Read time – 2 minutes
What’s this book about?
A big-city journalist joins the staff of a small-town paper in cottage country and finds a community full of secrets … and murder.
Cat Conway has recently returned to Port Ellis to work as a reporter at the Quill & Packet. One of Cat’s first assignments is to interview legendary actor Eliot Fraser, the lead in the theatre’s season opener of Inherit the Wind . When Eliot ends up dead onstage on opening night, the curtain rises on the sleepy town’s secrets.
Can Cat solve the mystery before she loses her job or becomes the next victim of a killer with a theatrical bent for vengeance?
Let’s talk about the book
Bury the Lead straddles the line between a cozy mystery and a novel tackling strong contemporary issues. The portrayal of women navigating a male-centric field like journalism is handled with nuance and honesty. Cat’s moment of fame, where she responds to an assault, reveals both her strength and the difficult compromises reporters often face, regardless of gender.
The story’s #MeToo focus explores both past and current exploitation of women, making the novel relevant and thought-provoking. The narrative doesn’t shy away from showing that exploitation of women persists today, highlighted by both Cat’s experience and the stories of the women connected to Eliot Fraser. Set in the fictional small town of Port Ellis, with nods to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and First Nation lands, the setting vividly reflects the town’s secrets and complexities.
A small realism hiccup came when Cat notices Nick reading a specific article on his phone while she approaches. Given how people typically hold their phones, this felt unlikely, but it’s a minor detail that doesn’t overshadow the novel’s strengths.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Marnye Young. While her supporting characters were well done, her first person narration of Cat took a little time to find its rhythm. Eventually, her performance aligned with Cat’s personality and tone.
I discovered this series through a talk at Motive Crime & Mystery Festival 2025 in Toronto, where Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti discussed their second book. I’m glad I gave Bury the Lead a try and look forward to the next installment in the series.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, definitely. If you like cozy mysteries that also explore real-world issues, this book will appeal to you. It offers an engaging plot, relatable characters, and timely social themes. Plus, it sets up the Quill & Packet series nicely, and I am eager to continue with the next book.
Where to find the book?
📘 Purchase Bury the Lead on Amazon CA
📚 View Bury the Lead on Goodreads
🖋️Follow Kate Hilton & Elizabeth Renzetti for more about their books
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