Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library , by Amanda Chapman

 

Publication August 26, 2025

First, an admission. I clicked to review this thinking it was a follow-up to another book I'd recently read where Agatha Christie was a very alive character set in her time frame. Imagine my surprise to discover that Christie, who actually plays a much larger role in this book then the one I'd read, is a, well, ghost. Oops. My mistake. One I'm glad I made. I found myself much more caught up in this story than I'd imagined I'd be and enjoyed it a great deal. Ghost Christie is still on top of her sleuthing game, not to mention remembers all her poisons well. She's someone I wouldn't mind knowing, even if I had to settle for the ghostly version.

I won't delve deeply into the plot. It's in that book blurb I neglected to read.  It involves a ghost showing up in Tory Van Dyne's beloved Mystery Guild Library and saying she's bored in the great beyond and is there to help Tory solve a murder, one that hasn't happened yet. Unfortunately, whatever knowledge of the murder she may have had in the great beyond doesn't follow along to the library's dedicated Christie room. Of course, there's a murder. Next thing you know Tory and Christie are being joined by one of the most unlikely sleuthing groups you could imagine. There's Tory, of course, her quirky, self-absorbed socialite/actress sister Nic, Tory's snarky librarian friend, a poorly dressed (in Tory's opinion) NYPD detective, and, no lie, an eleven-year old computer wiz with a father who not only isn't fazed by his daughter's new friends but looks like Colin Farrell. There's even a romance brewing, albeit it's set on slow burn given Tory's own demons. As for the spirited Christie, who is visible to all and quite physically there, she's both listener and sharer of info, not to mention quotes from her books. 

That's all I'm saying other than, no surprise, there's another murder.  Nic seems to be a likely target and, surprisingly, shows a side of her that hasn't really been visible until near the end. I liked these quirky, less than perfect characters. Heck, even the wealthy Van Dyne family's chauffeur is personable,. As for Agatha Christie, let's face it, while unsure of who she is, all the others find her quite comforting with her ability to listen and offer concern. The setting was fun, both the library room created to mirror Christie's real-life office, and the New York setting added fun as we tackle how to get around in one of the most crowed cities in the world. You'll even get to meet library "cats" Patience and Fortitude. If you don't know about them, you will when you finish. Thanks to #BerkleyPublishingGroup for giving me this unexpectedly delightful early look. Hoping this is the start of a series. Well done!

 

Dog Interview: How Jeff Found the Perfect Dog, by Philip Habeeb

 

How do you find the perfect dog? After impatiently waiting for years, Jeff faces the problem of too many dogs to decide between. Even when he interviews them, it really isn't helpful even if the dogs are decidedly honest. Love how the illustrations by Juan Diaz so perfectly captured the various dog personalities. 

I was actually hooked from the opening but won't spoil the fun for you. I'll just say you'll root for Jeff and be wondering which of the many dogs you'd pick yourself. I definitely liked how the not-so-perfect dog finds Jeff. As is to often the case, the dog chooses us. In any case, this is a fun, quick read that will surely delight young dog lovers everywhere. You'll meet Jeff at a very young age, learn his early doggie thoughts and his first word, which I'm sure you can guess. 

So, fun story, cute, lively illustrations full of energy and personality, and a happily ever after ending. Thanks #AmplifyPublishing for sharing this with me. Even better, I read it aloud to me own furry friend and she gives it four paws up and a tail wag. 

Claws Out, by Cate Conte

 

Publication August 26, 2025

What begins as a promising business opportunity quickly goes sour. In Provincetown with the cat cafe's brand new cafe cat truck, Maddie and her family and much of the cafe's crew are expecting a fun time of cats, good food, and books. They're there for a literary cat festival with several authors known for featuring cats in their books. Maddie is pleasantly surprised to discover that not only does organizer/author Jasmine Prescott know about her cafe's rescue reputation but so does the well-known featured author Vivi St. Clair. Things have barely gotten started, however, when there is a murder. Vivi is murdered after a fun gathering. Maddie, being Maddie, instantly converts to sleuth mode.

