(RTC) Murder at the Mistletoe Ball, Helena Dixon

 Place holder for now to help me keep my "I'm done" finishing dates straight. Always a fun read, so look for the review in a couple weeks for the virtual book tour. 

Take My Word for It, by LeVar Burton

 

Publication Nov. 10, 2026

Ringo Starr told him he wore his heart on his sleeve. Reading this, I can see where Starr got that impression of LaVar Burton. He admits that he's always tended to live his life wondering "Am I enough?", trying to prove to himself as much as others that he deserves his place on our precious earth. Those ideas alone set LeVar Burton apart from many. 

Burton himself cites literacy as his legacy. After getting sidetracked from his plans for the priesthood by a casting call for Alex Haley's "Roots", he burst on the world as Kunta Kinte. The image that remains indelibly etched into my mind from the movie is one of the wide eyed, confused and terrified Kunta as he struggles to reconcile this suddenly changed world with the arrival of slave traders. While he doesn't dwell long on any of his roles or scenes, I found his memories of how the whipping scene was done both interesting and revealing. He had to learn to trust. That's all I'm going to say, sorry. 

While that movie marks the first phase of his public life, "Reading Rainbow" would dominate the next 23 years. It seems to have strengthened his belief that he carries the legacy of literacy legacy throughout today. As he learned, however, visibility can be both a blessing and a curse and he reveals some of his earliest personal struggles here. I wasn't of the age dynamic to follow "Reading Rainbow" but, well, who doesn't recognize that familiar "Butterflies in the sky..." refrain.

His next major role as Geordi LaForge in "Star Trek: The Next Generation". Playing a blind black man who sees more than most sighted men, he views this role as his next stage of growth. For many, seeing a black man with power, authority, and knowledge was transformative for many young (and not so young) blacks. He grew up a fan of the show, so perhaps that this was fated might be his thought path as he views the show as the one where curiosity and the driving quest to learn overcame fear. 

Bottom line, a thoughtful look within himself. A self-labeled storyteller, Burton shares both his highs and lows as both a public and private man. It wasn't always a smooth ride but he doesn't hide his more difficult moments, either. In fact, he seems to use them to relate, to help make connections with the reader. The final section of the book, note, focuses on his spirituality, so to speak, and beliefs, not to mention a surprising connection he discovers via his appearance on "Finding Your Roots". Thanks so much #RandomHouse for allowing me this early read of a book that introduced me to a side of a man I've only known from afar. LaVar Burton has not only changed other's lives, it was interesting to see his own life's wrinkles revealed as he, too, continues to evolve. 

My Word, Theodore!, by Kate Hannigan

 

Publication Nov. 2,2026

This one is as much a tribute to books as to Theodore Roosevelt's life. I knew he wrote several books but have to admit to being astonished at just how many when I reached the end material and list of his written works. Wow. He's always been a favorite president, heck, historical personality to me, so I have to admit that there was little here I hadn't heard but it's an excellent encapsulation of his life and times. While targeting young readers, I think readers of any age will enjoy this one.

I found the illustrations interesting. Not quite realistic, not quite cartoonish. They  even appear to be in a sorta soft focus, simple but doing an excellent job of capturing the mood and stories behind them. While Roosevelt is obviously the focus of the story, the book keeps the spotlight on his love of learning and books. An asthmatic child, he lived vicariously through books, yearning to one day live the adventures he was only then able to read about. For a man who faced so many tragedies and hardships through his life, including illness and the early loss of his wife and mother (on the same day), he seemed to always be looking forward to the next challenge and adventure. The book uses his quotes throughout and they add to the overall sense of him as a human, not an untouchable icon. I even learned here that he boarded a submarine for an underwater jaunt, not to mention his early glee at flying, so there's much to learn here. Even better, it's an enjoyable, interesting read.

