Patty Lesser’s Murder at the Canadian National Exhibition is such a clever ride—equal parts mystery, relationship drama, and literary homage. What starts out as a light day at the CNE quickly becomes a tangled web of deceit, abandonment, and hidden motives. Lesser has a gift for blending ordinary moments with underlying suspense. As a reader, you’re lulled into the comfort of fairground nostalgia, only to find yourself slowly caught in a story that’s much darker than it first appears.

What stood out most for me was the character work. Abby is not your typical amateur sleuth—she’s a widowed woman trying to re-enter the world of relationships, make sense of her life, and reconnect with joy. Her emotional honesty, mixed with quiet resilience, makes her someone you root for. The supporting characters, especially Pat and Jane Yurich, add intriguing layers that blur the lines between fiction and reality.

The slow-build mystery kept me turning pages, but it was the emotional and psychological journey that really stuck with me. This book is more than a murder mystery—it’s a compelling portrait of a woman reclaiming her agency in the face of betrayal. Loved it.

What a smart and emotionally rich mystery! Murder at the Canadian National Exhibition takes a seemingly innocent day at Toronto’s famous fair and turns it into a layered, character-driven thriller that’s impossible to put down. Abby, our narrator, is sharp, observant, and wonderfully human. She starts off the book as someone simply looking forward to a fun outing—but when her boyfriend mysteriously vanishes, the day unravels into something far more unexpected.

I loved how this book combined the thrill of a murder mystery with the quiet intimacy of personal reflection. Abby’s inner voice feels honest and vulnerable, and the way her relationships are portrayed—especially her realization about Mike—felt incredibly real. And then there’s the twist involving one of her favorite authors that made the whole plot take on a meta-fictional layer I didn’t see coming.

This isn’t just about a murder. It’s about trust, independence, and what happens when fantasy collides with truth. The setting is full of life, the writing is clean and immersive, and the pacing keeps you engaged without rushing. Highly recommended for readers who love mysteries with heart and depth.