Santa and the Sled Dogs, by Sarah van Rijsewijk

 

Publication about Nov. 25, 2025

Living in Alaska in the midst of historical sled dog territory, this book was a natural draw for me. Seeing dog teams in action live, it's easy to imagine them somehow soaring through the air with Santa's sleigh instead of the traditional sleds. It was also a reminder that everyone, even Santa, can use a helping hand occasionally. The artwork was wonderful and captured the spirit of the whole without venturing into the realm of true make-believe. Yes, for those wondering, the Northern skies do occasionally look exactly like some of the skies depicted. Lady Aurora, ie the Northern Lights, always had something to add and it's frequently awe-inspiring. 

I liked that the family not only trusted Santa with their dogs, not always easy for some dog mushers, but seem to have a relationship with him. Since Alaska has a genuine Santa Claus residing in the Fairbanks area, worked for me. While I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the dogs in training, it was nice to see that they didn't just substitute at the last second and somehow miraculously fly, but trained and trained hard for the experience. Was magic involved? Well, Santa is all things magical but, hey, a child's belief helped, too. She was invested in the whole thing and did her part, sharing a precious item in the process. In other words, I loved it. Thanks #GlobePequot - #NorthCountryBooks for this early peek at this lovely book. Having owned a retired sled dog at one point, I have no doubt sled dogs would be an excellent substitute should Santa's reindeer be ailing again.  

Murder at the Scottish Games (A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 7), by Traci Hall

 

Publication Nov. 2,2025

It wasn't long ago that my little piece of Alaska had its own Scottish Games, so I was rather smug to realize that I not only recognized most of the events mentioned -- caber tossing anyone -- but wasn't phased by the use of Scottish lingo. Now, true, there weren't any ducks being herded (nope, you'll have to read the book for that scene) but sounded like a nice mix. While the book works as a standalone, as a reader you'll appreciate the growth and maturing of the characters far more if you have some familiarity with the series. Seems like the characters, who are generally realistic and easy to relate to and like, are heading into a period of change, so it'll be interesting to see where the book goes from here. Paisley seemed more absorbed in her own concerns this go round than I remember, so her investigating was occasionally more happenstance and luck of being in the right place at the right time than going out and tracking down clues. 

Of course, that didn't stop town gossip from revealing much of the hidden background of the suspects in the killing of Joseph, a stern, bully type, including to his family. He was seen having altercations with more than one person at the games, including belittling his own son. Family secrets go deep, as do town secrets. Paisley, despite distractions, is able to ascertain some info with a few phone calls and, miracle of miracle, isn't one of those amateur sleuths who is TSTL. To Stupid to Live, if you don't know. She shares it asap with the police. She's got a lot to life for and doesn't tend to go rushing into danger without backup. I won't detail the plot further except to say that the past plays a role in more ways than one. Open wounds are prodded and that leads to perhaps more revelations than expected. Past relationships do play a role as does what I'll dub teen angst and the frustrations of growing up. 

Family, as always, is front and center. Long suppressed feelings emerge. Is it a smooth transition? Of course not. Real life isn't like that, either. The fact that this series seems largely "real" is one of its strengths, I think. Great characters who seem real, like folks we know, just with a Scottish accent. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for introducing me to Paisley and her circle of friends in Nairn, Scotland, and allowing me this early look at the latest. I am definitely looking forward to the next book. My Scottish ancestors would surely enjoy this series, too, I bet, for the atmosphere and setting alone. 

A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore, by Matthew Davis

Publication Nov. 11, 2025

Part memoir, part solid research project, I have to let you know up front that this one isn't an easy read. Despite the author's personal notes that help us understand his connection to Rushmore, the deep dive into the basic divides in cultural reaction to the setting make this an interesting, if not always easy read. Don't get me wrong. It reads fine. It's the topics, focusing on the concept of Mount Rushmore as a patriotic symbol, while acknowledging it's spiritual importance and meaning to Native Americans, particularly the Lakota Sioux, that make it a read that requires thought. Both sides have something worth conveying, so kudos to Davis for his effort to be even-handed while presenting the varying viewpoints and, trust me, it isn't even simple to break it down into the two most compelling ones. 

