Mrs. Christie and the Mystery in the Mews, by Amanda Chapman

 

Publication Oct. 8, 2026

First, just in case your idea of what the mews are was as fuzzy as mine, I broke down and looked it up again. One of those things I probably knew but hadn't thought about since, well, possibly since reading the original Christie mystery utilizing the term. I knew there was more to it than "just a fancy name for alley" but wanted to be sure. Bottom line, it's a set of long and narrow private lanes that ran behind upscale homes and buildings back in the day. Their primary use was to provide access to the stables and carriage homes that also stood behind prosperous buildings. While relatively rare nowadays, they still exist. Anyway, the mews in question are located behind the now Mystery Guild Library that Tory Van Dyne inherited from her grandmother. The only stipulation was an easy on for Tory, to not only preserve the library itself on the first two floors but perhaps more to the point, the Christie Room. Her grandmother, a huge Christie fan, had created it to be an exact replica of Agatha Christie's own home parlor. 

A member of the library board has discovered a somewhat rare copy of Christie's book "Murder in the Mews" and has arranged to display it there during a celebration of the library's 50th anniversary. That is when things begin to go very wrong. Not only is the rare book stolen but a body is discovered. I bet you guessed where. The mews. That's when Tory and her eclectic band of friends turn sleuth again. They have some amazing help although most are unaware of the identity of the lovely, perceptive older lady who mysteriously joins them in the Christie Room. Of course, it's Agatha herself, albeit in ghost form but looks, feels, and acts as if she's living. What fun. I love how they simply accept her with no real idea who she is. Well, maybe a couple suspect but they continue to operate as if she's, well, the perceptively smart older lady she appears. They've got a lot to investigate, too, as not only is this a twisty mystery with many red herrings but, well, determining who killed the man isn't easy.Why? Because....oh, no, not going to reveal more of the plot than I already have. 

Bottom line, while I was unsure about this one going into the first book, I've been all aboard since. Tory is likable, as are the regulars. Wait until you meet Mairead Butler, an eleven year old who could give Nancy Drew a run for her money on sleuthing. Tory and her sister Nic, an actress, have an adventure just riding the subway, too, which was fun. Tory's boyfriend, Detective Sebastian Mendez-Cruz is pretty hot, too, so Tory is doubly thrilled to have him return from a sensitive job just in time to take over the murder investigation. Well, that and make Tory all starry eyed. Some romance but gentle and behind closed doors for those who care. So, some romance, fun characters, lots of Christie references (and not even from the Christie character), revenge motives, not to mention greed and pride, and, at least to me, a surprising twist of an ending. Seriously, stay tuned until the end. My thanks to #BerkleyPublishingGroup for introducing me to Tory and those about her, especially the ghostly but still on-top-of-her-game Agatha Christie. This series has become one of those early peeks that I'm always anxiously awaiting to see what's next for everyone. 

Peg and Rose Deck the Halls, by Laurien Berenson

 Publication Sept. 29, 2026

As always, this continues to be a fun series. While Peg continues to be the strong alpha of the duo, so to speak, it was quite interesting to see Rose take a more active role in the investigation. She even seems to be learning more bits about dog breeds although I'm not quite sure she's even aware of that evolution yet. Peg is a suspect in a murder that takes place during her Christmas open house party, albeit as is noted, who'd be dumb enough to murder someone in your own home with a poisoned drink you provided. I'm pretty sure the police detective gets this although some of Peg's dog club members don't seem to be as sure. Given that the victim, Jonabell Goff had managed to get on more than a few people's last nerve, there is no shortage of suspects, Doing our reader's job of playing fly on the wall, it was fun to listen in as they interviewed their prime suspects both together and apart. It was apart where Rose, with her empathy long fine-tuned as a former nun, began to shine.

I genuinely have come to like the regulars and although I think I'd prefer my doses of Peg in short bursts, even she is beginning to show a bit of a side of herself that makes her genuinely more likable. Her beloved poodles, of course, are adorable, especially loyal Hope. Rose's cat Marmalade gets some time in the spotlight, too, especially in helping a young girl feel more comfortable at the woman's shelter that Rose and husband Peter, a former priest, operate. Christmas is quickly approaching and Wren, the child, is still young enough to fret that Santa Claus may not be able to find her. That side story ties in well with the overall plot as we learn abuse isn't always physical. The story moves along smoothly with the side stories and dog talk popping up regularly but not distracting from the overall story line. I did find some of the members of the Cherry Valley Kennel Club that Peg helped co-found so many years ago not too likable, I must admit. I'm looking forward to seeing how the author handles any potential changes in that regards, I have to admit. Peg's life has largely revolved around it, so finding herself on the outside looking in is disconcerting for her, especially given the murder investigation where so many believe she might have been the killer.

Bottom line, won't give away any more of the plot but will say this one works nicely as a standalone and you'll receive more of the info you need early on.  The chemistry between Rose and Peter is sweet, hope to see more of him in future stories, but Maura seems to run the show there...much to their relief, I'm sure. Learning a bit about the various dog breeds, not to mention judging through Peg's eyes at one point, is interesting and, quite frankly, gives me a whole new respect for the job dog show judges do in such a short time, too. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for introducing me to the Peg and Rose duo and letting me tag along virtually for an early peek at times. 

