At Death's Dough: A Deep Dish Mystery (Deep Dish Mysteries, 5), by Mindy Quigley

 

Publication October 28, 2025

I've always been a bit fascinated by the gangster/mobster sagas. I even paid once to see Bonnie and Clyde's "death car" at the fair. I don't remember what I was expecting other than maybe some bullet holes but recall being a bit disappointed. Maybe sad, too. In any case, my long lasting fascination with all things gangster maybe helps explain part of the allure of this tale featuring family members of the Capone family, not to mention our main character is named Delilah O'Leary. You know, O'Leary, like  Mrs. O'Leary and that cranky cow that started a raging inferno in Chicago, or so the story goes. Our Delilah is a pizza chef, however, who has shown herself to be an excellent investigator, too, much to the annoyance of the Geneva Falls, Wisconsin, police chief. Boyfriend Calvin Capone is, no lie, a police investigator.

I won't detail the plot but will note that it involves both an old mystery that is seemingly tangled up in a new one. Delilah stumbles across it when taking her octogenarian aunt ice fishing. Again, no lie. Biz is full of life and isn't one to let the cold and ice stop her. Delilah, however, being fonder of much warmer surroundings, has made sure they have a roomy tent and heat to use atop the ice. That entails drilling holes. Let's just say, she finds something she wishes she hadn't while using the powerful auger. What? Oh, I didn't mention that you'd learn a bit about what happens to a body trapped under the ice? My bad. Grin. You'll also learn quite a bit about diving under the ice, too, not to mention Delilah's frightening experience diving in warm water. In fact, you're going to learn a bit about many of the characters, from Biz to the military trained skills that bartender Daniel brings to the group. Jarka even gets an unexpected surprise that she's not sure yet if she will appreciate. 

Bottom line, I liked seeing the way the team of characters has grown and come together to help solve a crime. Honestly, I didn't particularly like Delilah in book one given her overbearing control freak tendency, so it was interesting to see how best friend Sonja helps defuse that reappearing situation when Delilah is stressed too far and feeling a lack of control again. That's probably partly because Capone is mostly away during the case, once for his own reason, once for ticking off the chief, sigh, and Delilah misses his steady hand. Anyway, let's see, what else? Oh, secretive home buyers, bank records and internet scams get some time, as do difficult customers, spoiled dogs, and, well, as noted, the dangers of diving into ice covered waters. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for feeding my interest in all things gangster while serving up yet another top notch mystery with characters who come across as likable, well, for the most part, people we might all know. And, hey, Auntie Biz did get a new fishing rod out of it all, not to mention that Butterball deserves some virtual kitty treats. Grin. 

Sugar and Spite (Agatha Raisin Mysteries, #36), by M. C. Beaton; R.W. Green

 

Publication October 14, 2025

I always felt a bit conflicted when it came time to review an Agatha Raisin book. On the one hand, I usually find the mystery and the way her now team comes together to find clues and sort out what they really mean, if anything, impressive to watch. On the other, I've never quite liked Agatha. That changed a bit this go-round. While I can't say she's someone I'd want to spend much time hanging out with, her edges seem to have been smoothed out a bit. Not completely as, well, that just wouldn't be the Agatha Raisin so many have come to love, but she seemed more real to me, for lack of a better phrasing, this go-round. She's always ultimately had a heart of gold but, well, usually hides it well. True, she's still vain and, oh, boy, that temper, but it's obvious she cares deeply about her team and her friends. I mean, Mrs. Bioxby even talks her into attending a birdwatchers meeting. Er, twichers meeting. There seems to be a difference. That meeting leads her into a mystery investigation that involves multiple deaths, nearly being drowned, confronting a grouchy farmer angry that his land rights are being abused, and getting herself arrested and charged with murder. Just your typical Agatha Raisin case, you know. Grin.

 I'm not going to detail the plot as that would take some of the fun away from watching Agatha and her team unearth clues and investigate them to see if they're pertinent or, well, red herrings. Her instincts tend to guide her although she sometimes takes away to pin-point exactly what a bit or info or item may mean in the grand scheme of things. Take the time to get to know her team members as each is a unique character with different skills and viewpoints, making for some intriguing discussions. I very much liked them, as I do John and James, the seeming loves of her life. The police chief? Not so much. He's rude, arrogant, overbearing and unlike Agatha, doesn't seem to have any redeeming qualities. 

