Operation Superglue (Prickly Pen Investigations Book 1)

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By William Reimers

Stacy Lee's Operation Superglue introduces readers to a refreshingly bold voice in the cozy crime genre, one that seamlessly integrates suspense, humor, and warmth with a precision that is both natural and intentional. The first installment of the Prickly Pen Investigations series, this novel, lays the groundwork for an uncommon phenomenon: a character-driven mystery that is not only captivating but also resonates with emotional authenticity.

The opening pages of Lee's work are characterized by fluid pacing and clever dialogue, which captivate readers. Her writing style is crisp and confident. She skillfully incorporates tension into everyday settings while maintaining the genre's comfort and charm, demonstrating a talent for creating immersive scenes and a subtle eye for detail. The plot is grounded in character development, and the narrative unfolds with the perfect balance of humor and stakes, ensuring that the reader remains engaged.

At the core of the narrative is Lina Rivera, a 35-year-old single mother who inadvertently enters the realm of amateur sleuthing. However, Lina is not your typical small-town detective; she is complex, flawed, and entirely relatable. The novel delves into the themes of resilience, reinvention, and the concealed strengths that are revealed when one's life is disrupted through her. Lina also uncovers her own inner resources as she navigates personal upheaval and a suspicious death, resulting in a quietly empowering character study and a mystery.

The book also thoughtfully addresses the themes of community, identity, and motherhood, which contributes to its emotional depth. Lee does not depend on sensationalism or caricature; rather, she relies on the characters to maintain the tension. Rather than being a mere plot device, this creates a narrative that is both authentic and well-earned. Readers are left not only guessing whodunnit but caring deeply about who it happens to—and what it all means.

Intellectually, the novel invites consideration of how ordinary people respond to extraordinary circumstances. Emotionally, it offers readers a companion in Lina—a protagonist who isn’t perfect but is always compelling. In every chapter, Stacy Lee proves that the mystery genre can hold space for vulnerability, humor, and humanity without sacrificing intrigue.

A must-read for fans of smart, emotionally rich mysteries with strong female leads and a heartbeat of truth beneath the suspense. This series debut promises much—and delivers even more.

About the Author

Stacy Lee

Stacy Lee is the author of the Nubble Light Series and the Prickly Pen Series. She is a lifelong resident of New England. She lives in New Hampshire with her incredibly supportive husband, two beautiful children, and two well loved (spoiled) rescue pups. She enjoys spending time in the historic town of York Beach, Maine with her family.