A Deadly Clue by Victoria Gilbert ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Cameron Clewe and Jane Hunter, lovers of all things bookish, are slowly cataloging Cam’s private collection of first edition books acquired from the deceased patriarch of the wealthy Stewart family. When Jane finds a note from Kimberly Stewart Ward, one of the daughters of the Stewart patriarch—who supposedly committed suicide—she discovers someone was actually targeting her with the intention of killing her.  

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

January 2026; Crooked Lane Books; 979-8892422154
audio, ebook, print (288 pages); cozy mystery

A Deadly Clue is the third book in Victoria Gilbert's Hunter and Clewe series. I read book 1, A Cryptic Clue, but I missed book 2, A Killer Clue. Though there are references to their previous case, important information is provided. I think these books could be easily read as standalone novels.

I read cozy mysteries mostly for the characters. And in the first book, I enjoyed the characters. In this book, I didn't enjoy them quite as much. If you haven't read this series before, Jane Hunter is a 60-something librarian cataloging Cameron Clewe's library - I think he is in his 30s. In addition to working as his private librarian, Jane works with Cam on cold cases. I thought Jane was a bit too "motherly" towards Cam, particularly in regards to his relationship with Lauren. I found it annoying and hope that it is toned down in future books.

This cozy mystery is different from most of the ones I read, as the main characters are constantly stumbling over dead bodies. There are still dead bodies, but that is not how they get involved in the case. It also means that their investigations don't involve local police.

As to the mystery in this book, it was quite obvious what happened. As soon as the accident was mentioned, I knew what had happened, as it is how it always happens. Part of me hoped that Gilbert wouldn't take the obvious route, but alas, she did, and so the reveal wasn't surprising.

Overall, it is an okay novel. There were parts I really liked with the characters interacting with some of the secondary characters. 

Buy A Deadly Clue at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. 

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