Murder in a Yorkshire Village (A Miss Underhay Mystery #24), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication Aug. 2026

Kitty and Matt are a couple I've always thought would be fun to hang out with, especially if Kitty brings Bertie along. They can leave Matt's mother at home, however. Matt's mother is not well named as Patience isn't something she has. No patience and the idea that Kitty should be home having babies and running the household, not dashing about getting involved in one murder investigation after another. It just isn't done in Patience's class and her upbringing did nothing to change her mind about a woman's place. Needless to say, neither Matt nor Kitty is looking forward to spending the expected week each year with her. Good thing they have a murder to distract them from her subtle and not-so-subtle complaints about them not living up to family (most importantly, her) expectations after Kitty and Bertie stumble across a body beside a bicycle while out for a walk.

I don't want to go into the plot much further except to remind readers this one takes place in England. The year is 1938. Investigations, even when under the best circumstances, move slower. In this case, they're not only running headlong into, well, expectations, but they initial client was Betty, who asked them to look into finding out what happened to Bradley Lewis, brother of Betty's current beau. A beau who just happens to be Inspector James Lewis who isn't fond of either Matt nor Kitty. Bradley has gone missing, however, and I'm sure crafty readers can figure out whose body Kitty discovered. There's quite a list of suspects, too, including two women who thought Bradley loved them.. Then there's the unplanned, highly disgraceful at the time pregnancy tracing back to, oh, you guessed it, Bradley. And, oh, yeah, there's a missing police officer thrown into the mix just to make it extra interesting. There's a conspiracy theory, too, one that will take you on a bit of a roller coaster ride as it progresses.  I found it a tad confusing but it held together without being a real distraction. 

Bottom line, I enjoyed this virtual time travel trip back to 1938. True, I don't think I'd like to have lived then,especially knowing what is about to come historically, but the times were definitely intriguing and it's amazing to look back at how life has changed. Matt and Kitty are likable and cocker spaniel Bertie's ability to lead Kitty to dead bodies seems to never waver. It was interesting to see to interactions between Patience and, well, just about everyone else. I'm sure Matt's father's name must have been mentioned somewhere but if it was, I missed it, though that's perhaps an indicator of who ruled the family. Inspector Lewis grew on me as we learned a bit more about his background and family life. There's definitely more than a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that probably foretells related adventures (and danger). Kitty and Matt do seem to have the knack of stumbling across the deranged ones. On that note, thanks #Bookouture for allowing me this early bit of a virtual time travel trip to catch up with Kitty and Matt. I bet they are more than happy to be at home despite that note.

Living with Freddie: How a Dog Taught Me to Be Human, by Anna Heyward

 

Published Sept. 8, 2026

If you've ever dealt with a "difficult" dog, this may be the book for you. I went into it expecting a largely fun memoir of the author's experiences with her rescue dog Freddie but it was more than that. It was one part memoir, true, but also her reflections on the human-dog relationship in general as well as some research findings. It made it a bit of a jumpy read at times but I won't deny that it was well written and kept my attention. I settled on a 4 star rating while, quite frankly, depending on what you're looking for, you may rate it higher or lower. It's based on solid research as well as personal experiences of the author. And, there's no denying it, my heart was with Freddie in hopes she'd help him find the peace and happy life he deserved.

Given the nature of the book, I hesitate to share much info as I don't want any of it taken out of perspective. So, let me utilize the author's tool of reflection. "Difficult" dogs aren't "difficult" on purpose, just to irritate us. They have genuine issues, just as "difficult" humans do. Freddie's were formed before he came to the author. In fact, she was warned upfront that he had issues but was lost in the rush of finally getting her very own dog. I guess the lesson here is don't rush into anything, no matter how much we fall in love with the idea of how perfect life will be once they settle in. Life isn't that simple for human or canine. I've been lucky enough not to have had a dog with severe separation anxiety, for instance, but even my beloved Daisy had her quirks that required time and effort on my part. 

Please note, while full of reflections based on experience and advice, the book is neither scientific nor simply memoir. It's a reflection of one person's experiences with one dog, albeit utilizing the info and reflections of others as a path to understanding and bringing the human and canine minds together. I had to grin at the author's caution not to fall into anthropomorphism, ie giving human traits or qualities to animals. I'm sure that's one thing just about every pet owner in the world has been guilty of. I know I have but, phew, was really aware that I was just mouthing off, so to speak, on the wonders of my then dog. It's also a caution that what worked here may not work for your own dog, so be realistic. 