Bottom line,  I've surprised myself by admitting that I've slowly grown to appreciate Agatha for her good qualities, even if she's still not fond of dogs. I did laugh at her adventure in the mud, I must admit, and her choice of vehicle in the rather emotional roller coaster ending. I definitely didn't see that one coming. The plot moves along smoothly while still managing to give us a sense of why Agatha so loves living in Carsely. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #MinotaurBooks for keeping me in the fold and allowing me this early peek at Agatha's life, including her clothes choices, as well as preferred foods and drinks. I wonder if sheep will ever grow on her after this episode.

Death on Dickens Island (The Books on the Beach Mysteries, #1), by Allison Brook

 

Publication October 21, 2025

Tradition vrs. progress? Old vrs. new? Change vrs., well, "we've always done it that way". Those might be the main themes of this one aside from the murder mystery. The fictional Dickens Island sounds like a volatile mix of emotions as the book opens, both for main character Delia Dickens at home and throughout the community overall. And that's before the murder happens. Delia finds herself caught in the middle of it all, between feuding family members and outspoken residents who want to have a say in what happens in the community. Although shocked by the murder, the first known murder in the area, the residents don't let go of their concerns about the use of certain properties or the idea of a ferry line to connect the island better to the mainland. Was the murder the product of all these emotions or, uh-oh, a secret affair or some other family angst? 

To be honest, I didn't particularly care for Delia as the story opened. I was dubious about her thinking of why she abandoned Conner, her son, with her parents for nearly a dozen years. She seemed to have some real, sensible reasons behind it but, well, that's a long time. I did warm up to her eventually but it took quite a bit given the initial slow pace of the plot. That's normal for any new series, of course, but toss in the community angst and family drama going on and it was all bit hard to take in. I'm not sure we didn't spend as much time on those issues as we did the murder, not to mention the side story involving, no lie, Captain Kidd's supposed journal and an also supposed treasure map. Oh, boy, does that ever get Conner, Delia's son, into trouble. Oh, and there's a ghost, too. I actually rather liked Hannah the grandmother ghost but felt she was a bit extraneous. Perhaps she'll play a bigger role later but for this installment the role she played could have just as easily been conveyed via a surprise diary or some hidden letters. That said, she was a highlight for me and I found myself perking up whenever Delia and she connected. Given the other characters general turmoil, it was hard to connect with any of them aside from Jack the vet who treated the stray that Delia called Riley. 

Loved Riley, especially his relationship with Conner. Conner perhaps shows the most growth throughout, in fact, and shows great responsibility where Riley is concerned. Toss in a blooming relationship for Delia with Jack and there's progress. Bottom line, didn't love this installment but also didn't hate it. There's a lot of promise there. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for the early intro to this new set of characters and the intriguing setting of Dickens Island. 

 

Home Fries and Alibis , by Lena Gregory

 

Publication Sept. 23, 2025

First an admission, with another review already waiting to be written, I didn't set out to read this one in one day. Just a quick peek, I thought. I'm always drawn to character driven stories, however, and the next thing I knew it was almost time to think about a mid-evening snack as I pondered the ending. All-Day Breakfast Cafe owner Gia Morelli is beginning to feel at home in the Rolling Pines area on the outskirts of Florida's Ocala National Forest but wasn't prepared to find herself living across the street from a murder scene. Ironically, she'd just had a confrontation with the victim, Gladys, earlier when Gladys accused her dog of digging up her lawn and threatened to take care of it permanently if it happened again. Gia's dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Thor, had been inside at the time and was always closely monitored and on leash when out, but the woman had loudly persisted. Turns out that this sort of run-in with a neighbor wasn't a rarity for Gladys, so the suspect list was rather long when she was found dead. 

