I picked up Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West on a whim and, honestly, it surprised me. Cozy mystery fans will love its quirky humor and gentle warmth. Sarah Jones, our main character, gets tangled up with others sharing her name—how wild is that?
These stories stay popular because they offer comfort, clever puzzles, and a safe escape from real-life stress.
Key Takeaways
Making Friends Can Be Murder is a cozy and funny mystery. It has jokes and characters you can relate to. It is great for people who like easy puzzles and sweet stories.
The story has many women named Sarah Jones. This causes funny mistakes and shows strong friendship. It makes the story feel new and welcoming.
This book is good for cozy mystery fans. It is also for people who like stories about being kind and helping others. Anyone who wants a calm and fun book will enjoy it.
Quick Verdict
I have to admit, I sometimes stay up late reading cozy mysteries. Even when I know I’ll be tired the next day, I keep reading. Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West made me do that again. I kept saying, “Just one more chapter.”
The story was funny and a little suspenseful, so I couldn’t stop. It didn’t make my heart race, but it did make me smile. There were even a few surprises I didn’t see coming.
If you want a book that feels smart and safe, this is a good pick. The story isn’t shocking, but it’s fun to follow. The jokes are new, and the group of Sarahs makes things interesting. I think West did a great job making a mix-up feel friendly and fun.
Who Should Read It
I like to think about who would enjoy a book most. For Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West, I see a few groups:
Cozy mystery fans who want a simple, relaxing story
Readers who like funny stories with interesting people
Anyone who wants a book with jokes and some heart
People who like stories about friends and community
Those who want a break from scary or serious mysteries
Tip: If you like books with amateur detectives, small towns, or funny characters, you’ll probably like this one too.
From what I’ve seen, the book is great for:
Women ages 25-55 who like light mysteries
Readers who want stories about kindness and friendship
People who want to read about normal, everyday life
Fans of other cozy mystery writers and series
Book clubs that want something fun and easy to talk about
I saw that the ads and reviews talk to people who want comfort and smart stories, not big drama. If that sounds like you, this book could be perfect for your next relaxing night.
Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West: Plot
Main Character
Sarah Jones feels like someone I could meet at my local coffee shop. She’s not a superhero or a genius detective. She’s just a regular woman who wants to make friends and live a good life. That’s what makes her so easy to root for. I found myself cheering for her, even when she made mistakes or got in over her head.
Sarah’s story gets even more interesting because she isn’t the only Sarah Jones in the book. There’s a whole group of women with the same name, and their lives start to cross in funny and sometimes awkward ways. This twist adds a playful layer to the story. I loved how the author used these mix-ups to show how friendships can start in the strangest places.
I laughed out loud when Sarah tried to explain which Sarah she was at a group event. The confusion felt real, but it never got mean or too silly. It just made me want to see what would happen next.
Sarah’s journey isn’t just about solving a mystery. She’s also dealing with her own worries and hopes. The book weaves in a sweet romance and a touching sister relationship. These extra storylines give Sarah more depth and make her feel like a real person. I could see her growing and changing as the story moved forward.
Sarah faces both outside problems and her own doubts.
Her relationships with other Sarahs, her sister, and a possible love interest all shape her choices.
The story balances funny moments with real feelings, so I cared about what happened to her.
The Mystery
The mystery in Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West kept me guessing. It’s not a chilling or jaw-dropping thriller, but it does have plenty of twists and turns. I found myself trying to piece together clues right along with Sarah.
The suspects all felt like people you might know—friends, neighbors, or coworkers. That made the stakes feel personal, even if the danger never got too scary.
Here’s what stood out to me about the mystery:
Every suspect had a reason to look guilty. I kept changing my mind about who did it.
The story dropped real clues, but also threw in red herrings to keep me on my toes.
Sarah’s investigation hit roadblocks. She made mistakes, missed hints, and sometimes trusted the wrong people.
The book followed a try/fail cycle. Just when I thought Sarah had it figured out, something new would pop up.
