December Book Club: Here’s Looking at Murder, Kid by Della Pearl

Here’s Looking at Murder, Kid by Della Pearl

🎥 The smell of popcorn, the hum of a projector, and a quiet seaside town with a small movie theater showing classic Hollywood films—sounds idyllic, right? Until a dead body shows up before the credits roll.

Stevie Jewel returns to her hometown after a tough chapter in her life, hoping to settle into a quieter rhythm. As a silent partner turned very involved co-owner of the local cinema, she’s trying to revive the magic of old movies while navigating murder investigations and ferry schedules. Life in Sweet Penny Cove turns out to be anything but boring.

✨ What Stood Out:

The Setting: The movie theater backdrop was nostalgic and fresh. It reminded me of summers when my kids would enjoy popcorn and $5 classic Disney films—only this is a more grown-up take with classics like Casablanca and Alfred Hitchcock in the mix.

Stevie’s Perspective: Middle-aged, relatable, and starting over in a way that felt authentic. While I can’t say I’ve solved a murder, her experiences with family and friends struck a chord.

Teen Staffers: The two teens who work at the theater brought humor and accuracy to their roles, offering some light moments amidst the mystery.

The Puzzle: A layered and challenging mystery with just enough twists to keep me guessing until the end and awake past my bedtime.

PNW Vibes: The ferry schedules, unpredictable weather, and island rhythms added a unique and immersive flavor to the story.

This is a fun pick for cozy mystery fans or movie buffs who enjoy their whodunits with a dash of small-town charm. It’s early days for the Matinee Classics series, so you can jump in now and enjoy the ride.

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.

In 2025, two of her children’s books were selected for the CBC Favorites Award Lists, honored by teachers and librarians nationwide for excellence in children’s literature. Parents, kids, and educators love the Duke the Deaf Dog books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through engaging stories.

And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project thrown together the night before it’s due.

A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.