The Dog Park Murders: A Grumpy Sunshine Cozy Mystery Romance, by Angela Barker

 

Publication August 2, 2026

As a reader drawn by character driven books, this one just never quite came together for me. Don't get me wrong. It was okay, one of those I didn't love but didn't hate, either. I simply couldn't conjure up any real caring about what happened to the main characters one way or the other. Well, aside from Digger the dog. I really, really wanted the best forever home for him. His seemingly out of the blue inner musings were a fun highlight. 

The combo of the mystery and romance was an interesting twist although the romance at times seemed to dominate the murder case, which was my real attraction to the book. Let's face it, a book with  "dog park" in the title is a lure to me. Grin. Juliette's insecurities at times led me to find her more annoying than intriguing. Joel's seemingly reclusive "stay away" manner seemed to be taken as more of a challenge by Juliette than a reason to tread carefully and slowly. This set up an extra slippery slope for the obviously intended romance to bloom. His sense of right leads him to take up with her to prove the biased detective wrong, however, was telling of an inner core sense of justice, and are we say it, caring for others despite his own issues. An odd duo, true, as he claims not even to like dogs but, well, annoying Juliette keeps wearing him down. Will they come to an agreement, even better a meeting of he hearts, before Juliette's meddling gets them both killed? Whoever killed obnoxious Maurice Allsop isn't going down easily.  

Bottom line, despite my  ho-hum reaction to the book, a 3.5 rounded up, don't let that top you from giving it a try if you're so inclined. It was a quick, easy read that despite me wishing for more character development, was a pleasant read. After a slow start, which may have impacted my reaction, the action picked up and it tended to roll right along. The side stories were related, too, a plus for those who prefer everything ties together in some way. The ending was cute, too, so it ended on a positive note. Thanks #Harlequin-Romance for introducing me to Juliette and Joel, not to mention Digger. While it didn't quite work for me, it shows promise and I'd certainly give a sequel an open-minded read. 

Casting Call 4 Murder, by J. C. Eaton

 

First, an admission. Even while shaking me head and rolling my eyes at the antics of Phee's mother Harriett and her equally  quirky, strong minded Sun City pals, I adore this series. I not only fully enjoy the frequent insanity of the Sun City bunch but am always amazed how Phee, usually with help from hubby Marshall and his investigative partner Nate, somehow manage to make it all make sense.  

Seriously, as is noted in the book, every time they think Harriet and the Sun City West gang can't get into or make things worse, they somehow manage to outdo themselves. I'm not even going to attempt to detail the plot but will say you'll come away perhaps knowing more about fish taxidermy than you ever wanted to. You'll also meet Austin, so to speak. Nope, not even going there to explain that one. You'll also meet a cast of actors putting on a mystery murder at a swanky hotel with, uh, oh, the Sun City West ladies involved in the play. Then there's a real murder. The Sun City ladies have been inserting lines as they occur to them, never mind what the script says, which just adds to the confusion and chaos. The guests there for the mystery murder show get into it all, too, adding to the enthusiasm and confusion, which is interrupted briefly by the appearance of the series' biggest scene stealer, Streetman. Nope, again. Not telling but it is a riot. Oh, and there's a fish involved, too, just to confuse you more. Grin.

Bottom line, while I'm sure I've only manged to confuse you, if you like your mysteries with an ample dose of humor and fun, quirky characters, this one may be for you. I mean, even their cyber hacker, er, sleuth, is a character in all possible ways. Thanks #BeyondThePage for initially introducing me to Sophia/Phee and her merry cast of friends and family, outlandish as they may be at times. I appreciate the early peeks at her life, knowing I'll not only be thoroughly invested in the story, even when totally mystified at how it all connects, and will come way with a smile. We all need all the smiles we can find in life, don't we. Definitely never a dull moment when the Sun City West bunch is about. 

