Joy to the Bones, by Carolyn Haines

 

Publication Oct. 27, 2026     End of series

I've been both anxious and reluctant to read this one since getting it to review way back in early August. Although I haven't been with this series since the beginning, I've come to look forward to seeing what sort of scraps Sarah Booth and Tinkie would get themselves in each book. Now it's the end. While it works amazingly well still as a standalone, you might want to read at least the previous book to have a better feel for what you are about to jump into. To summarize, Sarah Booth has discovered that her parents' deaths so many years ago (when she was 12) wasn't the accident everyone claimed. Even worse, she discovers that her best friends and even boyfriend, who happens to currently be the sheriff, have had their suspicions but kept them from Sarah Booth to protect her. She cut them all out of her life, including not only boyfriend Coleman but her resident ghost, Jitty.  Four months have passed. And that is more or less where this final episode picks up.  

Her long time nemesis Gertrude Stromm is still lurking and Sarah Booth is determined to finally find out the truth, a truth she assumes centers about Gertrude and the long history of her trying to destroy not just Sarah Booth but those nearest and dearest to her. She also needs and, yes, realizes she's missed her friends. While there is still humor in the story, this one to have less as Sarah Booth deals with many unknowns. Needless to say, there are more than a few close calls but as her once rejected friends rally around her, Sarah Booth remains determined. I don't think long time readers will be disappointed with this final act which, let's see, besides Sarah Booth's initial meltdown and rejection and then apologies to everyone she once cared about, we've got crazy Gertrude, of course, drug runners, an abandoned mansion that seems to be harboring shady activity, shell corporations, corruption in high places, and lots of twists and turns before we reach the end. Heck, there's even a new client, so Tinky and Sarah Booth are back in sync. 

Bottom line, while there is a great deal going on, the characters remain true to themselves and each other.  It's these relationships that have made this series so special to me, even when I rolled my eyes at their actions. There's rarely a down moment in Sarah Booth's story but it's that connection that kept drawing me back over and over. Kudos to Carolyn Haines doing such a masterful job tying together so many different story lines and giving us a satisfying, hopeful ending. You get the impression that life may never be dull where Sarah Booth is involved but there are obviously several doors opening up for her future in a wonderful way, especially where Coleman is involved. Make sure you read the author's closing comments, too. Okay, no more hints. Read the book. You won't regret it and may find yourself revisiting or going way back to the very beginning of the story.

The Key to a Killer (The Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries, #3), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication Oct. 20, 2026

It's the odd couple relationship still being forged between Ruby Young and the still new to her ghostly existence Cordelia Graves that draws me to this series as much as, maybe more than the mystery itself. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with the mysteries. They're fine being a character driven reader, I find the contrast between the two main characters particularly intriguing as we watch the learning cure for a ghost with all its possibilities and "can't do" actions so unique and seemingly ever changing. That's in comparison to other works that feature ghosts with far more latitude and abilities. Here, Cordelia's tendency to blow up modern technology, too, helps keep the focus on good ol' brain power and the non-computerized aspects of finding clues and evidence. While certainly not entirely ignored, that element adds another layer of interest.

Personal connections and relationships aren't cut and dried, either. The chapters alternate between the two main characters, so we get to spend quite a bit of time with each, frequently seeing their different reactions to the same events. Ruby seems to have adapted fairly well to having a ghost as a roommate while Cordelia is still often seen flailing about trying to make sense of what really happened to her and what all this being a ghost is about. I mean, how you you react finding yourself as a ghost and having no memory of what or who killed you? Despite the still rudimentary, awkward communications between Ruby and Cordelia, Ruby finally makes it clear that she thinks it is time they focus on trying to sort it all out. And, yes, you'll gradually come to learn more of the story and events leading to Cordelia's death. In the process, we get to know more about reporter Penny, a sorta friend to Ruby, and the one who found Cordelia's body, an act that there is far more to than was known. You'll also get to spend more time with Ian, Cordelia's brother. Gotta admit, his lock picking skills may come in handy.