Bottom line, in other words, I do recommend this one with the caution of not going into it with preconceived ideas of what you are going to read. Just as we shouldn't assign human traits to our pets, we shouldn't assign a book to live up to our expectations. Read this one with an open mind and you'll come away with much to ponder and, fingers crossed, should a "difficult" dog cross your path, some genuine ideas of how best to help it reach its full potential. Maybe even help you learn how to manage your own expectations and life. As the book reminds us, caring for an animal, any animal, is a responsibility, a complex, many faceted one. If you're lucky, you'll learn a great deal about not just your dog but yourself. I guess I could say in simple words that it will make you think, taking responsibility for your own actions as well as the responsibility that come with pet ownership. As you'll discover, this responsibility put a lot of stress on Heyward's own relationships and caused ripples. Thanks #RandomHouse for allowing me this early peek at a thought provoking book that gave me far, far more to ponder than I had expected. It's a reminder to us all to be open to change and willing to learn, even when we're just sure we "know it all". Grin. 

The Pumpkin Vice Cafe (Bakeshop Mystery, #23), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication Sept. 29, 2026

As we tune in, Jules is nearing the birth of twins and all seems to be humming along well, especially as her bakeshop team steps up to help, until, oops, she finds a body. While that's not exactly something new for her, the sheer fact she's alone and so very close to the twins birth date leaves her a bit more shaken than  usual. It's also snowing. She also knows the victim, albeit only from a brief interaction. Seems she was to be the wedding planner for the always over-the-top Lance. There are several suspects including a rival planner and though Jules tries to largely stay out of the investigation, well, she can't quite manage to stay fully on the outskirts. 

Lots of seasonal vibes here with tons of food talk. The fun of that is, as usual, how detailed the author manages to make the food prep and tastings just blend into the storyline without it really slowing down the storyline. Do make sure you have a tasty treat near at hand as you read, hint-hint. If you're new to this series don't hesitate to jump in here as the author does an excellent job introducing us to the shop staff and Jules' family members/friends upfront. Husband Carlos is downright adorable in his doting, caring way as he awaits the birth of their twins. You're likely to smile as you see the production team, so to speak, for the baby shower, too, and Jules' calm acceptance of the sense of love enveloping her while making things easy for them by not trying to peek as they prepare. 

Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters, my usual draw to return to any series, are well fleshed out and emerge as unique individuals not stereotypes. I wonder how many towns have a lead detective (a family member) who can pull up a Shakespeare quote for just about any occasion? Even Thomas, an old friend and investigator, has a quirky trait that, well, he maybe needs to rethink after having to plunge into a cold, cold stream to recover a body. The plot moves along smoothly with lots of brief detours to create tasty treats. Don't forget, keep something tasty near at hand as you read. Grin. Thanks #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Jules and company as well as letting me get an early peek at the not at all what she wanted way she was having to greet her twins birth. I'm not really giving away much to say long time readers will adore the happy, family oriented ending. 

The Case of the Christie Honeymoon Murder, by Kelly Oliver

 

Publication Sept. 26,2026

While this one didn't have quite the deep dive into history that many others of the series have had, the characters of Eliza and Theo were more than enough to keep me engaged. We even got to know Eliza's sister Jane a bit better as well as meet Theo's aristocratic family, albeit under somber circumstances. We're definitely reminded of the weight of expected behavior for both male and females as we also meet Theo's sister and her potential beau. As always I found the characters fascinating, marveling at how well the author shared their innermost thoughts with alternating points of view between them. As usual, I found myself more attuned to Theo than the frequently rigid Eliza, all the while hoping they're manage to find a comfortable middle ground for their wannabe romance. I even found my disapproving take of Theo's parents thawing more than a bit.