On the Hook: A Cozy Boat Club Mystery, by Rea Keech AUDIO

 

Audio 8h17m         Narrator Katie Ross 

As luck would have it, I started reading the ebook version of this before realizing it was also available in audio. I immediately rectified my mistake and grabbed the audio version, too, and wound up alternating between print and audio throughout the book. My ebook review should be just below this one, so I'll simply add some thoughts on the audio. I wound up liking Katie Ross quite a bit as narrator and she did a good job differentiating between characters. Since I know many who prefer audio like to increase their speed as they read, I even played around with the reading speed, albeit only to 2x, but had no trouble understanding or following the text. The pacing was solid and flowed along smoothly from chapter to chapter. All in all, an excellent listen that, btw, I did in one day. 

See original print review in review below this one.  

On the Hook: A Cozy Boat Club Mystery, by Rea Keech

 

It was a dreary, overcast day when I first spied the sunny breeziness of this cover. On impulse, I requested to review it and am glad I did. I immediately liked the main character and quickly lost myself in Anne Bateman's world. While I don't sail and, in fact, as much as I enjoyed cruising Alaska's Inland Passageway, I enjoy the water, just from the shore. Anne is a teacher, too, as I once was, and seems quite involved in her community. She also lost her husband years ago but has never quite felt the need to couple up. Well, maybe until now. Tim, the dock master at the local boat club, has been a friend for years but it isn't until they both get caught up in looking into the murder of a pushy local busybody who was also a teacher at Anne's school, that they gradually realize there is a spark there. I definitely liked Tim, too, especially as we learn his backstory and that he's a writer, albeit of what he'd probably label niche books. Even the gossipy neighbor, who unintentionally creates a problem for Anne, making her a potential murder suspect, is likable, well, at least if you aren't caught doing something she deems iffy by her. 

There are definitely some not particularly likable people, too, including the wannabe Romeo husband of Ruth, the victim. His common sense is definitely lacking, if nothing else, while he overestimates his charm. Money and greed rear their heads, too, leading to complications and a seemingly ever expanding suspect list. Since the book is out now, I won't teasing the plot but will say the author does an excellent job setting the scene and introducing the various characters, not to mention Anne's seemingly hard-of-hearing mother who lives in Florida. Don't worry, you'll get to meet her and her romantic interest, too. I'm hoping the author is thinking series here as I definitely would like to know more about the characters and the quirky residents we meet in this small town on Chesapeake Bay. Hope I spelled that right. You'll also get a dose of natural and animal preservation, too, via Anne and friends. I'll just say there's a young eagle involved. The police sergeant was very curt and tended to find Anne a nuisance although I definitely grew to like his office secretary, Mrs. Trimble. She helped make him a bit more human and added to the intriguing cast. Oh, what am I missing (admission, I didn't take notes), oh, the hurricane Anne and Tim go through together. Having grown up in Florida, I knew that scene all too well. 

Bottom line, and intriguing mystery and intriguing, largely likable characters that I'd like to get to know better. Being a reader drawn by character driven books, that was a huge plus for me. The setting added to the charm and, hey, even picked up some knowledge about not just sailing but Olympic level rules and qualification techniques, not to mention the importance of adhering to those rules.  Thanks #RealNiceBooksLLC and #IndependentBookPublishersAssociation(IBPA) for introducing me to a new author that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to read more of his works. Hey, Tim even had a fun dog, Molly, another plus for me that I almost forgot to mention. Grin. 

The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army, by Beth Anderson, Ashley Yazdani (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 29, 2026

I'm impressed.

As a history major/teacher, I was drawn to this book immediately. The American Revolution remains one of my serious interest topics, perhaps because I know I had ancestors involved. I was fully drawn into the story as soon as I opened the book. The illustrations fit perfectly and add greatly to the story. I did have some vague awareness of Washington's pox vaccination issue but no real idea of the logistics or even difficulty involved. This gave me a far better understanding of the depth of difficulty involved and the surrounding issues. I've always admired Washington's ability to stand firm not just in battle but on things that mattered to the fledgling Americans as a core about which to unite. This book helps us see the stress he was surely under as he tackled first the gigantic idea of inoculating his entire army despite conditions being less that ideal and the pressures of time and place. BTW, for anyone fearing this book might veer into politics and discuss the pros and cons of vaccinations, rest assured that doesn't happen. The author does an excellent job of sticking to the core event, the danger of losing an entire army to smallpox as an actual historical event. In other words, no politics.