I won't detail the plot but will say that it involves egos, secrets past and present, greed, conspiracy theories, shady dealings, publication woes, and, well, more, much more. Let's just say, Vivi wasn't who she presented herself as being. While the mystery was interesting, especially the behind-the-scenes look at publishing deals, I found myself more annoyed with Maddie than intrigued by her investigation. Much of this reaction is, of course, purely on me, but her impulsive actions lead her to more or less just leave her family and crew in the lurch. While she did more-or-less stay in contact with her retired cop grandfather, she simply didn't show up for her stints in the truck, leaving others to cover not just their own stints but her segments. Let's just say I'm more impressed with amateur sleuths who don't forget they have a real job, too, and sleuth around the demands of the job rather than just ignoring them and leaving others to cover. There was also a great deal of coincidences, being in the right place to overhear or see things, that sort of thing, more than one might expect in real life. I also didn't like her decision that since FBI agent Todd didn't share his information with her, never mind official rules, she didn't have to tell him everything, either. That's ego speaking, not real sleuthing. On the plus side, I did like her genuine concern for the cats in her charge, making efforts to set up a system where the cats not only couldn't slip out past visitors but could find space to, well, simply chill out in private if wanted. She also periodically voiced concerns over the troubles she sensed Val and Ethan, who are to be married soon, seemed to be having, albeit, okay, that aspect was usually glossed over. 

Bottom line, this one didn't quite make it for me but was well-written and had an interesting mystery to solve. I normally enjoy the series so, as noted earlier, it may just be me. If you like cats and have ever wondered what it might be like to travel with multiple cats and oversee their care at a major cat-lovers style festival, this may hit the spot for you. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Thanks #StMartinsPress for the early look. Needless to say, I will be back for the next installment and probably be as into it as usual. 

 

Halloween Night Murder , byLeslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Liz Ireland

 

Publication August 26, 2025

Somehow, my rainy, cool weather seemed to indicate this would be the perfect time to curl up with three  favorite authors and check out their Halloween tricks-and-treats. I won't go into great detail as I've noted others already have, but will note that while I wasn't quite in the mood for the "Yikes! Oh, no, look behind you!" flavor of Lee Hollis'"Death of a Halloween Night Stalker", it was probably the most Halloween-y of them all. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent tale, perfect for those in the mood for serious chills and thrills and the feeling of being trapped with spooky, scary killers on the lam. I just wasn't there yet. An accident on the way home from a concert leaves Hayley, Liddy, and Mona stranded with no internet or way of contacting outside help during a spooky rainstorm in a house that sounds straight out of a gothic horror movie. The residents are, well, not someone you'd want to spend time with, especially the zombie son. Nope, not sharing any more. I'll be going back to this one, I assure you, when I'm more in the mood for having chills run up my spine. Yes, Hollis can do spooky and do it well. 

The first story, Leslie Meier's "Halloween Night Murder", seems to only briefly touch on Halloween. A young, ragged looking teenager shows up at Hayley's door as the night of trick-or-treat is winding down and she spontaneously gives him all the candy she had left. The next morning she's horrified to hear that he was killed by a hit-and-run driver. That's where the story veers away from the Halloween spirit, though there are some scary things to be learned as she dives into investigating not just the social services available to the children and their seemingly abused mother, but into politics, shady dealings, and the corruption of some in positions of power over others. What she finds isn't comforting and, in fact, should probably spook us more than made-up ghosts and goblins. 

The third story is the most fun of the bunch, taking us back to Christmastown. If you'd not familiar with Liz Ireland's series with April Claus' (yes, married to that certain Claus we all assume wears a red suit and is a jolly, fat ol' guy) life with talking snowman and reindeer, snow monsters, elves, flying sleighs, and some of the most fun, quirky residents you can imagine. Be prepared to suspend disbelief and simply go with the flow. Not only is Santa, aka Nick, not old, he's quite a hunk but takes his temporary status as Santa seriously while holding the position until his nephew, Christopher, reaches maturity. In this installment, we have a snowman in a coma, thought to be the victim of a just released from elf prison, caramel maker extraordinary Flake. All this in the midst of a reindeer stampede, er, race, and hotly competitive caramel baking contest that even has the elder Mrs. Claus caught up in the spirit of the competition. April's too busy snooping, er, investigating to bake although not to enjoy samples of the entries. Somehow her best friend and her boyfriend, Jake, a relative of Jack Frost, wind up going to the frozen reaches of the furthest north to convince a cranky witch to return to Christmastown with them to help remove any spell of the poor, dormant snowman but they wind up newt-sitting. Don't ask. Just suspend belief and enjoy. Who knew Santa's life was so complicated. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek at these well-down stories based around the Halloween theme. Bet you never thought about Santa's elves celebrating Halloween, did you? Grin. 