As for the murder, as is expected in any story featuring Agatha Christie, in this case a honeymooning Agatha and Max, it's a complex one with many facets. Who killed the rich, overbearing Richard Hardwicke? There are several suspects, many family members, and, speaking of Christie, it happens in a locked room of sorts. Seems they're cruising along the Nile. I have to admit to expecting more pyramids and ancient curses or something given the locale, but while the author does a lovely job weaving the atmosphere of both the area and time, most of the story takes place on the boat, not ashore. We get a fun description of how Theo manages a trip between England and Egypt in the then quick time of about three days, too, a reminder that this isn't modern times. If you're curious, a little puzzle. It's set around the time Christie's "The Seven Dials" has become a major best seller. 

I don't want to give away the plot, it's too much fun to sort it out without preconceptions, but will note that Eliza and Theo aren't exactly there by choice. In fact, neither is particularly comfortable even being there. They even do a pretty good job of staying incognito until....well, until the murder when Eliza just automatically reverts to her former Scotland Yard mode. From there on out, it's fun to watch the duo work both together and apart to sort out whodunit in a relatively short time. Of course, their thoughts do drift toward each other at times, with Eliza's tendency to avoid involvement contrasting with Theo's far more personal realizations of how much he wants her in his life. To be honest, I was probably as into that side of the story as the murder, go figure. 

Bottom line, without saying more, I'll simply say I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and am definitely looking forward to more. I enjoyed the little bits of wisdom scattered throughout, whether focused on topics like duty, indifference, regret,  or Theo's always present weight of expectations. Heck, we even learn a bit about poisons, from the character of Agatha Christie, no less. It you enjoy an mystery with lots of potential complications and well fleshed out characters with interesting back stories, hopes, fears, and dreams, you'll enjoy this one. True, not as fast moving as modern day cozies but the slower pace lets us get to know them all the better, not to mention savor the atmosphere and setting. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the intro to Eliza and Theo's world as well as the early peek at their Egyptian adventure. People are complicated and it makes this series all the more satisfying. Loved the ending!

With All My Haunted Heart, by Isabel Sterling

 

Publication Sept. 8, 2026

Pippa Ainsley is a witch with a problem. Several problems, actually. Not only has she been disowned by her own strictly traditional witchy family but her more experimental magic shop is in danger of having to go out of business. Toss in past romantic woes and learning that perhaps she doesn't know her supposed best-friend-forever, Xander, as well as she though, and Pippa's insecurities, doubts, and turmoil all rise to the surface. And, now she's being asked to go against her own ingrained standards to basically round up some interesting ghosts for Xander's latest venture, a haunted B&B.

While Pippa is used to removing spirits and spells, she's initially strongly against creating the haunts. I have to admit to both chuckling and nodding knowingly as she cites potential legal issues. I mean, can a ghost sue a mundane (non-magical being) or vice versa? What happens if one of the ghosts is a Peeping Tom, let's say? That said, Pippa's misgivings quickly go by the wayside when she's forced to choose between this new role -- it's something she's never done and isn't even sure how to go about -- in order to save her business as well as the livelihood of others involved as she realizes it isn't all about her. It doesn't hurt, either, that she's immediately attracted to Xander's new business partner, Ella. Yes, for those who don't know, we're talking same sex romance here, not to mention magic, lots of magic.  

I don't want to give away the plot, which I initially expected to be all light and humorous but found it was also full of turmoil, traumatic issues, and even the ghosts weren't worry free.  It's the three main characters, of course, who hold our interest and, oh, my, all three, while good people at heart, have lots of issues. It was interesting to see how something from Xander's past helped them work through some of their issues. Nope, not telling. I should also probably note that for those who might be triggered, that family drama and grief are central issues and, oh, my, have your tissues handy when you read the author's after note. Kudos to her for providing a better ending in the book to that reality, let's just say. 

Bottom line, although the book wasn't what I expected....I'd even forgotten the same sex romance.... I found it an intriguing read. I expected high jinx and spells going awry and got family drama and the role of found family and friendship. Broken characters became whole with the support of each other. In other words, it was real, smiles and heartbreak both included. Thanks #BerkleyPublishingGroup for the early introduction to Pippa, Xander, and Pippa's world, not to mention some intriguing ghosts. 

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Murder (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery #7), by Jacqueline Frost

 

Publication Oct. 6, 2026

Leave it to Holly to discover another body at Christmas. As the mother of a now 6-month old, will that stop her from investigating? You already know the answer to that. Of course not. That said, while I give her kudos for trying to make sure baby Joy is safe when she goes about her snooping, er, questioning, her seemingly compulsive need to investigate brings danger to her front door. I've often wondered how real life amateur sleuths handle the potential danger their quests may be family and loved ones in and Holly is one of those who simply can't stop herself. She does seem to struggle with the dilemma at times but next thing you know, she's heading off to ask a prime suspect probing questions. Alone, I might note, most of the time. Sigh.