Bottom line, while I won't detail the plot and I'm still not quite sure that as fascinated as I find the situation that I even like the living and dead duo, I find the whole scenario intriguing. Two more unlikely friends I cannot imagine. I was honestly expecting more of an explosive finale as we learn who Cordelia's killer was but, when I thought about it, it was all somehow fitting. One sweet moment comes when Ruby gets a glimpse at an old photo of Cordelia and Ian as children, the first true image she's had of her ghostly friend. And what do all the burglaries have to do with anything? Let's face it, Boston's best face isn't visible much in this series. There's even a tying up of the goings on at Cordelia's old job, now Ruby's, so lots of ground is covered. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to this unusual but intriguing odd pair and allowing me an early look at this, oh, so personal glimpse into the ongoing, ever changing relationship between Ruby and Cordelia. 

Murder in the Upper Crust, by Mindy Quigley

 

Publication Oct. 27, 202

I'm going to start this review in rather an odd place, at the end with the recipe selection. Seriously, don't peek, they don't give away whodunit, but they are humorous and well done. Let's face it, while many love the added recipes, they are just that. Recipes. These, rather than the sort you can find in just about any recipe book, however, are not only relevant to the story but each is written in the particular style of one of the characters. Given Quigley's humor, it's fun to read them and basically feel like the character is there reciting them to you, some of the characters chiding you for being so slow, or worse. Anyway, make sure you read the recipes. 

Okay, after that weird detour, on to the real adventure, Delilah's misadventures doing her feeding people routine at a wellness retreat. An upscale one at that. What could possibly go wrong? Well, lots. First off, it's interfering with an infrequent matchup of days off for Delilah, aka Dee, and boyfriend Detective Calvin Capone. Yes, that Capone family. In addition, long time readers can predict that detail oriented, stick to the schedule until everything is perfectly perfect Delilah, is hardly cut out for such a meetup. Calvin isn't the type, either, but he's lured into helping Delilah cater the event by the lure of meeting a long time jazz performer that he admires who, it turns out, owns the site of the actual retreat. Needless to say, to cut to the chase, Delilah stumbles across another murder victim. Oh, did I mention that the retreat is taking place at a place with a very well stocked poison garden. Yikes. We get to meet the new police chief, Carol Dwyer, soon after and, oh, my, she is a delight although I was debating whether her scatterbrained manner was deliberate or just who she was. In any case, with both Sonya's girlfriend and mother as potential suspects, Delilah is definitely on the case. 

Bottom line, quirky characters, an ex-boyfriend and current boyfriend both under the same roof at the retreat, poisonous plants in abundance, devious wellness spokespersons, suspicious conversations overheard and reactions observed, there is a great deal to sort through. i won't detail the process but will say aside from not quite grasping the new police chief's approach to involving Delilah, the story flowed nicely and even tied up some loose ends from the past side stories. And, oh, I can't forget Butterball, Delilah's, er, Delilah and Sam's cat -- it's explained in the book -- definitely has a role to play. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for giving me this early peek at a character that while I can't say I like her, fascinates me. It was great to see her growth within as she comes to terms with her own control freak personality and how it may impact others. Great ending, btw. So glad to see a seeming change for the house/cat issue. Nope, not telling why there is one or what changed. Read the book. Grin. 

Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel A. A. Milne

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

By sheer chance, a post popped up on my social media this morning featuring "Calvin and Hobbs". Since it was obviously for a Sunday edition of a paper, it was in color. The thing that immediately caught my eye was how similar the artwork for the Calvin cartoon was to the art style used in this book while also reminding me that Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh weren't the only intrepid team of an imaginative boy and a stuffed animal. I have to admit to largely skimming through Pooh in my childhood having decided early one that dogs and horses were my thing, so I can't really say with any authority that these tales are true to the original in the word-for-word sense. What I can say, however, is that they capture the sweet innocence of a boy living out a vivid, imaginary life in his head with his trusty stuffed bear Pooh by his side. I'm sure it's no accident that in most of the illustrations we see of them walking together they're hand-in-hand, not one traipsing after the other. True, Pooh does remind us of his ability to find trouble but always finds support and help from his friends. There's something soothing about that, hence the tales remain their sweet, reassuring selves. 

