The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully is a fun mystery, pulling the reader into the world of privilege and hidden agendas surrounding a suspicious death inside a wealthy Vermont family, while watching the main character blunder her way through the investigation.

Olivia Blunt has landed her dream job, working with Aubrey Merrit, a renowned private investigator she has admired since discovering her while researching for her previous role as a fact-checker for an online news agency. But her job is not what she had dreamed of, as she is relegated to answering phones and doing internet research. That is, until she is given the chance to travel with Aubrey to investigate an apparent suicide that the daughter of the victim thinks is suspicious.

The mystery itself begins with the loss of the Summersworth family matriarch. Aubrey and Olivia look into the original police investigation and the family and friends to try and determine how she died. The characters are done well, each leading to a tangled web of possible motives, but in such a way that nothing is obvious, which I like. Also, there is a secondary plot that comes to light quite accidentally, which leads to a little more danger than Olivia was ready for.

Olivia’s method of investigation shows that she goes more for heart, while Aubrey’s methods are technical and analytical. Their contrasting styles often clash, and while this can be a little uncomfortable, it adds realism enough that you feel for Olivia and question her life choices in wanting to work with her. This shows that the author’s character depictions are done well; other characters are hated, loved, or sympathized with in kind. While empathy is felt, it does not overshadow the plot, which has twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

Overall, The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant is a smart and entertaining read, filled with twists, good character moments, and just enough tension to keep you flipping pages. This book would be a charming addition to any cozy crime fan’s shelf.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing Group, the author, Liza Tully, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.