The final reveal felt satisfying. The author wrapped things up with a classic explanation scene, which I always enjoy in cozy mysteries.
I noticed the book used a dual-plot structure. The main mystery kept me turning pages, but the side stories—like Sarah’s romance and her bond with her sister—added extra layers. This made the story feel richer and more real. The tension built up slowly, with each new clue or setback raising the stakes. I never felt lost, but I did feel invested.
To be fair, the danger never felt too intense. The book protected kids and pets, and the tone stayed light. That’s exactly what I want from a cozy mystery. I want to feel curious, not scared.
If you like mysteries where the clues are there, but you still get surprised, this book does a great job. The pacing kept me engaged, and the ending left me smiling.
Setting and Atmosphere
Minneapolis and Beyond
I love when a book takes me somewhere real. This story starts in Minneapolis, and I could almost feel the city’s cool air and see the lakes in my mind. The author doesn’t drown you in details, but she gives just enough to make the setting feel alive.
I recognized the coffee shops, the running trails, and the way neighbors wave at each other. It felt like a place where I could walk my dog or grab a donut after a morning jog.
The city feels safe and familiar, which fits the cozy mystery vibe.
The story sometimes steps outside Minneapolis, but the heart stays in the community.
I noticed how the author uses local spots to bring the Sarahs together. These places become part of the story, almost like extra characters.
I didn’t need a map to follow along. The setting gave me comfort, like slipping into my favorite hoodie.
Cozy and Playful Tone
This book made me smile more than once. The tone stays light, even when things get tricky. I saw the author use playful moments to break the ice, just like when someone asks, “Do pineapples belong on pizza?” at a party. That silly question makes everyone laugh and relax. It sets a mood where people feel safe to share and even disagree without fighting.
The jokes and gentle teasing between characters made me feel included.
The story never gets too heavy. Even the arguments feel friendly.
I liked how the author used humor to show that it’s okay to be different.
Sometimes, a harmless debate or a silly question can make a group feel like friends. That’s what this book does best—it keeps things fun and welcoming, so I wanted to stay in the story a little longer.
Characters
The Sarah Jones Project
I have to give props to Kathleen West for making the Sarah Jones Project feel so fresh. I never thought a group of women with the same name could be this interesting. Each Sarah brings her own quirks and strengths to the table.
I loved how the main Sarah uses her skills to help others feel included. She doesn’t just collect data—she listens, asks questions, and makes everyone feel heard.
Sarah adapts her approach for people who think differently. She uses conversations instead of boring forms.
She encourages everyone to open up, even if they feel nervous or shy.
The group uses tech tools like transcription apps to help everyone join in, no matter how they process information.
I noticed the story highlights how important it is to include people with different backgrounds and ways of thinking.
The project gets support from friends and experts, which makes it feel real and important.
This mix of personalities and methods made the group feel alive. I found myself wishing I could join their meetings, just to see what would happen next.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast adds so much heart to the story. I met Sarah’s sister, who brings both comfort and a little drama. There’s a possible love interest who made me smile with every awkward moment. The other Sarahs each have their own stories, and I could tell the author cared about giving them real voices.
The side characters never felt flat or boring.
Each one had a reason to be there, and their actions mattered.
I liked how the friendships grew, sometimes in funny or surprising ways.
Sometimes, I laughed out loud at their group chats. Other times, I felt a little tug in my chest when someone shared a secret. That’s what makes these characters stick with me after I finish the last page.
Writing Style
Witty and Easygoing
I have to admit, I love when a book makes me smile without trying too hard. Kathleen West’s writing feels like chatting with a clever friend over coffee. The jokes pop up in the right places. The dialogue sounds real, not forced. I caught myself grinning at the way Sarah and the other Sarahs tease each other. The humor never feels mean or awkward.
Short, snappy sentences keep the story moving.
The author uses everyday words, so I never felt lost or confused.
I noticed the playful tone even during tense moments. That helped me relax and enjoy the ride.
Tip: If you like books that don’t take themselves too seriously, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
I also liked how the author sneaks in little observations about life and friendship. These moments made me nod and think, “Yes, I’ve felt that too.”