 As noted, while not an avid Pooh fan, I didn't quite get that burst of warm remembrance true fans will get revisiting this reincarnation, I'm sure it is there for both old and new fans. That missing ingredient is on me, not the book, please note.  The illustrations are well done, largely in soft, can we say dreamy colors, and relatively realistic enough to capture the imaginary settings without distracting from the action. I'll never tire of the contrast between the imaginary duo of Christopher Robin and Pooh walking hand-in-hand off to another adventure as opposed to the more realistic take of him usually dragging Pooh along as the go up the stairs or wherever in the "real world". A lovely contrast with a hint of nostalgia. Thanks #ClarksonPotter - #TenSpeedPress for allowing me this early peek of soaking myself in soothing, sweet friendship and the sense that all will be well. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Hundred Acre Wood. 

Bob Newhart, by Michael Seth Starr

 

Publication Oct. 27, 2026

Although it seems like I've known who Bob Newhart was for ages, I knew little of him as a person. So, I was looking forward to reading this. I've enjoyed him off and on for years but as it turned out, I didn't even really know a third of his screen record. I also had no clue that he was best friends with Don Rickles. As a result, I even got to know a bit about the off-stage Don Rickles. Who knew he was nothing like his onstage character? Besides Rickles, famous names pop up frequently, some of which I knew well, some of which I at least recognized as having been famous albeit I was foggy on for what, and a few that went right over my head. Fame is definitely fleeting.

The fact that such a seemingly normal, average guy as Newhart not only became famous but is still eulogized speaks volumes. Married for some 60 years and father to four children who thankfully didn't make headlines of their own, he came across as the kinda guy you would enjoy hanging out with or even playing a few rounds of golf with (he was a regular, even daily golfer), all while simply assuming he'd head home to a typical home like your own. That "every man" persona was surely one of his strengths that made it so easy to appreciate his approach. No matter what character he played, he never had all the answers and frequently had a slightly confused, or at least bemused look on his face, even if he was talking to nobody on the other end of a phone call. Few would have even guessed that this guy was a one time accountant (he claimed he wasn't good at it, hence the turn to comedy) and spent a huge part of his career on the road traveling from venue to venue, even managing to overcome a dislike for flying in the process. He even performed for the Queen the year after John Lennon's famous quip to the same generally well heeled crowd the previous year about rattling their jewelry. He also spent countless nights sitting in for Johnny Carson among other shows. The author provides details of such for those who are genuinely interested which, sigh, while impressive, I found myself skipping over after awhile. There are notes with references by chapter at the end for the detail oriented fan. 

Bottom line, an interesting read on a man I largely only knew as the guy who told jokes talking into a phone for many years. While I never avidly sought his appearances out, in fact I was surprised to realize I'd probably seen some of them. Like many, I did watch his two best received sitcoms, never knowing I'd missed him on the likes of even SNL In any case, it was fun to find his appearances on "Big Bang Theory" as Sheldon's long time idol Professor Proton. Fame may be fleeting for many but Bob Newhart had a way of meeting it again and again. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #Citadel for sharing this early peek at a man who managed to become a long lasting, much loved star with neither scandal nor controversy. Loved that the now fabled finale to his second best known sitcom sprang from a random idea of a dream sequence from his wife, Ginny. And, as usual, he made it all look so easy.

Yap!: A Short History of Small Dogs, by Stephanie Howard-Smith

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

Napoleon may have ruled much of the civilized world at one time but at home, his wife's little "yapper" dog ruled. Even in the marital bed, it seems. This book is full of such looks at little dogs that ruled over their humans, from Mary, Queen of Scots, to more modern canine video stars. The author mixes scholarly research with such human sides of the small dog history, making for an interesting read, even noting some burial rituals and finds. That said, I do have to admit to skimming over sections that dealt with personalities I was less familiar with but even then would find something that grabbed by attention and slow me back down. Hence, a solid 4 star rating although your mileage may vary. Grin.

