ARC Review: Layla Virtue #2

Gimme Shelter by Libby Klein

Publication Date: April 28, 2026

Summary from NetGalley:

As the song says, you can’t always get what you want. Maybe that’s why, instead of fulfilling her youthful dream of being a rock star, Layla Fortune is living in a trailer park while playing third-rate gigs, including a stint at a ʼ70s Abba brunch. Given everything else she’s been through lately, she’s not complaining (much) about satin ruffles and go-go boots. She has a squad of supportive new BFFs, and she’s reclaimed a relationship with her famous rocker dad. His recent diagnosis has brought them even closer—sharing the trailer park’s lake house, which he’s had remodeled in typically over-the-top style.

Layla’s dad loves his new community and the feeling seems mutual. So, why is one of them blackmailing him? It’s a mystery almost as baffling as the assignment Layla receives from her former Commissioner: look into the brutal murder of a mild-mannered school teacher. Archie Wilkins was bludgeoned with a candelabra, shot up with drugs, and stuffed into a church confessional. Not the kind of outcome expected for a guy reputed to be the world’s nicest.

Perhaps Archie had secrets. Perhaps everyone does, including Layla’s one-time cop colleagues. She’s been blaming herself for a deadly ambush that destroyed her career and her peace of mind, but as her new friends help Layla regain her memories, a different picture emerges, and it’s one that forces her to question so much that she’s taken as truth . . .

ARC provided by Kensington Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.

Confession:

This second book in this sort of dark yet cozy mystery series was just as fun as the first one, Vice and Virtue, which I read last year. I love the characters and the mystery was quite good. There are some heavier topics in this series than your usual cozy mystery, but the found family and the quirky trailer park folks make it a fun time.

Layla is such a great character. She is smart, sassy and dealing with a lot of stuff. She doesn’t trust easily, but once she does she is loyal. I really like her relationship with her father, a famous rock star from the 80’s. It feels like an honest one, even though he has disappointed her and wasn’t always there when she was growing up. She is now dealing with his dementia and worried about losing him. Mix that with recovering from alcohol addiction and having to deal with being a disgraced ex cop, she has a lot on her plate. She also somehow finds herself in charge of the trailer park, just because her father bought it for her. But she still somehow manages to keep her spirits up and help others when they need it.

There is a large cast of secondary characters but it is easy to keep them apart as they are all different and quirky, especially the trailer park gang. I love how she has managed to surround herself with people who want to support her, even as she pushes them away. I love the two love interests, not sure if this is going to be a love triangle or not. Nick seems to be content with being just her friend, but still seems hostile to Dayton whenever he shows up. Things could get interesting in the next book. I also just adore the three women who befriended her and who are also members of AA. They are fiercely loyal and will drop everything to help each other when things get tough. And a special shout out to Ringo, Layla’s sweet therapy dog. He is such a good boy!

There are actually two mysteries going on in this book. There is the easy one of trying to figure out who killed Archie Wilkins, the beloved teacher. Then there is the ongoing one of what happened to Layla’s partner and the truth behind the disastrous op that got her teamed killed. Layla is slowly getting her memories back from that day and things are not what they seem. The Archie Wilkins murder was a fun one, but somewhat easy. I knew the motive pretty quickly, but didn’t guess the who till it was revealed.

So much to love with this series. If you like cozy mysteries with quirky characters, yet deals with some heavier issues such as dementia and alcoholism then this is a series you want to give a chance. I love the musical aspect and the characters are really fun.