Pacing
I’ll be honest, I sometimes lose patience with slow books. This one kept me turning pages. The chapters stay short. Each scene has a purpose. I never felt stuck waiting for something to happen.
The story jumps right into the action. No long, boring setup.
Clues and jokes appear often, so I never got bored.
The author balances mystery and character moments. I cared about both.
Sometimes, I wanted to read “just one more chapter” before bed. That’s always a good sign for me. The pacing felt just right—not too fast, not too slow. I finished the book in a couple of cozy evenings, and I didn’t want to rush through it.
Themes
Friendship
Friendship sits at the heart of this story. I felt it in every scene with the Sarahs. The book shows how trust, caring, and support can grow between people—even when they start as strangers with the same name.
I loved watching the group move from awkward introductions to real connections. The author uses small moments, like sharing secrets or helping each other out, to show what friendship means.
Here’s what stood out to me:
The Sarahs build trust by listening and showing up for each other.
They make mistakes, but they forgive and try again.
The group feels safe, even when things get messy.
I found a table that sums up how readers think about friendship and romance in stories:
Theme/Scenario | Description | Key Reader Response |
|---|---|---|
Friendship Dimensions | Trust, caring, support, knowledge | Betrayal rated very low; support rated high |
Romance Cancels Plans | Friend cancels for a date | Mixed: Some value friendship, some romance |
Telling Secrets | Sharing private info | Seen as risky, but sometimes positive |
Most readers, like me, want to see trust and kindness in friendships. When a character betrays a friend, readers rate it very low. Support and caring get the highest marks.
Romance
Romance in this book feels sweet and real. It never takes over the story, but it adds a nice spark. I liked how Sarah’s crush made her nervous and excited. The romance grows slowly, with awkward moments and honest talks. It never felt forced.
The love story fits with the friendship theme. Sarah’s friends cheer her on and give advice.
Sometimes, romance gets in the way of plans with friends. The book shows both sides, and I liked that balance.
The story treats both friendship and romance as important. No one has to pick just one.
I smiled at the gentle flirting and the way romance made Sarah braver. It felt true to life—messy, funny, and sometimes a little scary.
Unique Elements
Multiple Sarahs
I have to admit, the idea of a whole group of women named Sarah Jones pulled me in right away. I’ve never read a book that played with identity like this. At first, I thought it might get confusing, but it actually made the story more fun. Each Sarah felt real and different. I started to look forward to their mix-ups and inside jokes.
The author uses the shared name as a running gag, but also as a way to explore friendship.
I loved how the group leaned into the confusion, turning it into a reason to meet up and support each other.
Sometimes, I caught myself laughing at the chaos in their group chats. It reminded me of those moments when you text the wrong person and end up making a new friend.
This twist made the book stand out from other cozy mysteries. It gave the story a playful energy that kept me turning pages.
The Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon sets the stage for the book’s big finish. I could almost feel the buzz of the crowd and the nervous excitement at the starting line. The marathon isn’t just a backdrop—it brings all the Sarahs together for one last, wild adventure.
The race adds urgency and a sense of celebration to the story’s climax.
I found myself rooting for Sarah, hoping she’d find answers and maybe a little courage along the way.
The marathon scenes felt real, with sweaty palms and pounding hearts. I even got a little anxious, waiting to see what would happen next.
If you love stories where ordinary people do something brave, the marathon scenes will stick with you. They made me want to lace up my sneakers and join in—well, almost!
Strengths & Weaknesses
I have to admit, I sometimes read cozy mysteries way past my bedtime. This book pulled me in with its quirky setup and made me laugh out loud more than once. Here’s what stood out for me:
Strengths:
Unique premise: The whole “multiple Sarah Jones” idea felt fresh. I never got bored with their mix-ups.
Warm, funny tone: The jokes landed for me. I found myself grinning at the group chats and awkward moments.
Relatable characters: Sarah and her friends felt like people I might know. I cared about what happened to them.