In this case, she's looking into the murder at Toyland. She and her sister-in-law, an actual private investigator, return to Toyland to search for some family heirloom baby gloves that baby Joy lost during their visit earlier that day. The find the gloves but also a corpse inside the reindeer facility. Several suspects immediately rise to the surface, with the investigation activity frequently being shoved aside for normal Christmas-y activities. In other words, lots going on in Mistletoe, Maine, much of it sweet and charming, even romance is in the air for some, making all the threats Holly receives as she persists in questioning suspects all the more disturbing.

Bottom line, while I won't detail the plot further, despite my eye-rolls at Holly's often rash activities -- usually against the advice of husband Sheriff Evan Gray, I enjoyed the read and do like the locale and find most of the characters likable.  Lots of food talk, too, as friends Caroline and Cookie seem to have just published their first local cookbook. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for this early peek at the goings on in Mistletoe and a chance to catch up with the seemingly never sleeping baby Joy. I've enjoyed watching the growth of not just Holly throughout the series but the other regulars. I wonder how Holly might react if Joy grows up to be a wannabe sleuth, too. Ah, the perils of motherhood. In the meantime, anyone for a game of Christmas Bingo?

The Year the Corgis Saved Christmas, by Sherri L. Smith, Nidhi Chanani (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 8, 2026

As an affirmed corgi fan, it was inevitable I'd ask to review this one. The cover alone grabbed my attention, gotta admit. The illustrations are cute, lifelike enough to keep it in reality while, of course, it's also, well, full of Christmas magic. I have no doubt my corgi could have flown had she put her mind to it. After all, corgi lore says corgis were the trusty steeds of fairies, so who's to say they didn't soar into the air occasionally, too. Grin. 

In this case, Sergeant Major Barkington is stunned to hear Christmas may be canceled. Seems the reindeer are on strike. I liked that the strike was explained as them wanting to spend one Christmas with their own families, enjoying all that goes with that. Sgt. Barkington, who I'll refer to as Sarge from here on out, is determined that if there was every a good reason for corgis to reveal their ability to fly, it is now. Unfortunately, the Queen Corgi, herself seemingly a Christmas puppy, nixes Sarge's idea. Rather than give up, however, Sarge and two buddies come up with an alternate plan. Nope, not telling. Too cute to reveal early, not to mention ruin the laughs at the excuses many come up with not to help. Of course, this being a magical Christmas story, things change. Christmas does hold memories for many and a subtle reminder of how they connect with the spirit of Christmas was sweet, though. 

Bottom line, this would make a lovely Christmas gift to your favorite dog lover no matter what their age. Thanks #Simon&SchusterChildren'sPublishers for gifting me with this early peek. My own corgi recently passed and it brought a smile to my face as I imagined her rushing to join to "save Christmas" team. Living in Alaska, she was very familiar with dog teams. Grin.

'Tis the Season to Be Scary: A Year-Round Christmas Mystery, by Vicki Delany

 

Publication Sept. 8, 2026

Does it sound like fun to live in a small town that celebrates Christmas year-round? Maybe  not if it's the town of Rudolph, New York. Murders do seem to keep happening there. Merry, whose father plays Santa Claus, seems to find herself involved snooping, er, investigating them. Don't get me wrong. I find myself liking Merry, not to mention the regulars of this series, but, man, they do attract some quirky, not to mention occasionally murderous visitors. In this case, with Merry's best friend Vicky celebrating the release of her first published cookbook, the death of Vicky's harshest critic at the hospital gala after eating one of Vicky's cake pops means it's almost inevitable Merry would be seriously involved in trying to find the true killer. Never fear, recipe fans. A murder didn't detour the inclusion of recipes. Grin. 