I'm not going to go into great detail as your tastes and interests may vary but it was definitely fun to see the role dogs played with their historical humans, not to mention their early use to sway opinion. I have to admit, for instance, that I always just assumed the bulldogs so frequently pictured with England's Winston Churchill were his dogs. Nope. Oh, he had a dog but it was a pug. The bulldogs were borrowed for the photos apparently. Of course, as a history buff, it was interesting to me to see how opinions on small dogs ebbed and flowed over the decades and, indeed, centuries they've helped their humans get through the days. Even today when we think small dogs, let's face it, we probably think of a woman and her fashionably dressed, pampered little dog. That image has largely held through the centuries it seems, once characterizing the public's view of the upper class. I'd never thought about dogs being taken regularly to church by their humans but it seems they were and it created problems. Thinking of the burst of media recently of the stray that joined the monks on foot journey it's hard to imagine church leaders once tried to limit their access to even little dogs, even at times forcefully removing them from nuns and such. So, yes, there was lots there for my history oriented mind to digest. 

Bottom line, an interesting read with lots of both history and personal touches from the author. I actually found the history aspects of these little bits of fur more interesting than their frequent use as props by celebrities or those hoping to use them to increase their "influencer" status, but you'll find that sort of info, too. Although my beloved Daisy was a short dog, a corgi, but they aren't really considered little dogs. just short legged, so I have never really had much experience with a true little dog. In any case, I had an early copy and most of the photo discussed weren't available, though the author's descriptions were quite thorough, so should be a delight to have the pictures in the final copy. Thanks #Ballantine for allowing me this early peek at a thorough recounting of the history of this "pampered pet" whose ancestors have played quite a role in more history than I'd ever imagined. 

A Date with Santa, by Debbie Macomber

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

How can anyone resist a kind, loving man who cooks? To top it off, Ethan's good with kids and has a warm, loving family, and, oh, yeah, experience at playing Santa. Seriously, I kept wanting to somehow reach into virtual land and give Sage a shake and tell her to open her eyes to what's right in front of her. Of course, the story probably wouldn't be half as good were it now for the self-made obstacles of one or the other characters in a romance, so just kick back and enjoy Sage's journey to finding balance and coming to understand what is really important in life. Having been burnt in the past, she's not only wary of being disappointed in love again but, well, she's also spent her life being a workaholic who has allowed her job goals to overshadow everything else. 

Then, she's asked, well, maybe guilt tripped into watching her sister Saffron's son Ricky while her sister, who is military, is deployed to Florida to help after hurricane disaster. Needless to say, anytime being away from family is tough for a mother but, whoa, December, probably gone through Christmas. Ricky is at the age where he still believes in Santa and Sage is determined to give him the best Christmas she can, even finding the "real" Santa for his insistence that he has to have homemade cookies only to give to the real Santa while sharing his secret wish for Christmas. Enter Ethan, who has managed to fool even his own family members with his portrayal of Santa Claus. In the process, Sage slowly realizes she is actually enjoying not only Ethan's company but all the little things that make Christmas special to so many. Well, let's ignore her baking experiences. Baked shoes anyone? Seriously, that scene alone made me laugh out loud, all the more when Ricky innocently shares the experience having only sworn not to share with his mother. Kids do have a way of blurting out truths, don't they? 

Bottom line, as with any good romance, just when things seem to be looking up, of course, there is a major bump in the road. In this case, the competition for promotion at work and the shenanigans of a competing co-worker. Troy, Troy, Troy, you given ambition and competition a bad, bad name. Of course, there is lots that goes on in the interval, including meeting Ethan's boisterous, loving family, Christmas tree decoration (Ricky has only disdain for the store bought/decorated one), learning to bake, cook, and then all the fun things we'd expect of a winter holiday season. This is Debbie Macomer, so you know it's going to have a happy every after ending but the fun and magic is getting there. My only "Huh?" moment as a former Floridian was the idea of hurricanes so late in year but, well, I gave that one a pass, too, figuring Mother Nature has been erratic of later. In other words, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Sage, Ethan, and getting to know Ricky and Saffron. Thanks #BallantineBooks for the early peek at this delightful, sweet holiday romance. Honestly, as much as I enjoyed the adults, I think Ricky turned out to be my favorite character. Hey, this kid had his priorities straight.