The author's ability to focus on the actual event and its potential wide reaching impact helps remind us that these now legendary historical figures were human beings first. All too often the human side of history is lost in citing dates and events without the surrounding content and Anderson does an excellent job of bringing that context to the forefront. We get to see the true humanity of the man most now rarely pause to think about while counting their dollar bills. The caring, human side of a man who'd actually survived smallpox himself and knew what that diagnosis meant. Given his seeming awareness of precedent, it's surely a sign he knew his decision could impact history itself, making it all the weightier. As you read through the episodes of history inside, it becomes all the more fascinating as we ponder the humanity and stress that surely clung to Washington. We see the whole picture, not just an isolated snippet of facts. The illustrations contribute greatly to this, as noted, fitting the time period nicely, and are well worth taking the time to examine closely, too. Also, make sure you read the author's notes at the end and for more info, the list of resources provided.

Bottom line, this book would be an excellent addition to any teacher or library. It's well researched and presented in an easy to grasp manner. As noted, it approaches the deadly threat of smallpox as a human event, not just a side fact of the war. Kudos to the author for reminding us that one decision can make a huge difference, its impact leading to one thing after another. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for allowing me this early peek at a glimmer of time that has long intrigued me. Adults, as well as children, will find much to ponder here.  

Murder at the Country Fair, by Merryn Allingham

 

Publication June 2, 2016

Sussex, 1960. Flora and Jack are busy, busy, busy. They're trying to get everything sorted and boxed for their move into their new home at the old schoolhouse. Jack is stressing a bit as he tries to finish his latest novel in the face of pressure from his agent while Flora is still checking in on the bookshop as she can. There is also the autumn fair that they want to attend. Hey, even busy folks need to relax at times. Unfortunately, relaxation is the last thing they get from this visit when one of the vendors is killed on his way to his booth. Accident or something far more sinister? I'm sure you can guess. Murder. And, yikes, what a unique means of killing someone. Any hopes Flora and Jack have of staying out of this case goes by the wayside when Jack's police buddy Alec Ridley asks them to look into it. Turns out the prime suspect is Ridley's golfing buddy. 

So, who killed cheese maker Gilbert Barrow in such a devious way? Despite his agent's discontent, Jack manages to steal away from his novel and do some sleuthing, even including a short stop at this father's home in the process. We learn a bit more about Jack's relationship with his father in each book, so that's always an intriguing encounter. Flora, of course, as usual manages to put herself into danger. Let's face it, impulsive is her mode of operation and her questioning always seems to put a target on her back. I don't want to give away much more of the plot, it's always best and more fun to encounter events fresh, but will say that there are ample suspects and possible reasons for the murder. We're also treated to side stories involving Flora's friend Alice as well as a romance for Sally. Given Sally's romantic history, let's just say I was rooting for her that this one would take. And, oh, the idea of Egypt keeps floating in and out of the story but I'll leave you to find out why. 

Bottom line, despite some questionable stunts by Flora and Jack, I always seem to come away from this series with a smile. While the author didn't delve too much into the history of the times other than to note that the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover had just come out, you just have to wonder what will be playing out in future books. Anyway, although I picked up on an important clue, I interpreted it wrong and still didn't really finger whodunit until the reveal. A bit frustrating, true, but always a good sign of a clever writer. as it all made sense. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to Flora, Jack, and the whole of Abbeymead, and the early peeks into how life is progressing for them and their circle of friends. 