 

The Ghost and the Dead Librarian (A Haunted Bookshop Detective Mystery), by Cleo Coyle

 Publication Sept. 29, 2026

Although I'm a long time Cleo Coyle fan, this was the first time encountering this series. I didn't beat myself up, however, when I heard it was written under a pen name. That's a common practice of authors in all genres, so no surprise. In this case, we have young widow Pen/Penelope who has moved back to town to help out her aunt in a struggling bookshop. While helping make some changes, she discovers a long-time bookshop regular. Just one problem. He's a ghost. Killed in the bookshop. Fortunately for Pen's seeming habit of stumbling across murder investigations, he was also a private eye, albeit from the wise-cracking, gumshoe, hard-boiled detective era. His skills and investigative skills come in handy even if his abilities are somewhat hampered. I'll leave that to you to find out why. Needless to say, his help comes in handy when Dory, known for her writing of local obituaries, is killed in the bookshop after the signing of her first book. 

The series is, as it turns out, a rebirth of sorts, but with new adventures, so don't hesitate to jump into it again if you were a past reader.  I enjoyed the characters, finding the ghostly Jack Shepherd somewhat gruff at times but at the same time likable and even charming at times. True, his opinion that Pen use old style methods to elicit information don't work on her but he means well and does seem to have a knack of having her back when needed. Pen still seems a bit of a hesitant detective type but seems to be a fast learner. I may have to go find the initial offerings of the series just to see how it all began in more detail than this book offers although what is revealed here should be sufficient for most. The dream sequences Jack provides are not only helpful to Pen but offer up a cold case mystery for readers to try to solve, too, a bonus. You'll meet quite a few of the seemingly regulars of the series, too, as well as be reminded how narrow some small town focuses can be where status and family are involved. Having worked off and on to create my own family tree, I can definitely attest that digging into family history can reveal both saints and sinners as well as everything in-between, so to have family history pop up here was a fun perk for me. It also provides several suspects, that's for sure. And that's before Pen starts digging which is when things get far more complicated.

Bottom line, not to give away much more of the plot, this was a fun read and I'm glad I was intrigued enough by the title, which you'll clearly understand as you read, to request a review copy. It did take me a few pages to sort out that Pen was communicating with Jack by talking to him in her mind, not aloud, though slip ups were surely inevitable. She's also dealing with a son and wary family members. So, not just murder, but some family drama and lots of fun chatter with a wise-cracking ghost detective. I'm curious how Coyle will go from here with these characters, so already looking forward to the next book. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for his early peek at the rebirth of an ol' series. Sounds like Pen's future is about to get more and more interesting, so glad Jack is around to help, even if she probably needs to keep a sweater handy when he appears. 

Alaskan Humble Pie, by Natasha Von Imhof

 

Publication Aug. 2, 2026

As an Alaskan, I'm always delighted to find a good read set in Alaska. In this case, it's set in my general neighborhood in nearby Palmer, Alaska. Also, by sheer chance, it has an episode set at the Alaska State Fair which is going on as I type. Even better, it has interesting characters with equally interesting side stories. As it turned out, too, while I don't know her personally, I correctly had the sense that I knew the author's name. All this should explain why I found myself finishing this one up in one day.

There is a mystic, an aura about Alaska that the author captures well. City boy Ryder is far more comfortable on stage with his band before thousands of screaming fans than doing farm work but, well, due to circumstances finds himself needing to disappear for a while. You'll find out why early on, don't worry. Also, don't immediately assume he didn't help create his own frightening situation. There's a double meaning to that title. Lucky for Ryder, Joe, his manager, has a sister who lives in Palmer, Alaska, and sends him there under a new name and, gasp, without a cell phone. Again, you'll find out why and it's all quite a wild story, including shady hit men. While all that drama is going on in the headlines due to his disappearance and threats being tossed around, Ryder finds himself learning how to be a farmer. Jolene, manager Joe's sister, is a strong, no-nonsense kind of woman with problems of her own but takes Ryder in and does all she can to protect her. 

And, yes, this is a romance and you'll meet Allison, the female half of the romantic duo to be, early on but, well, let's just say she isn't impressed by him. In fact, I'd say she's suspicious even with no real cause to be.  Oh, okay, Ryder is initially a spoiled jerk but, well, Allison, a medical student, has her own traumas and issues to deal with so it was actually a plus to have such a lengthy time to get to know the varied, unique characters that inhabit Ryder's new reality. Each character gets an opportunity to share thoughts, hence you'll get several points of view, even from the few who are genuinely unlikable. Oh, and romance blooms elsewhere, too, besides between Ryder and Allison when an old friend more or less literally drops from the sky onto Jolene's property. Let's just say, you'll learn a bit about bush pilots and planes, a common mode of travel here in Alaska, from that angle.

I genuinely liked the characters and felt like I should be able to zip over to the currently running State Fair and find them to hang out with. The author does a wonderful job building complex characters and respecting all that Alaska's mystic and realities can offer up. I grinned when she even used well known street names, another sign of an author who knows what she's talking about. The multiple stories and complex personalities we're introduced make for an intriguing look at not just Alaska and the sense of community but, well, even DC gets it's share of the story. As does Big Lake, another location quite familiar to me. The plot moves along smoothly but also doesn't seem to, if that makes sense, as there seems to always be one thing or the other happening with one or the other of the inter-connected characters. 

Seriously, you'll feel like you know them well by the time you finish and, as noted, think they're surely sprawled out on a porch or around a campfire playing their instruments and singing everything from old time songs to the latest. John Denver gets a lovely mention or two, I'll note, and you will find out why. My sincere thanks to #AtmospherePress and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a book that felt like it might as well have been set in my own neighborhood. Close knit communities and the seemingly endless hours of daylight in the summer here are all part of the magic that helps the troubled Ryder find his way back to his love of music and, hmm, Allison. Love the idea presented at the end that combines her medical side with music, that's for sure. 

 

 

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?