In the cutthroat world of real estate, agents will do anything to close a deal. But murder? That’s taking things a bit far. Amazon Original Stories’ new “Busybodies” collection brings together six bite-sized mysteries perfect for nosy neighbors and armchair detectives. Kicking off the series is New York Times bestselling author Elle Cosimano’s “Staged,” a wickedly funny tale that proves selling houses can be murder.
From Curb Appeal to Crime Scene
Lyda is desperate to make her first sale as a real estate agent. When she finally lands a listing for a crumbling Victorian, she’ll do anything to flip it—including enlisting help from Dani, a TikTok-obsessed home stager with more confidence than experience. But their plans for the perfect open house are derailed when they discover the landscaper’s body in the bedroom. Suddenly, these unlikely partners find themselves playing detective to solve the murder before it sinks their sale.
Cosimano displays a deft touch, balancing humor and mystery as Lyda and Dani bumble their way through an investigation. The short story format works to the tale’s advantage, keeping the pacing brisk and the jokes landing in rapid succession. Readers looking for depth may be left wanting, but “Staged” by Elle Cosimano succeeds as a breezy palate cleanser between meatier reads.
A Cast of Colorful Suspects
While Lyda and Dani make for an endearing odd couple, it’s the parade of eccentric suspects that truly shine:
- The lecherous photographer with a #MeToo scandal in his past
- A rival agent whose desperation rivals Lyda’s own
- The victim’s jilted lover, armed with whiskey and a motive
Cosimano wrings laughs from each interaction as our amateur sleuths dig deeper into the victim’s tangled love life and business dealings. The resolution may stretch credulity, but it fits the story’s madcap tone.
Bringing Down the House
“Staged” by Elle Cosimano is the literary equivalent of a well-produced HGTV show—glossy, addictive, and gone too soon. Cosimano clearly had fun playing in this world, and that enthusiasm is infectious. While the mystery may not be particularly complex, the author’s witty prose and memorable characters more than make up for any shortcomings in the plot.
Fans of Cosimano’s young adult thrillers like Finlay Donovan Is Killing It will find a similar blend of humor and suspense here, albeit in a more condensed package. “Staged” also serves as an excellent introduction to her style for new readers.
The “Busybodies” Collection: Something for Every Snoop
“Staged” kicks off the “Busybodies” series with flair, setting a high bar for the stories to follow:
- The Reunion Dinner by Jesse Q. Sutanto
- Crime of Fashion by Emma Rosenblum
- The Nosy Neighbor by Nita Prose
- One Lucky Subscriber by Kellye Garrett
- A Classic Case by Alicia Thompson
Each entry promises its own unique spin on the amateur detective formula. If the quality matches “Staged,” mystery fans are in for a treat.
The Verdict: A Quick and Quirky Delight
The Good:
- Fast-paced and funny
- Memorable characters
- Perfect palate cleanser between longer reads
The Not-So-Good:
- Mystery may be too simple for hardcore whodunit fans
- Short format limits character development
While “Staged” by Elle Cosimano may not revolutionize the mystery genre, it excels at what it sets out to do – entertain. Cosimano has crafted a delightful confection of a story, one that goes down easy and leaves you craving more. For fans of cozy mysteries with a comedic edge, this is a must-read.
Beyond the Open House
Readers hungry for more of Cosimano’s blend of humor and suspense should check out her Finlay Donovan series, starting with Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. For those intrigued by the real estate angle, might I suggest The Sell by Fredrik Eklund for a non-fiction look at the wild world of high-stakes property sales?
With “Staged,” Elle Cosimano proves that good things come in small packages. This bite-sized mystery is the perfect accompaniment to a lazy afternoon, best enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee and your nosiest neighbors. Just be prepared—you may find yourself eyeing your real estate agent a bit more suspiciously at the next open house.