Little Bookworm: Mystery, by Gabbi Calabrese, Helen Dardik (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 1, 202

As a mystery fan, I was immediately attracted to the cute cover. I think I was expecting some sort of admittedly very basic, basic level mystery, probably dealing with a missing item. It turned out to be more of a tool to introduce the various genre terms to young readers. That aspect was well done, quite nicely defined and shown in the cute illustrations, but would have still loved to have seen it all woven into a story. I know, I know. Making work for an author who is focused on another aspect just to please me. Grin.

That aside, especially as a former teacher, I could still appreciate the organization and witty illustrations that added to the understanding. While I believe this one would better serve as a guided read with an adult, there's plenty for the youngest readers to see and learn. I hesitate to comment on the layout since I was having to read this on my phone at the time, but the illustrations, while colorful, fun, and witty, seemed like they might be difficult for the youngest readers to navigate. That may, of course, not be the case on the actual picture book, so I didn't hold that against the book. The explanations of the terms were well done and the adjoining illustrations did much to extend understanding, such as the one comment I loved about anyone having the ability to be a sleuth. 

Bottom line, how you rate this one will probably depend on not just expectations but the age and interest your young reader has in mysteries.  I was a bit bemused at the use of "babies" in the blurb materials as, well, I'm not sure babies would be an ideal audience for this, even toddlers with some vocabulary to build on. Given the proper presentation and audience, that wasn't my teaching level, the whimsical illustrations can work, however, and the child can come away with an appreciation for mysteries.....Who stole my toy?!!! Grin..... while chuckling at the illustrations. Check out those hats in the various pictures in particular as they are not just witty but frequently show how costume can help define characters. Or maybe have your child practice counting, too. Hey, evidence is evidence and they're all quite playful. Thanks #SourcebooksKids, for giving me this sneak peek. Aside from not quite being sure of the age level, I feel it has a great deal to offer, including smiles and giggles as its read and discussed. Having grown up with Nancy Drew, I'm a good example of how childhood habits can leave a lasting impression. 

The Moon Explorer's Guidebook, by Ben Lerwill, Patrick Corrigan (Illustrator)

 

Available Sept. 1, 2026

I spent much of my life growing up where all I had to do was step out the door to see the various launches lift-off with my own eyes including the one leading to the first moon landing. It was so common that I don't think I appreciated it much at the time. This frequently whimsical (bet you can't guess how many giraffes it'd take piled atop one another to reach the moon. Nope, not telling.) but informative little book is for those not at lucky, not to mention those with a long time fascination with astronauts and the moon. While it's obviously aimed at children, it doesn't skimp on facts and basics. Readers will come away with not just a grin or a few but some solid knowledge of the huge process that will have them never quite looking at the moon quite the same.

The illustrations are colorful and add to the charm. I particularly liked, no surprise, the dog in the space helmet, especially when it is shown digging into a hole, helmet and all.  The map showing the location of various lunar landings was a definite plus, as was the timeline. The questions, even the whimsical ones, will also make readers think. Like, has the moon simply always been there? Could we go sailing on the Sea of Storms? And, much more. It's written in an easy to read and understandable manner, so should make a nice addition to any space exploration fan's library. And, no, I'm still not telling how many giraffes. Grin. Thanks #SourcebookKids and #NetGalley for giving me an early peek at this entertaining and informative little book. While I never aspired to go soaring into space, the young me could still appreciate the astounding wonder of it all. 

Hispanic Star: Lin-Manuel Miranda, by Claudia Romo Edelman, Sara E. Echenique, Alexandra Beguez (Illustrator)

 

Publication August 18, 2026

It seemed appropriate that, given the closeness of the Miranda Family, this book basically began with a recap of his family's Puerto Rica roots and what brought his parents to America to begin with. I quickly realized as I read that while I knew a good bit about Miranda's creative output, that aspect of his life was one I knew little about. I knew the Miranda Family was a musical one and he grew up in a home full of music of all kinds, but very little beyond the obvious love and respect between his parents and family members. So, don't think you know all there is to know about Lin-Manuel Miranda. I'm betting, like me, you'll find lots of new info here.

