer is caught. If unresolved, the inheritance is locked away forever. Forced out of her luxurious life, Pom must fend for herself for the first time.
She turns to Andrea, her former nanny, who directs her to Gabe’s apartment. Pom struggles to adapt—she fails at a job in Gabe’s coffee shop but discovers she loves baking. Gabe helps her get a license to sell her baked goods, giving her a sense of purpose. But Pom is determined to solve her grandmother’s murder.
The Investigation:
Pom starts investigating those connected to her grandmother:
The CFO: He admits to arguing with her grandmother over not being allowed to take over the family business but denies involvement in her death. He hints at financial troubles and mentions a young girl threatening her grandmother.
Farah and another cousin: They have alibis but reveal they distanced themselves due to their father’s falling out with Grandma.
Opal: Pom visits her in Queens and learns that Opal’s family had to sell everything after her father’s involvement in a Ponzi scheme.
Pom’s Mother: Pom overhears her mother mention that a stiletto, her signature shoe, was the murder weapon. Confronted, her mother admits she argued with Grandma at the gala, threw a stiletto at her in anger, and called Nicholas and Jessica afterward but denies killing her.
Jessica: Security footage shows Jessica returning to the hotel alone. Confronted at dinner, Jessica confesses she threatened Grandma with exposing secrets about Nicholas but was eventually welcomed into the family. Jessica hints that Opal had been in the restricted family hallway the night of the murder.
The Breakthrough:
Pom discovers that her grandmother had been secretly paying Andrea (Gabe’s mother) for years. Andrea reveals she overheard something critical but signed an NDA to keep quiet. She directs Pom to Opal, whose story unravels under scrutiny.
Opal reveals that she’s actually an Afton—her mother had an affair with Pom’s grandfather. Opal approached Grandma for help when her family fell into financial ruin. After being berated by Grandma, Opal snapped and killed her in a fit of rage. Pom, wearing a wire supplied by Gabe’s detective brother, captures the confession, and Opal is arrested.
A Year Later:
Pom has rebuilt her life. She’s dating Gabe, reconciled with Vienne, and opened her own bakery, proving her resilience and growth.