I obviously won't rehash the contents but will say that those willing to set aside preconceived notions and read with an open mind may come away still divided. Why can't it be both? Both patriotic and spiritual, so to speak. The divides in our country are vast and this is just one of many. Davis' visits with various citizens of the Black Hills area were interesting, including the times he encountered residents who had never actually visited Rushmore. Living in Alaska with countless sights, I had to sympathize a bit as, well, you do tend to take things that are practically on your home turf for granted. Having a family tree that goes back to not just the Pilgrims and Jamestown settlers but the native population that surrounded them, my tendency is to go with the spiritual aspects but, well, despite the sculptor being a supporter of the KKK, sigh, it does shout American strength and forward thinking, too, both of these being aspects that have made progress possible. In other words, my brain was pinging and ponging back and forth as I read, which isn't a bad thing, I guess. Tiring but a sign the words were having an impact. Davis' efforts to remain unbiased, to be fair to all, worked, in other words, for the most part.

Bottom line, while it wasn't the light read I was expecting and I wish there had been photographs, I found this an intriguing read. His personal stories (he was eventually heading to Mongolia when he first visited the site, no lie...what a detour) and meeting the people of the area give it a personal touch, too, albeit it seemed to veer from that lighter tone to serious talk without much true transition. It was fun to know the role his son's birth had to the book. I applaud him for not avoiding the more negative aspects of the history of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills area, either, from the often troubling history of sculpture Borglum to working in conversation about the Lincoln Memorial and slave Archer Alexander, an ancestor of boxer Ali amidst the history of the site from both white and Native (largely Lakota Sioux) vantage points. As he noted at one point, writing the book made him ponder what it truly means to be American. My thanks to #StMartin'sPress and #NetGalley for allowing me this early look at this insightful, thoughtful look at one of America's best known symbols. Yes, symbols matter.  

Murder on the Clock (A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 4), by Lucy Connelly

 

Publication Nov. 14, 2025

It took me awhile to get into this one but once I did, I enjoyed it. One of those that while it didn't wow me, it keep me entertained. Twins Lizzy and Mercy McCarthy inherited their grandfather's bookshop and cottage in Ireland and Mercy is trying to find just the right present for Lizzy. She settles on having their mother's old watch, a family keepsake, repaired and takes it to the local Clock & Jewelry store. Next thing you know, the repairman is found dead. Well, while it certainly isn't what Lizzy would have wanted but looks like she's getting a murder investigation for her birthday ... and not one mystery author Mercy wrote ... although Mercy tries mightily to keep it a secret from her that the watch went missing. And, the story is off.

I won't share any more of the plot but will say that despite the to mevslow acceleration of the story, it was nice to get to know the town of Shamrock Cove, Ireland, in the process. It's one of those typical mystery cozy towns where everyone knows each other, often better than some would want. As relative newcomers, Mercy and Lizzie are still feeling their way but have made progress becoming a part of the community. Heck, there even seems to be some s.l.o.w. progress in the relationship between Mercy and Detective Inspector Kiernan. Even better, a potential romance seems to have emerged for Lizzie although that's still a big unknown. Sounds promising, however. Overall, the cast of characters is quirky at times but likable and, hey, let's not forget Mr. Poe, Mercy's canine buddy. The town has secrets and long running feuds but did that lead to murder? Family Dramas? Romance gone wrong? Greed? 

Bottom line, if you like a bit of a slow build, this one will be a hit with you. The rest of us ultimately fell into line, too, as the characters took the spotlight. It's been fun to further differentiate Mercy and Lizzie, Mercy the more introverted writer type, while Lizzie is the more open, caring sort who knows just what to say to others.  It was also rather nice to see people who were willing to take the time and money to have old items repaired rather than simply trash them and buy new. I think I'd have enjoyed that clock shop. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for this virtual trip to Ireland. Looking forward to seeing more on the potential stalker matter next installment. It largely didn't seem to be an element this go-round.

Murder Most British (The Secret Detective Agency Book 3), by Helena Dixon

 

Review to come as this is part of a virtual blog tour. Just marking my place, so to speak, to remind me when I was actually done.

The Old Sleigh, by Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey

 Publication Nov. 24, 2025

A heartwarming story of how people can make a difference. There's a bit of an ol' fashioned, simple vibe to the illustrations that add to the warm feel of this story of caring through the generations can have an impact. In it, a new generation steps forward to continue a tradition of caring for community neighbors. Simply put, it's the story of how individuals caring and taking action can make a big difference to many. Santa obviously has no monopoly on sleighs, so it was fun to see this symbol of mythical giving take on real world meaning of keeping tradition alive. Thanks #WWNorton&Co for giving me an early peek at this lovely celebration of diversity and community. I wasn't familiar with the Pumphrey's but will definitely be looking for their previous work. This would be a lovely gift/addition for anyone's book shelves or library. 