Jay to the World, by Donna Andrews

 

Oct. 13, 2026

Who'd want to kill Meg's mother, Margaret? Okay, she is pushy and overbearing at times -- ask Meg how many times she's been volunteered for some task at the last minute -- but....murder? Fortunately they weren't successful but still created quite a stir as Christmas approached. And, to top it off, Meg practically stumbles across an old friend of Margaret's, Wanda, who was a bridesmaid at Margaret's wedding so many years ago, in the house who had been knocked on the head. Looks like Christmas decorating may not be at the top of Meg's "to do" list. Especially when the attack hits so close to home. 

I won't detail the plot -- see the blurb if you're seriously curious -- but will say the author does her usual excellent job juggling the twists and turns of the plot and bringing a wide assortment of characters, both new and old, into the story.  Christmas in Caerphilly is always hectic and busy with things going on and decorations being strung, so there is a lot to keep up with even without the assaults. As usual, Christmas also means Meg has a full house of friends and relatives arriving and helping out as needed, so be ready to meet a large cast. Regular readers will know most, of course, from computer wiz Kevin in his basement lair -- will he ever run out of secret cameras to put in place immediately if not sooner? -- and Rose Noire overseeing everything in her usual calming way. Rob and Delaney's now two year.  And, old daughter Brynn is a delight, her love of blue jays obviously having a role in the plot. Grandfather pops up to care for the bird which, naturally, rates its own observation cam from Kevin as it heals from the attack of a larger bird. Husband Michael, alas, isn't present until near the end as he's off with drama students for the university where he teaches. Of course there are more but I'll leave you to meet them as you read. 

Bottom line, another fun read from Donna Andrews, one of my go-to authors when I want a quick fix with both mystery and humor, not to mention well developed characters and intriguing animals. I mean, Poms as scent dogs? I actually thought I had it all figured out at one point, too, rare for me. Sigh. I was wrong. I definitely wasn't expecting that twist near the end. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for continuing to allow me an early peek at Christmas in Caerphilly, including timely side stories, fun characters. 

 

(Audio) Jay to the World, by Donna Andrews

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026           Audio 9H 13M 42S  Narrator Bernadette Dunne

Who'd want to kill Meg's mother, Margaret? Okay, she is pushy and overbearing at times -- ask Meg how many times she's been volunteered for some task at the last minute -- but....murder? Fortunately they weren't successful but still created quite a stir as Christmas approached. And, to top it off, Meg practically stumbles across an old friend of Margaret's, Wanda, who was a bridesmaid at Margaret's wedding so many years ago, in the house who had been knocked on the head. Looks like Christmas decorating may not be at the top of Meg's "to do" list. Especially when the attack hits so close to home. 

I won't detail the plot -- see the blurb if you're seriously curious -- but will say the author does her usual excellent job juggling the twists and turns of the plot and bringing a wide assortment of characters, both new and old, into the story.  Christmas in Caerphilly is always hectic and busy with things going on and decorations being strung, so there is a lot to keep up with even without the assaults. As usual, Christmas also means Meg has a full house of friends and relatives arriving and helping out as needed, so be ready to meet a large cast. Regular readers will know most, of course, from computer wiz Kevin in his basement lair -- will he ever run out of secret cameras to put in place immediately if not sooner? -- and Rose Noire overseeing everything in her usual calming way. Rob and Delaney's now two year.  And, old daughter Brynn is a delight, her love of blue jays obviously having a role in the plot. Grandfather pops up to care for the bird which, naturally, rates its own observation cam from Kevin as it heals from the attack of a larger bird. Husband Michael, alas, isn't present until near the end as he's off with drama students for the university where he teaches. Of course there are more but I'll leave you to meet them as you read. 

