A Zoom with a View, Jess Cannon (Review by Stephanie Crane)

Rating: 4.75/5 Stars

This novel delivers a sharp, entertaining mystery wrapped in small-town drama and layered with just enough emotional depth to keep it grounded. At the center is Leo, a woman returning to her hometown of Blue Oak after life hasn’t gone quite as planned. Her homecoming is anything but warm. While her best friend is thrilled to have her back, her mother would clearly prefer she had stayed away. That tension alone sets the tone for a story filled with complicated relationships and unresolved pasts.

Leo’s decision to pick up a photography side job while she figures out what comes next feels grounded and realistic, but it quickly spirals into something far more chaotic when a widely disliked local social media influencer turns up dead. From there, the story takes off, pulling readers into a whirlwind of speculation, online drama, and small-town secrets. The inclusion of snarky Reddit threads adds a modern and engaging twist, giving the mystery a unique voice and making the reader feel immersed in the chaos alongside the characters.

What makes this book stand out is its ability to balance humor with suspense. The writing is witty and sharp, often leaning into sarcasm without losing the emotional stakes. Leo is a compelling protagonist: flawed, relatable, and easy to root for, even as she becomes entangled with suspicion and the town’s growing paranoia.

The mystery itself is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have it figured out, another layer is revealed. Even through the final pages, the story maintains a sense of unpredictability, not only about the killer but about what lies ahead for Blue Oak and Leo

Overall, this is a fresh, snarky, and thoroughly engaging read. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a modern whodunit with strong character dynamics, a touch of humor, and plenty of small-town intrigue.