Murder at Cape Costumers (Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery, #7), by Maddie Day

 Publication August 26, 2025

 To be honest, I think I was far more invested in the situation involving Tim's sister Jaime's disappearance than the murder. Her two children, baby Luca and the seems older than her years Ella, are adorable and became real in my eyes. While Jamie obviously gave her all to her children, she is still suffering from substance abuse and stress. Tim, main character Mackenzie/Mac's husband's love and concern for his sister is obvious. While not a blood relative and not knowing Jamie well, Mac is doubly concerned, once for Jamie and again for the burden of worry Tim is carrying. In the midst of all this worry there's a murder. Mac, being Mac, distracted as she is with worry, can't help looking into it. That translates to asking question after question of possible suspects, enough questions that a call goes in to the police about her questioning.  

Fortunately, the Cozy Capers Book Club has her back, as does her family. Even her African Grey Parrot, Belle, seems to have something to say about, well, just about everything. Belle is an amazing mimic, too, though her impression of Jamie's voice only adds worry, unfortunately. The thing that always impresses me about this group, however, is not just their tightness and genuine caring for each other, but the organization and efficiency of their investigation tactics. As they've learned from past experiences, even the most minute clue might be important. Kudos to Mac and the rest for not hoarding information, too. They are quick to share info, either in person of via text, with the police. I always roll my eyes when an amateur sleuth finds a clue and decides it isn't important or to wait until they've looked into it further before sharing it with the authorities, often in some imaginary effort to prove their own value. It tends to backfire. Kudos for Mac, too, for not being TSTL (To Stupid To Live). I liked that she thought first rather than rushing into potentially dangerous situations, doing what she could to be sure someone had her back. And, of course, she does manage to find danger. That's just part of the fun. Seeing how our amateur sleuth manages to escape.

Bottom line, I like these characters. Mac's friends and family are realistic and could be our own friends and neighbors. Each is a unique character and they tend to show growth and change as the series has gone along. Heck, even in the midst of all the turmoil and a murder, romance is in the air. Thus, while weirdly unconcerned about whodunit, I enjoyed spending some time with everyone. I'm always drawn to character driven books and this series and this book in particular had that. Heck, Mac even manages to seemingly win over a not-usually-sympathetic police officer this go-round, so things are looking up. Change is in the air, that's for sure. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this early peek at life with Mac and her family and friends. I'm looking forward big time to the next book. 

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, by Jo Nichols

 

Publication August 19,,2025

Short take, a group of quirky individuals come together to solve a murder. Each chapter is told by a different character, giving us multiple POV to ponder. Even the investigating officer is included in that, adding a relatively unique view of events. There are rather a lot of these characters, too, which tended to slow me down considerably in the beginning as I sorted out who was who. That's on me, though, as sorting out multiple viewpoints tends to throw me off my game. In fact, while I ultimately considered Mrs. B, the owner of the Marigold Cottages as the main character, I'm honestly not sure which one you might land on for that role. I mean, after all, she's not only the one who brought this diverse cast together but also ultimately turned herself in and claimed to be the killer in order to help absolve new resident Anthony of the charge. The discovery of a dead body outside one of the cottages has thrown them all or a loop but rather than isolating themselves, they ultimately came together bonding as what we'd maybe call "found family". Interestingly enough, while not everyone was for Anthony becoming part of their little community, the shared viewpoints freely and without fear of rejection. I liked that aspect of openness and trust. 

To be honest, I'm not sure they all agreed on whodunit even at the end. Take hopeful playwright Sophie's eventual play based on her notes and imagination. It leaves the reader a bit unsure, wondering who really did it and why. As for the why aspect, there turn out to be many reasons someone might have turned to murder. I won't detail the plot as part of the fun of this one is discovery as it goes along, but let's just say that while they may live relatively quiet, innocuous lives, the twists and turns that emerge from their combined backgrounds are stunning. You'll enjoy the officer's skeptical takes on some of what is disclosed, I'm sure. Besides, for me the story was perhaps more about the "found family" aspect of the situation as the actual murder investigation. You'll learn a great deal about the various characters, some more than others, as you read along. 