Although a relative late-comer to the series, as noted, I've come to like the characters and how well they mesh their skills and personalities to work through their amateur investigations. Given that Gia's best friend Savannah's husband Leo is with the police, as is Gia's boyfriend Hunt, they obviously aren't just flailing around in the dark. Alfie, their friend with some serious computer and hacking skills, is a stand-out this go-round and I had admired him for potentially putting himself in hot water with the police near the end for the benefit of his friends. A sense of community shines forth in this installment, making Gia realize she really, really needs to get to know her neighbors better. Let's just say, the neighbors are their for them when the time comes. Another stand-out character, one willing to fight his own inner demons that prevent him from being easily being able to enter a building of any sort, is Harley, who I recalled vividly from the previous book. He's there for Savannah in her time of need once again, offering support. 

In other words, it's the characters that drew me into the series and made this one a stand-out to me. Now, true, I did have a couple quibbles with Gia, such as her tendency to venture out without her cell phone on her instead of someplace else in her purse or on a table. As she acknowledges, she let her guard down, so it's obvious she's recognizing some basics she needs to work on. Let's face it, how many of us really think we're going to be attacked when we venture out our doors, though she's trying. Bottom line, a fast-paced mystery that held my attention from the beginning. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at what's going on with Gia and her circle of friends. What a great ending after that emotional roller-coaster at the end.

 

Murder at the Royal Palace, by Verity Bright

 

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

A delight.

I've come to love this series for the characters and story but must admit, the historical bits the duo of writers that form Verity Bright are a bonus. With half the duo now gone, see the dedication, I hope this series will continue. I've grown to enjoy the time I spend hanging out with Lady Eleanor Swift and her seemingly all-knowing butler Clifford, not to mention her husband, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, and her ladies. And, oh, let's not forget Gladstone, the bulldog. Gladstone didn't get to tag along initially as it's on royal palace grounds. Hugh is being knighted! He's honored but seems to be a mix of embarrassed at the fuss and worried about getting out of there so he can attend to police work. Then, a fellow honoree passes out in front of King George. They discover he's been ill for some time but, well, Eleanor being Eleanor, she's suspicious and urges Hugh to take the case after his death that is offered by his brother. She sells it to Hugh as sort of a trial run for their almost-there investigative agency with Clifford. 

Things escalate from there and in the process you'll learn a great deal about the palace history, particularly the infamous Tower of London. I think in my mind I've always perceived it as pretty much a museum that now houses the royal jewels but not much else. As you'll discover, it's a residence for palace guards and workers of all sorts. If you've ever heard the term Beefeaters, for instance, you'll learn what that actually entails as well as the history of the name. The victim was actually the Raven Master, charged with, well, the well being of royal ravens. You'll learn their story as you read, don't worry, and why they were considered so important. Rune, one of them, is an intriguing, fun character in the story, in fact. I had to chuckle when I read that Clifford was reading Poe's collected works and immediately thought raven, so was delighted to see I'd picked up on at least one clue. All this and more, much more, while you're trying to solve a mystery but keep getting distracted by all the palace and royal mentions. Grin.

I won't detail the plot further, it's a fun one that ultimately includes family drama, danger, royalty, old legends, ghosts--maybe, maybe not, and hidden....well, let's just say stuff for now. You'll have to much fun sorting it all out and I don't want to ruin that fun. The characters are likable and, of course, taking place in the Tower of London adds a certain aura to it all. It was fun to see Eleanor's loyal ladies arrive and jump right into the investigation, not to mention noting the growth and maturity of the younger ones. I'd be giving away a delightful surprise at the end to say much more so, well, read the book and enjoy traveling back in time to the era of King George. Oh, at a time when the now familiar red booths holding phones first appeared, too. See, more fun history. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for introducing me to this delightful cast and sharing the wealth of info usually included within. I always find myself peeking at the historical notes at the end throughout, I must admit. I guess I'm not much more patient to find out the read story than Eleanor. Grin. 

A Wonderful Christmas Crime (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, #6), by Jacqueline Frost

 Publication Oct. 21, 2025

Holly and Evan's joy of discovering they're about to become first time parents is quickly subdued by a murder investigation. True, Evan is trying even more than usual to caution Holly about putting herself in danger's way but, well, Holly being Holly, we pretty much know how well that'll work. Then there's the weird case of the Snowman Thief. Seriously? Who goes around stealing inflatable snowmen? And, oh, what's with the daily crossword's weird clues?