Planted 4 Murder, by J. C. Eaton

 

Publication Oct. 28,20255

I absolutely adore this series. It's one of the most entertaining around, even if I'm usually totally lost on whodunit until the end. It isn't that the story isn't well written, it's just that there are so many wild things going on, usually due to the intervention of Phee/Sophie's mom and the Sun City bunch. I get so busy rolling my eyes and laughing at their antics and wild conspiracy theories that the actual investigation becomes, well, secondary. Even better, I'm loving every minute of it and hate to see it end.

So, needless to say, I'm not going to even attempt to detail the plot. It's a clever one, of course, involving many twists and turns and dead ends, pun only half intended. Like what, you ask? Well, lets start with the men's pinochle club deciding the want to get involved in the local community garden. Seems solar flares may destroy the earth or something akin to that and, well, they don't want to starve to death. None of them seem to have any gardening experience but, well, lack of experience or even knowledge has never stopped them before. Next thing you know, they've talked the ladies of Sun City into joining them and that's where Phee gets pulled into the chaos. Her mother, Harriet, has that ability to talk her into doing just about anything using the threat of her having to spend more time with Streetman, the woefully disobedient, snappy dog of Harriet's heart. Then Streetman discovers a skeletal hand, one with several rings still attached, rings that turn out to be a gimmel ring, and the story is off and running. Nope, you'll have to read to find out what a gimmel ring is. And, that's just the beginning. 

What else can you expect? Let's see, stolen cats, sneaking into garages, mounds of dirty laundry, garden sabotage, dead fish, pranks, a skull in garden for real, poisoning, potatoes, and, well, much, much more. This was a new murder weapon to me, I must admit. The characters, even the most annoying, are actually mostly quite likable and entertaining. There are also periodic book mentions, something I always enjoy, with Alice Castle's "The Murder Garden" getting a prominent mention for obvious reason. As for whodunit, I had no real clue until the reveal. Needless to say, the reveal is a chaotic, mix of humor and anxiety. And, fun, lots of fun. Thanks #BeyondThePage for letting me drop into Phee's chaotic world again for an early peek. I had to chuckle when I realized I was waiting for that inevitable trip to the dog park with Streetman. Grin. 

Revenge, Served Royal (Lady Petra Inquires, #3), by Celeste Connally

 Publication Nov. 11, 2025

The time is September, 1815. You're invited to attend a wonderful week of merriment and baking competition at Windsor Castle by Queen Charlotte. Lady Petra is happy to accept not just the invite but to be asked to serve as one of the judges of the baking contest. Even better, her own family cook is to be one of the contestants. Some humor as the naive cook is bewildered by the concept of it being a blind competition, simply meaning the judges will have no way of knowing which baked offering is from which cook. There's an added bonus for Lady Petra as one of her family's former cooks, now a former royal chef turned author of cookbooks, will be on hand. So will her romantic interest, Duncan. That's good as Sir Rufus Pomeroy, her family's former cook, is killed.

 I won't detail the plot much further other than to say it was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at an earlier version of Windsor as well as the royal family. King George, who by then had descended into the madness that marked his later years, is largely scarce, for obvious reasons, although the by then Prince Regent is front and center. In fact, he's even a suspect. All does not seem to be functioning as one might expect with Rufus' valet, who turns out to have connections to Petra, is quickly nabbed as the suspect and ordered to the dungeon. True, there are good reasons for his arrest but not his treatment. Petra sets out to prove his innocence and winds up putting herself in the line of danger, not that it deters her. Be sure you read the author's back matter relating to the actual history being covered, which my history major soul loved reading. I won't spoil it for you but will say family drama, scandal, romance, writing, and, yes, baking, take the spotlight at various times.

Bottom line, despite always being taken aback initially by the large cast and rather meandering murder investigation (hey, it is 1815 after all) I wound up liking Petra and her friends. Heck, the character I thoroughly disliked initially was even redeemed, which was a twist I didn't see coming. And, no, I didn't really guess whodunit, either. But, I did thoroughly enjoy the story around the baking competition and I'm not even a fan of cooking shows. I liked that via Petra it was explained what judges were looking for in the various items as well as how they tasted and rated the entries. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early peek at a fun mystery set in a historic era I was happy to visit. Heck, I also have to admit to being curious enough to do some internet surfing to refresh my memories of George and Charlotte, including her having a young Mozart play at the palace. 

Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest For Kids, by Ashley Erdely

 

Publication Oct. 14, 202

Fantastic, fun field guide to wildflowers.