Bottom line, while this wasn't quite a hit for me, I can see where others will rave. It was fun and I love the fact it left me thinking about it even after I'd finished reading. While I'm sure I'll have the same issue sorting out the characters once again should there be a follow-up, again, me issue, not the book's fault, I will definitely read any follow-up. I've seen others compare it to The  Thursday Murder Club and/or Only Murders in the Building, which fit the "found friends" motif while solving crimes and could easily see why. Thanks #StMartinsPress -#MinotaurBooks for allowing me this early introduction to an intriguing take on community, friendship, family, and, yes, solving crimes. Heck, there's even a budding romance!

Laying Down the Latte (A Bakeshop Mystery, #21), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication August25, 2025

Poor Jules/Juliet. All she really wanted to do was relax, soak up some coffee know-how, and enjoy herself. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen. Things go wrong quickly after the arrival in Costa Rica. She's there with husband Carlos and young coffee roasting fanatic Andy to relax and learn. Then there's a murder. Even more astonishing, it seems to happen so unexpectedly and quickly right in front of potential witnesses, including Andy, but no one sees what happened. Seems Jules and Carlos' old friend from their days working on the cruise ship Amour of the Seas is facing both family drama and possible financial ruin. There's much more going on behind the scenes and tensions are high. Pregnant with twins, Jules is hardly at her sleuthing best as pressures mount, all while dealing with friend and frequent sleuthing buddy Lance's over-board wedding plans.

That's all I'll say aside from, yikes, what a murder weapon. This is a favorite series I've been reading since way back before Jules and Carlos found their way together again, and the well-rounded, likable characters are what keep me coming back. True, I sort of missed the comfort of the usual setting, Ashland, Oregon, and Lance's presence, though he did make up for it with texts and emails. Let's face it, in this modern world, you're rarely completely out-of-touch. In other words, although not together physically, we get regular updates on how things back home are going. The setting of the coffee farm sounds luscious and if you're a foodie or coffee-addict, you'll enjoy the bits of info you pick up along the way. Just the process of preparing the coffee beans alone is amazing. And, oh, my, the food. Don't read this one on an empty stomach.

So, who killed Miguel? He had big plans, plans not only Valentina but others opposed. Thus, lots of suspects to sort through, language barriers and all. What made the machinery malfunction? Did or didn't Miguel sign the contract others so strongly opposed? Will Andy manage to learn everything he needs to even after being attacked? Who....Oh, never mind. Read the book. It's well-written with great descriptions and food/coffee talk and intriguing characters. Thanks #StMartin'sPress = #Minotaur for allowing me this early peek into what's going on in the world of Juliet/Jules Capshaw and Carlos. True, sorta missed the abundance of Shakespeare quotes but, hey, there's always the next book!

 

As the World Goes By Jonny Lambert

 Publication June 3, 2025

As an admitted dog person, it should come as no surprise that I was drawn to this book by the cover. Buttons, the dog, is first seen amidst the buzz of a busy street. Then Buttons finds a mission. He sees a beautiful blue butterfly and wants to share the beauty of that moment. Yet, the story, while featuring Buttons, is really more about the human tendency to always be in a hurry, rushing from one moment to the other, rarely truly seeing the world about us. Let's face it. We humans rarely do stillness well. 

Buttons is determined to change that. Unfortunately, that isn't easy. As the book illustrates with simple yet meaningful illustrations, the world zooms past us. I liked the simple circular wheels and circular designs on the multitude of cafe style umbrellas shown. It added a real sense of movement and activity. The story takes place in a city, so there is definitely lots of that. I definitely appreciated Buttons' efforts to share, rather than hoard, the treasure he saw in that mere butterfly. A subtle nod to the importance of sharing. The illustrations definitely added to the story, capturing that hectic city life well. 

Bottom line, a sweet, meaningful story for all its simplicity. It's a cliche, but the overall message of slowing down to smell those roses rings out here. Moments of stillness, for whatever the reason, are rare nowadays, so a nice reminder to us not to get too caught up in the hectic world about us. Thanks #PublisherSpotlight - #TigerTales for this lovely early look at a charming book. I couldn't help hearing the song "It's a Wonderful World" as I read, to be honest. Stillness can open us up to so much.