I always enjoy my virtual trips to Mistletoe, Maine, and have come to enjoy hanging out with the likable regulars. Wait till you see Libby in action in action in her new job. Holly's reputation precedes her as the Gumdrop Gumshoe, a moniker she picked up after being showcased on a true crime show, but she'd just as rather it disappear. It gets lots of play this go-round, however, making it hard to be subtle about asking questions when people not only know who you are but why you're asking. But, who knew a delightful evening out with her husband would lead to a mystery and then murder? Why was that woman trying to steal an antique ornament? Is it a coincidence that the Antiques Roadhouse is in town? Who later killed her...and why?

Bottom line, it's a fun, relatively quick read. I won't detail the plot any further other than to say that Holly quickly chaffs under the multiple mother-hen types about her but, hey, one really does need to watch their blood pressure, especially when pregnant. While the murder aspect of the plot was a bit slow in taking off, we got a fun virtual tour of the town and Holly's family Christmas tree farm, the Reindeer Games Tree Farm. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for the early invite to check out the Christmas doings in Mistletoe and hear Holly's big news. Loved the ending and am already wondering what name they'll ultimately decide on. 

How to Hatch a Writer, by Kari Ann Gonzalez , Rachel Suzanne (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 9, 2025

Colorful, fun illustrations show us how to make a chicken, er, child a writer. Seriously, the use of chickens as the wannabe writers is cute and adds to the whimsy of a book that actually packs a lot of information. The drawings are quite basic but manage to convey the action, which is both goofy and informative. It's the follow-up to How to Hatch a Reader which, unfortunately, I haven't read yet. The character of Goldi-fox is frequently the source of much humor and teaches us several words like wet, muddy, and fluffy. And, oh, hungry. The enthusiasm of the chicken characters is endearing as they tackle each new skill taught. 

I liked that the skills are taught step-by-step, one building upon the ones before it. It even shows how to make corrections, a skill perhaps not showcased often enough given that we all tend to goof up at times. This one would work best with an adult reading and guiding the child along. Much time would surely be devoted to putting the book aside to try and practice the various skills. While it starts off very basically, with the use of capital letters, it would also be an excellent tool for refreshing skills in children a bit older. Examples of the skill are given, initially with mistakes deliberately shown. Then the child is taught how to not just correct mistakes but build on the thought to create a more interesting phrase/story. Even Goldi-fox seems to catch on and, quite frankly, I'm not sure Goldi-fox wasn't so focused on her hunger that she was focused as she might have been. Grin. 

Bottom line, goofy and fun but quite useful/informative. This would make a great gift for not just a child but your local school/library.  There are some excellent hints at the end as well as suggestions for interactive activities such as creating a Word Sort Game of sorts, such as creating and classifying words as nouns, verbs, etc. Definitely fun. Thanks #GnomeRoadPublishing for the early look at this fun tool to help children develop their writing (and thinking) skills. I loved the "peck" sound used for a period, so PECK. 

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas, by Natasha Bache

 

Publication October 9, 2025

Hmm, let's see. Locked room mystery vibes. Trapped with unlikable family members. Egos. Nastiness. Family drama. Blizzard. Snowed in. Cut off from rescue. An "innocent" murder game. Then the real murders begin. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

I'm not going to divulge the plot other than to say the Agatha Christie vibes were strong. As twisted holiday gatherings go, this one was deadly with each victim offed in creative, even Christmas-y ways. Since it was so easy to dislike most of the characters, I found myself wondering more about how the next murder would happen than whodunit, to be honest. And, no, I didn't guess the culprit. My only concern was that the family dog be okay at "The End". Spoiler: It was. Other than that, as far as I was concerned, everyone else in the distasteful Weiss Family was fair game.

The story alternates between the point of view of Liv/Olivia and the killer. Oddly enough, there was humor, too. True, dark, dark humor at times, but humor. This is definitely one warped, twisted family. Money doesn't make you nice or kind. Yes, I know. No surprise there. Thanks, #HarperCollinsUK and #NetGalley for this entertaining, early peek at this truly despicable family. It was well written and kept me turning pages until well past my bedtime. Oh, that ending!