Pacing: Short chapters and quick scenes kept me turning pages. I finished the book in just a couple of nights.
Friendship focus: The story celebrates kindness and support. That gave me a cozy, safe feeling.
Weaknesses:
Predictable mystery: I guessed the culprit before the reveal. The clues felt a bit obvious at times.
Light stakes: The danger never felt chilling or pulse-pounding. Sometimes I wanted a little more suspense.
Similar voices: A few of the Sarahs blended together for me. I had to flip back to remember who was who.
Side plots: Some storylines, like the romance, felt rushed or didn’t get enough attention.
To be fair, I didn’t expect a jaw-dropping twist. I wanted comfort and a few laughs, and that’s what I got. If you want a cozy mystery that’s easy to read and leaves you smiling, this one fits the bill.
Genre Comparison
Cozy Mystery Standouts
I’ve read a lot of cozy mysteries, and I always come back for the same reasons. These books feel like a warm blanket on a cold day. Here’s what makes them stand out for me:
Comforting settings: Cozy mysteries usually take place in safe, familiar places—think small towns, cute shops, or friendly neighborhoods.
Amateur sleuths: The main character isn’t a pro detective. She might run a bakery, knit sweaters, or, like Sarah, just want to make friends.
Gentle tone: There’s no graphic violence or scary scenes. The focus stays on puzzles and people, not blood or big chases.
Community feel: I love how these stories build a sense of belonging. The characters support each other, and the stakes feel personal.
I always look for that “quiet domestic interest.” If a book makes me want to join the characters for coffee, I know I’ve found a good cozy.
How It Differs
Sometimes, I pick up a mystery and realize it’s not a cozy at all. Here’s how this book stands apart from other types:
Traditional mysteries can get darker, with more action and sometimes official investigators. The pacing is faster, and the crimes feel bigger.
Hard-boiled thrillers go even further, with tough detectives, political drama, and way more suspense.
Cozy mysteries, like this one, keep things light. The main character solves problems with heart, not fists.
The genre has changed over time. Now, I see more diverse characters and settings, but the promise of comfort and clever puzzles stays strong.
If you want a story that feels safe and fun, cozies deliver. I always know I’ll get a smart puzzle and a happy ending.
Final Thoughts on Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West
Overall Enjoyment
I’ll be honest, I read this book way past my bedtime. I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” and then I’d look up and realize it was midnight. Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West didn’t leave me gasping, but it did make me laugh and feel cozy.
The story felt like a warm hug after a long day. I loved the quirky group of Sarahs and their silly mix-ups. The jokes landed for me, and I found myself rooting for Sarah, even when she made mistakes.
The mystery didn’t feel chilling or pulse-pounding, but that’s not what I wanted from this book. I wanted comfort, a few surprises, and characters who felt real. That’s exactly what I got. The ending wrapped things up in a way that left me smiling. I’d rate it a solid 6.5 out of 10.
Recommended For
If you want a book that feels like a safe place, this one fits. I’d recommend it to:
Cozy mystery fans who love gentle puzzles
Readers who want stories about friendship and kindness
Anyone who enjoys a playful, heartwarming tone
Book clubs looking for something light and easy to discuss
Tip: If you like stories with amateur sleuths, group chats, and a little romance, you’ll probably enjoy this one. Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West is perfect for a rainy afternoon or a night when you just want to relax.
I loved the quirky setup and heartwarming tone in Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West. If you want:
A cozy mystery with real laughs
Characters who feel like friends
A light, easy read
This book fits. I’d give it a 6.5/10 for pure comfort and fun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Making Friends Can Be Murder a good pick for book clubs?
I think so! The quirky group and funny moments spark great conversations. The story’s focus on friendship and community makes it easy to discuss.
Do I need to love running to enjoy the Chicago Marathon scenes?
Nope! I don’t run, but I still enjoyed the marathon’s excitement. The race just adds a fun twist to the story.
Will I get confused by all the Sarahs?
I worried at first, but each Sarah has her own personality. The author uses jokes and group chats to help keep everyone straight.