The Mango Murders (A Key West Food Critic Mystery, #15), by Lucy Burdette

 

Publication August 12, 2025

As a former Floridian, I'm always happy to take a food oriented virtual trip to Key West to hang out with Hayley and her usual friends and family. Lots of family this go-round, The author always does an excellent job capturing the atmosphere of Key West. She even tosses in historic bits here and there and, no, it isn't all Hemingway related. I even found myself doing a silent "I know that name!" at the mention of Henry Flagler. Not only was he behind the building of Casa Marina in the Keys but his name was given to a building on my own college campus (not South Florida), so a nice connection. 

In any case, on to the story. It's a twisty, tricky one with lots of red herrings to send us amateur sleuths off on tangents. Who blew up not only the party boat Hayley and some family members were one, not to mention many of the movers and shakers of the town, but maybe themself in the process? Things are further complicated when the sole victim isn't quickly and easily identified.  Was it the culprit or some innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time. I mean, Hayley and the rest had to be rescued out of the water. Or, perhaps it was genuinely a tragic accident? Needless to say, Hayley and husband Nathan, police investigator, don't have any quick, easy answers. In fact, Hayley's snooping, er, asking of questions and Nathan's typical police caution to stay out of it, seem to be creating tensions beyond the norm. Uh, oh. 

Toss in family on all sides arriving for the big party planned for Hayley and Nathan's beloved neighbor Gloria and there is a great deal going on. Gloria's family is, let's just say, worried and some are determined she be placed in senior housing despite her protests. Oddly enough, despite my annoyance with them, I found myself at least understanding them as well as liking the usual characters. Lots going on in the background that slowly emerges, too, involving the inevitable conflict between those who want Key West tor remain just as it is and those who want to develop the area, often at the expense of smaller housing areas. Key West is usually seen as a bit of a party town, okay, forget the bit and think Jimmy Buffet party-time, but the struggle between image and reality is just as real there as it is everywhere. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me once again to take an early virtual peek at life in the Keys and catch up with everyone. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book based on possibilities emerging at the end.

For Duck's Sake, by Donna Andrews

 

Publication August 5, 2025

First, an admission. This is one of those books I'll grab to read based entirely on the author's name. Well, that and the always cute covers. I don't read the blurb. Don't check the number of pages. Don't even check publication date, all things that can bite any reviewer. So far, however, Donna Andrews hasn't disappointed me. Mystery, mayhem, fun and quirky characters, lots of animals, frequently running amuck, and a well written, humorous read. This one was unique from most in that the murder main character Meg winds up focused on didn't just happen. In fact, it's decades old. As usual, Meg manages to stay cool and calm, even when she tumbles into danger. 

Long time readers will enjoy catching up with the family and pets, especially the evil one, Spike, who manages to get into all sorts of mischief despite efforts to keep him away from the flurry of activity on the home front. Seems a couple hundred homeless dogs and assorted other critters are being groomed and sheltered at Meg's in preparation of a Mutt March meant to find them homes. The organization behind the effort will blow your mind and, no, Meg's good, but she's not in charge. Did I mention rumors of dog nappers by dog fighting rings? In any cace, ducks are involved, too, as you've probably deduced from the title, but you'll find yourself more of a duck expert after reading this than you might imagine. You'll even learn a bit about not just scanner chips and DNA and its uses in identifying bodies, even skeletons, but the general procedures and care taken by archaeologists investigating a bone find where poor Rob and Delaney wanted their duck pond to be located. You'll also know more about the Tasseled Wobbegong than you ever imagined you'd want to know or, if you're like me, you'd never heard of before. Oh, and the bomb shelters that were erected largely in the 60s. What is Vern's secret? And, oh, yes, where did Iris disappear to and why? 

Of course, there's more, much more, but you can rest assured it'll be a fun, entertaining visit. You'd think cousin Kevin would run out of surveillance cameras. He's sure a busy young man. In any case, seriously, if you're in the need of a fun, feel good read that will have you chuckling most of the time, give this one a read. This series is a DO NOT MISS on my list. Thanks #StMartinsPress - #Minotaur for providing me this early look and lots of chuckles. I'm already looking forward to my next visit with Meg, Michael, Chief Burke, and the rest, ducks, llamas, and who knows what else.