Bottom line, another fun read from Donna Andrews, one of my go-to authors when I want a quick fix with both mystery and humor, not to mention well developed characters and intriguing animals. I mean, Poms as scent dogs? I actually thought I had it all figured out at one point, too, rare for me. Sigh. I was wrong. I definitely wasn't expecting that twist near the end. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for continuing to allow me an early peek at Christmas in Caerphilly, including timely side stories, fun characters. 

Finally, as this one of the series I always try to get both the ebook and audio versions, thanks, too, to #MacmillanAudio for allowing me an early listen. Narrator Bernadette Dunne does her usual good job of not only presenting the multitude of different characters but moving things along at a good pace. As noted above, there are more than the main storyline, so it's important not to lose touch with the various aspects of the plot. Meg's world is frequently chaotic and busy, something made all the clearer by the fact that Debbie Ann, the dispatcher for emergency calls recognizes her voice. I guess given how many times Meg has had to call in, that's a natural. Give this one a read! 

 

Take Your Back Back: Whole Health Healing for Low Back Pain, by Christine Goertz

 

Publication Oct. , 2026

I've only requested a couple medical related books in my time of reviewing. All because the topic relates to either myself or someone I know. Then, after mining the book for all the relevant info I can find, I'm never quite sure how to approach reviewing it. I hate rating books anyway, but this is definitely one of those where your rating may vary drastically from my own depending upon what you hope to get from the content. In my case, I wasn't really looking for specific "cures", rather a general overview of what is out there, so I rated it a 4 star simply because while well written and tackled several areas of the issues involved, much of it was not of particular interest to me. That said, I liked the author's approach. Rather than offering up easy solutions, the hoped for easy cure many seek, she touches on aspects of treatment and while strongly supporting the whole health approach (discussed in book), seems to offer both positives and negatives of various topics. I will note, too, that the author also talks about her own back issues and those of a family member, making it more human, so to speak, the some medical related books.

Needless to say, I'm not going to try to summarize the various topics/treatments tackled. I'll settle for saying that it is organized into three sections, basics, treatment, and taking action. There is a lot of info under each. Yes, there are some medical terms used that went right over my head but they seemed to be explained in relatively simple language in the applicable section. So although I have to admit to skimming past some given my own focus, you should be able to grasp much of what is discussed. One plus was that at the end of each chapter there is a "Key Takeaways" section that basically summarizes what you've just read. The author also cautions readers that "no one size fits everyone", so to speak, noting repeatedly that on needs to advocate for oneself and that may or may not include badgering your caretaker for meds. Meds, as the author notes (and there is an interesting section on the most common ones' pluses and minus as well as dangers) may not be applicable or fit your case. 

One thing repeatedly advised is to keep moving. Believe me, I know the tendency to plunk down and "rest" whereas in reality, keeping moving may be the best medicine of all. Even if minimal, she says any exercise is better than none, discussing ways to do just that. Of course, she gets into more complicated treatments, but also discusses less common things like stem cell usage. I have to admit to sorta skimming those sections since I wasn't interested but did read enough to note that she neither pushes nor negates any of them, again noting to advocate for yourself but take the advice of your care-taken. And, oh, there's even a section on how to best select someone to help you deal with your lower back pain. And, oh, so much more but that gives you a taste for how thorough and neutrally the author approaches the topic. You aren't going to find the magic wand here that will solve your back issues but you will come away with a better grasp of back issues in general and all that is connected, even your mental state. 

Bottom line, again, while there are no easy answers given, this does an admirable job of presenting lots of different info and alternatives in a relatively understandable manner. I liked the guideline provided to help you create your own action plan at the end. In addition, there is a lengthy reference list at the end divided into chapters as well as a list of potential resources, both print and web. My early copy didn't include the index but one is promised which I'm sure will be greatly helpful in zeroing in on topics of most interest. Thanks #SimonElement for allowing me this sneak peek at a topic of interest that had so much to offer. Lots of key takeaways about paying attention to our own bodies and needs, not someone else's pain or results. It has definitely prodded me a bit to get up off the couch more often and take a walk. Grin.