I don't want to divulge too much but will say that his mother Luz's bout of thyroid cancer pre-marriage to Luiz was news to me, as was the fact she was a single mother at the time. I instantly loved his sister Cita's insistence basically that there had to have been a mistake, that they simply couldn't have another child when Lin-Manuel came along. She was three if memory serves. In any case, lots and lots about family ties and influences, including interesting ways their past lives still intertwine with old friends and acquaintances. As you read about the very young Lin-Manuel, you're sure to pick up on the man he was to become, whether his emotional reactions to songs like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as a young child while loving Phantom of the Opera, not to mention him having to be gently taken offstage after overstaying his piano recital. He may have been an anxious child but he certainly didn't shun the spotlight, even then. And, and, and....so many little tidbits but no more family life teasers.

As for his more known public persona, I won't detail that here as while there were definitely intriguing details the average fan won't know, I lean toward thinking we're all more familiar with him as a writer, actor, producer, and, oh, everything else he does. His Puerto Rico roots run deep but so do the New Yorker ones. If memory serves, I knew about Hamilton before learning about his In the Heights work and that was via a table top style book written about the Hamilton musical itself. Once Hamilton hit and, oh, my, did it ever hit big, he seemed to be everywhere. Heck, he's still a fixture on the musical and theater news and involved in so many different works that it's hard to keep up with what he's up to at any given time. Does the man every sleep? He's definitely brought a great deal of joy and magic into our lives by sharing his energy, talent, and humanity.

Bottom line, I recommend this one to anyone with an interest not only in Miranda but music, theater, and production. It's been a delight to follow the entire Hamilton casts come together as family and that is how he seems to feel about them. The illustrations are well done and quite realistic and add a nice touch. Thanks #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup for giving me this early peek at a delightful and informative book that I will definitely be adding a hard copy of to my own library. To paraphrase the author's dedication, it's a lovely reminder to us all to keep dreaming. You never know where it'll take you. 

The Best Good Thing: Discovering Joy on a Very Bad, Smad Day, by Anna Housley Juster, Andrea Onishi (Illustrator)

 

Publication August 11, 1016

We've all had bad days. Even very bad days. But, have you ever had a smad day? That is one of those days when not only does the world seem against you but you're mad at, well, just about everyone and everything. You're also usually absolutely convinced that nothing, absolutely nothing can change your mind set. This book is a lovely reminder that even on our worst days there are good things. While that maybe won't change your opinion of the day being a very bad day, it's a reminder that if you just take the time to look and listen, you'll discover that even on your worst days there are good things to enjoy, too.  

Her mother's gentle guidance and admission that she, too, has bad days, are sweet and recognize the need to embrace her child's feelings without telling her simply to get over it was the perfect touch. The realization that everyone, even adults, can have bad days is something that, in the long run, will provide support and strength to the girl as she matures. I definitely liked that her mother didn't simply take her by the hand and start dragging her around, pointing to good things, too. That recognizes that no two people, even if related, react the same to everything. The good things don't have to be amazing. Simple joys, like a butterfly or puppy, even a beautiful, clear blue sky above you, count. I just glanced out my own window and realized I was smiling as I watched a neighbor heading out to feed her sweet chickens that provide fresh eggs daily. There are flowers bouncing around in the breeze, too, and, hey, there's a robin bopping around to its own beat as it searches for insects to eat. Okay, maybe the insects aren't going to have such a good day. Grin. But, it just goes to show how many genuinely positive, fun things we all may miss if we're bummed and just shutting out the world. Everyone can feel sad and pain but everyone also has the ability to find joy in even the smallest things. That's the lesson the girl's mother subtly shares, noting her own bad days. You won't be happy all the time but at least you'll learn how to work about such bad days.

Bottom line, a sweet read. Take time to check out the illustrations, too, as I'm sure you'll spy a few good things in life. Definitely something here for both parent and child, a double plus. Thanks #FreeSpiritPublishing for allowing me this early peek at this meaningful book. Now I think I'm going to go back to watching the world go by outside my own window to enjoy the smiles everyday life can bring. Smile.