While targeting younger readers, this one is something any age can appreciate. I do note that there's a version aimed at all ages available, too, but don't let the "for kids" in the title stop you from getting this one. As one of those whose spent much of my life identifying flowers as the "pretty yellow flowers" or simply "blue" or "pink" or whatever, I was delighted to find several of the flowers common to my yard and very Northwest Pacific area showcased. To be honest, the book had me with its early section on composite flowers, not only because sunflowers and daisies are favorites but because, well, I'm owned by a furry corgi mix named Daisy. Heck, I had to go out and find some wild daisies still growing here -- alas, flower season is winding down fast in Alaska -- to check out the descriptions given. Yep, right on. 

In any case, while written for children, I see this as a book meant to be utilized by adults accompanying children on nature walks as the text isn't elementary. Hence my belief all ages will enjoy.  It's well organized with a simple but well structured table of contents and quick reference notes up front. The section showing the various flowers by blooming time/months and elevation were an added touch. The book can certainly be read in any order or simply grabbed as a quick reference with even info on how best to utilize the book. Basic info and fun facts and stories are given for each in addition to scientific names, most of which seemed to be explained. For instance, the flower I know as Blue Bells is known in the scientific community as Companula Rotundfolia. Why? In Latin, companula means "little bell" while rotundfolia means "round leaves". Steps to identify them are included. There's also info on what plants to avoid.

Even better, all this is done in a readable, easily understandable way. There's even a brief history of how flowers came to be spread, including by one of my Alaskan favorites, glaciers. In addition, ways that plants have evolved, such as having tiny surface hairs or a waxy surface, for instance, to preserve moisture. Pollinators get space, too, including the likes of bats, which I'd never really thought about as a potential pollinator. And, oh, so much more. Seriously, they even discuss the need for carrying a first aid kit with you, never a bad idea when venturing out. I liked their reminder that "One person's weed is another person's wildflower," too, as a fan of the dandelion. There's also an extensive glossary and index at the back as well as photo credits. The photos are wonderful, by the way. Very colorful and frequently close up views that catch your eye. Thanks #TimberPress and #NetGalley for this early peek. I loved it and the 8" measuring guide on the back cover was a good touch. 

 

Paintings, Puppies & Murder: A Dickens & Christie Mystery Kathy Manos Penn (Dickens & Christie #12), by Kathy Manos Penn

 

Publication TBA October

It's easy to get lost in your mind as you imagine yourself taking in all that the luxurious Foxbourne Park estate has to offer.  Lavinia Foxbourne and Ellie, ie the Dowager Countess of Stow, have been friends "forever", so the invite came through her connections. Leta Parker is still searching for that perfect site for her dream wedding to Dave Prentiss and this place has luxury and dream wedding vibes in overdrive. Then, oops, there's a murder. Fortunately DI Gemma is with the group for the trip, well, until she gets a call to come home ASAP as a family member has taken a fall from a ladder. That leaves Leta and the ladies, ie the LOL (Little Old Ladies) sleuths alone at the estate to try to sift out info and make it all make sense. Edward was admittedly a charmer but also a womanizer and had money problems. Who'd have killed him, in a fancy spa of all places? Dave, while not on site, makes his presence known via regular phone calls and doing some internet searching and sleuthing for them. 

I won't detail the plot much further except to say that despite Leta's best efforts to not get involved in the investigation, circumstances force her to at least chat and listen. That translates to asking her usual good questions and paying her also usual attention to detail.  It is, of course, no accident that the family has put her in the Amethyst Room, ie the honeymoon suite, for her stay, I might note. She's pretty much already in love with the idea of having her wedding there, although the idea of there being a murder there is, well, troublesome. You'll have to read to see how that turns out. 

Bottom line, this has become a "must read" series. I'm character driven as a reader and Penn's charming cast is wonderfully fleshed out and I feel like I'm getting together with old friends when I open her books. True, I wouldn't mind having a bit of a Downton Abbey moment with them at such a wonderful setting, either, but it's the people who always stand out. They're all unique and, more important, friends who might as well be family. I loved how they accepted Dave into the fold earlier and, btw, his moments on the phone as he chats with Leta with cat Christie's input are a hoot. Nope, not sharing. Don't want to spoil your smiles and maybe laughter as you read. While you're enjoying the company of this delightful group, you'll learn a bit about art, jewelry making, not to mention jeweled daggers. And, oh, don't stop reading after the big reveal, which was rather sad. The ending is beautifully rendered, however, one long time readers will love. Just be prepared to fall in love with these people and want to read the entire series post-haste. Thanks to the author for allowing me this early read. I wish I could sneak into your suitcase next trip to "research" in the Cotswold area.