A Merritt and Blunt Mystery #2

The Forty-Year Grudge

By: Liza Tully

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Description

When the World's Greatest Detective reunites with her college friends, she discovers that time doesn't heal all wounds.

It's been four decades since the women of Sigma Delta Tau were last together. The passing years, growing families, and maturing careers may have strained the bonds of sisterhood, but now a reunion at the Western ranch of one member offers an opportunity to renew acquaintances...and at least one long-standing grudge.

Still, this weekend is supposed to be a pleasant diversion for former sorority member and current private investigator Aubrey Merritt. She's come to New Mexico to reconnect with old friends and she's brought along her personal assistant, Olivia Blunt-an aspiring detective who is learning more about packing bags on this trip than about solving crimes.

The shocking murder of a sorority sister changes everything. With the local police overmatched, all eyes turn to Merritt and Blunt to crack the case. With a surprising abundance of suspects, it's going to take both of them to cut through the knot of old hurts and current grievances to find the killer.
When the World's Greatest Detective reunites with her college friends, she discovers that time doesn't heal all wounds.

It's been four decades since the women of Sigma Delta Tau were last together. The passing years, growing families, and maturing careers may have strained the bonds of sisterhood, but now a reunion at the Western ranch of one member offers an opportunity to renew acquaintances...and at least one long-standing grudge.

Still, this weekend is supposed to be a pleasant diversion for former sorority member and current private investigator Aubrey Merritt. She's come to New Mexico to reconnect with old friends and she's brought along her personal assistant, Olivia Blunt-an aspiring detective who is learning more about packing bags on this trip than about solving crimes.

The shocking murder of a sorority sister changes everything. With the local police overmatched, all eyes turn to Merritt and Blunt to crack the case. With a surprising abundance of suspects, it's going to take both of them to cut through the knot of old hurts and current grievances to find the killer.

This Edition

Format
Hardback
Pages
352
Published
June 9, 2026
ISBN-13
9780593816806
Publisher
Penguin Publishing Group
Imprint
Berkley

Trade Reviews

Praise for THE FORTY YEAR GRUDGE

“With all the clues cleverly hidden in plain sight, this is a treat for fair-play mystery fans.” Publishers Weekly

“The interplay between Aubrey and Olivia is a lot of fun, and this novel is something mystery fans will enjoy.”—Red Carpet Crash

“Looking for a reason to avoid your college reunion? Tully is happy to oblige.”—Kirkus

Praise for THE WORLD’S GREATEST DETECTIVE AND HER JUST OKAY ASSISTANT

A selection for “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club” from GBH Boston

“Tully’s prose is crisp and witty, her plotting precise, and the dynamic between her [lead characters] as psychologically astute as it is entertaining. A savvy, layered mystery with real narrative charm.”—The Seattle Times


"This is a classic wealthy-family whodunit centered on a funny and smart pair of women who are opposites in just about every way. Readers will love spending time with this investigatory duo." —Library Journal


"Readers will be eager for a sequel" —Publishers Weekly

"A well-written drama that had me immediately immersed in all aspects of this wickedly solid storyline that kept me intrigued throughout." —Dru's Book Musing

"Wild applause for this clever and original take on Holmes and Watson--with lead characters who are iconic and relatable from page one." —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author

"I can't stop recommending this book to my friends! Fun, funny, and with the best murder mystery I've read this year, Liza Tully's The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant will both charm you and keep your brain busy trying to guess whodunnit."
Jessica Payne, bestselling author of Never Trust the Husband and Make Me Disappear

“A great novel….Not to be missed.”—Red Carpet Crash

“It’s a love letter to detective fiction, bringing modern sensibility and humor to classic conventions.”—Trill

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