Death at the Door: A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery (The Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries Book 2), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication October 21, 2025

Who knew there was such a learning curve to being a ghost? Good thing Cordelia Graves, our ghostly sleuth, is learning from Harp, albeit at a far slower pace than she'd like. Her living roomie and fellow sleuth, Ruby Young, is busy, too. Not only does there seem to be a potential romance blooming but, yikes, she's stumbled across another body, this time the delivery guy for her workplace. It's also where Cordelia used to work and still drifts in and out occasionally but, since her near presence seems to fry anything electronic, from light bulbs to computers, her visits can be hazardous for a data systems type site. 

While Cordelia is on a mission to protect Ruby, who she sees as being naive, Ruby's on one, too. Only her mission is to figure out who killed Marty, the delivery guy, in the company's restroom. In the process of sorting this all out, we not only learn more about Ruby's new workplace and quirky co-workers but learn quite a bit about Cordelia's past life. Let's just say, she was no angel.  I won't detail the plot, see the book blurb, but note that a popular topic of late, the algorism, gets a showcase. You know, like if you do a search online about "how to care for a plant", a topic Ruby could use help with, the next thing you know you're getting bombarded with ads and emails about that topic. Well, I guess it would be easier to explain than if you'd searched for "how to talk to a ghost", another topic Ruby could use help with as her communication with Cordelia remains limited and slow. That makes sleuthing tougher, let's face it, when you can't chat back and forth with whoever has your back. 

This is a fun, quirky mystery with, let's face it, the odd couple of sleuthing, the naive, very alive young Ruby and the very dead, never so naive, Cordelia. I liked getting to know Cordelia's background more this go-round, even if little brother Ian left me with lots of questions. Cordelia and Ian obviously didn't have an easy time of it growing up and it shows. I'd also like to learn a bit more about the quirky ghost Harp who is trying to teach Cordelia what a ghost can and can't do. That seems to boil down to anything you believe you can do although there are obviously limits as Cordelia learns. Like? her energy source is limited. Harp's attitude is rather lackluster but, well, he's a ghost and who among us knows what is normal in Ghost-ville. While all this is going on, of course, Ruby is busy sticking her nose into things others would just as rather she not mention, some of them even fellow office workers. Is one of them a killer? Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to these two very different characters and giving me an early sneak peek at how their relationship is progressing. Those are some interesting ways they've found to communicate. Grin. 

Murder in Trafalgar Square, by Michelle Salter

 

Publication Sept. 25, 2025

Although it took me a bit to warm up to main character Coral Fairbanks, I see a lot of promise to this new series. As with any new series, there is a lot of information and characters to digest, so it requires focus. I definitely appreciated the character list at the beginning. It was quite helpful as side characters came and went. I actually found myself liking male lead Guy Flynn far more than Coral in the beginning. You may agree when you read the action packed opening. Let's just say, nothing shy and retiring about Coral. She's feisty and opinionated. She's also a suffragette, a topic that gets lots of space in this opening to this new series. I'm not overly familiar with that movement in England, so there was quite a bit of history I had to digest, including a not yet overly powerful Winston Churchill's involvement with the movement. 

I won't elaborate the plot other than to say there's a murder involved. Big surprise, huh? Grin. Besides the women's battle for equal rights and the vote, there's intrigue, backstage wrangling of politicians, love and lust gone wrong, jokes taken too far, violence, and, well, more. The time is 1910, London, so it was interesting to time travel not only backwards for me but to drop in on a country where many of my Pilgrim ancestors came from so many years before but realize that some of the then battles could be equally compelling today. The author does a good job setting the scene, from the horse and carriages that still line the streets and the growing number of automobiles angling for space, to political wrangling and names anyone familiar with history knows the future of. There are quite a few characters but after some initial confusion, they quickly sorted themselves out in my mind and, for the most part, seemed both likable and strong enough to provide interest in future plots. 

Guy Flynn, not only a detective for Scotland Yard but an artist and raising a daughter on his own after his wife's death, was a unique twist and I'm looking forward to seeing how his roles play into those same future plots. Coral was, as noted, slow to grow on me but had come into her own by the end and emerged a strong, multi-layered woman with both a heart of gold and strong will. Watching her work her way through the unfamiliar scenario of being both a potential suspect and gaining Flynn's trust and becoming involved was interesting. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at this brand new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where this tricky beginning takes us. Loved the ending!