There are quite a few suspects, too. Despite the blurb, I never felt like Vicky was considered a serious suspect, but that didn't mean there were many others to look into. As usual, Rudolph has managed to gather quite a few  guests for the heavily publicized hospital fundraiser. Let's see, besides the expected publishers and agent, there are a pair of opera singers with one hoping to lure Merry's mother back to New York to perform with him, ambitious gala organizers, small town ambitions, wannabe politicians, cookbook fans, and, uh, was that a ghost? Why is Merry convinced she's seeing a ghost of Scrooge? I mean, despite the location, it's the Halloween season, not Dickens' Christmas. Well, she is told a ghost story and that, combined with lore of Halloween Eve being a night when the veil between living and dead is thinnest, she is spooked. Of the many faces, which is the murderer, not to mention how does one explain Merry's odd sightings. The tension increases with a mysterious car chase and, well, an even more mysterious rescue of sorts. Good thing Alan was home to help soothe nerves.

Bottom line, without revealing more of this fun albeit occasionally slow moving tale, I enjoyed my virtual visit to Rudolph. It was fun to see Merry's father, who might as well be Santa, slightly unsettled, must admit, although he retained his Santa Claus calm. Well, mostly.  I chuckled early on when Merry told her dog to watch the place as she left the house as that is an echo of what I told my dog. The touch of paranormal was unexpected giving the identification of the otherworldly spirit as Scrooge appearing, but added an interesting element. I have to admit to thinking I had it solved, only to be proven wrong, so have fun seeing if you can figure it out. It actually all made sense in the end. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for the early peek into how Rudolph's finest celebrate a spooks and goblins day while clinging to its Christmas identity. 

 

(Place Holder) Murder in a Yorkshire Village (A Miss Underhay Mystery Book 24) .by Helena Dixon

 

Pub Date: Aug 18 2026 

Place holder as my own memory device for now. Actual review will appear on Aug. 20 as part of a virtual book tour.  

Murder Stage Left (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery, #26), by Verity Bright

 

Publication Aug. 26, 2026

England, 1926. This is another one of my favorite series. You know, one of those that as a reviewer I request without checking the blurb, number of pages, or that sorta thing. I've never yet been disappointed. In this case, what might seem a relatively simple case, tracking down who has been stealing items from the Shakespeare Memorial theatre, quickly gets far, far more complicated. Lady Eleanor and husband Hugh Seldon have barely arrived when a fire breaks out in the theatre and a body is discovered. I won't ruin the fun of trying to sort out the clues yourself but will say it involves, rivalries, old grudges, arson, theft, and, uh, time in cuffs. Nope, not telling. That'd ruin it for you. Grin.

The detective trio made up of Eleanor, Hugh, and the incredibly knowledgeable Clifford are joined by Eleanor's "aprons", the friends and ladies that make her inherited home of Henley Hall home. You'll hear more of it and taxes, btw, as you read. Despite her title, Eleanor has the same money worries of many of that time and, well, as the book reminds us, what Twain said, that nothing is certain but death and taxes. So, this job was timely for them. I've come to enjoy the company of our trio and still marvel that Clifford isn't only seemingly the perfect butler but is such a virtual fountain of knowledge but seems to be a know what is needed before they do. It's been fun to see the relationship change to one of equals among the three, too, albeit Clifford hasn't quite shed his ingrained sense of "butler-ness". Hugh has grown, too, showing more and more signs of not allowing himself to be totally restricted by what his former job at Scotland Yard would deem acceptable to doing whatever is necessary to solve cases and, in most cases, bring a murderer to justice. Eleanor's ladies are an absolute delight and have their own set of skills, which tend to be focused on ferreting out info while seemingly being nothing but chatty ladies interested in the latest gossip. In other words, I enjoy the entire group and always count it a perk when the ladies are a big part of the investigation.

Bottom line, I enjoyed this installment and am ready for the next. We get what may be a big hint of what that will involve at the end, too, not to mention progress ... hopefully .... toward finally sorting out what really happened to Eleanor's parents so long ago.  You'll also pick up quite a bit of info on not only William Shakespeare but his father John's occupation. I'm not telling but it was known as a whittawer, Be sure to read the author's historical notes. They're always a favorite section for me and, shh, I have to admit to frequently jumping ahead to them before finishing the book. No, they don't give away the ending but my brain cells get caught up in wanting to know more about the reality of events. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to Eleanor and her circle of friends. I've come to feel like they're old friends and always enjoy my virtual visits. Maybe they'll give me a taste of a Shooter's Sandwich?