Bottom line, this would make a great addition to just about anyone's bookshelf, especially in schools. Definitely read the after material. My favorite section there was probably the one titled "Why Should I Read and Write Like Theodore Roosevelt?" but there is lots more information to be found throughout. There's also a detailed timeline and bibliography, not to mention photo credits. Yes, there are scattered b/w photos used as appropriate to go along with the color illustrations. If you're unaware, you'll learn how his own writing saved his own life, too! Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for the early peek at this interesting, fun look at a bigger than life figure. Asthmatic child, cowboy, family man, politician, president....he did it all with gusto while still finding time to read and learn more. I'd have liked to have known him, if only at the time he's pictured in a western cabin doorway with a book. 

Bill the Dog, by Chris Britt

 

Publication Nov. 10, 2026

If you've ever owned a dog and cat at the same time, I doubt you'll be surprised to see Bill the dog and Fluffy the cat teaming up to create chaos and mayhem throughout the house. Nor will you be shocked to see how instantaneously Fluffy is able to present the perfect face of innocence while Bill looks like, well, like he masterminded the entire plan of destruction. Be sure to enjoy the chaos created as you begin the story as it is most likely going to elicit a grin, if only because, phew, it didn't happen at your house. 

The illustrations do a great job of capturing the energy and movement throughout the book. Scolded and evicted from the house by his humans, Bill spends his time in exile trying to sort out the dilemma of, "If I'm not a good dog, but a bad dog, does that mean I'm not a dog?" If so, he ponders what he exactly is. his quest to answer that question leading him into some questionable, even dangerous situations. Never fear, of course, as he has the backing of some friends, a subtle reminder that even in your darkest moments, you're not alone. 

Bottom line, a fun read, especially for children prone to find themselves in trouble, even creating a mess,  Bill is fun, impulsive, likable, and seems willing to face up to his "bad dog" moments. He even makes a few more in the process of discovering himself again, so to speak, such as the fact dogs can't fly and, whoa, stay away from big, scaly critters with big, pointy teeth. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for sharing this tale, or should I say "tail", with me early. Thoroughly enjoyed it and already have some in mind to point in the direction of this one. 

The Unfinished Work: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln, by Jeff Shaara

 

Publication Nov. 10, 2026

I was whisked back to the eve of Lincoln's election from the very first moment I started reading. Shaara has that power, to make you feel like you're there, that you know this character, and that is the magic of his words. With Lincoln, who I've read tons of books about, I immediately liked this seemingly humble, awkward man who's pants legs were always a bit too short for his long legs. We learn about the beard and top hat early on, just one of the little bits of info we pick up as we read. The younger boys seem to be energetic and more enjoying the adventure of  moving into the White House than awed while wife Mary Todd Lincoln sees it as a step up the social ladder. I recently read the lengthy bio of Mary and still haven't quite wrapped my brain around how her brain worked, but money and prestige seemed to play a vital role there and in this work. Whereas Lincoln seemed to suffer from moments of depression that made him sort of sink into himself, she, well, went shopping. Not a good look during a time of financial struggle to support a war. In any case, it was intriguing to get a sort of behind the walls look at the main players, from the entire Lincoln family to the politicians and other power players that surrounded the American government of the time. It was also interesting to get a view of Washington DC as it was then, such as the still unfinished Washington Monument and the state of the White House.

It isn't my goal here to summarize the story but as an Alaskan, think Seward's Folly, getting to know Seward as a person was intriguing. I think until now the only things I really knew about him concerned his purchase of Alaska and that he was attacked and nearly killed the night Lincoln was assassinated. We even meet his son/family. Of course, the focus is on Lincoln, whose awkwardness and seeming dislike of being front and center mislead many into underestimating him. While this is a novel not a biography, Shaara notes upfront that his goal was to use his own words and those of others to capture his personality and the way he viewed the world, not to mention how the world looked at Abraham Lincoln. He gives us a look at not just Lincoln but his fabled administration through his own eyes. I liked that Shaara includes his humor, too, which tied nicely with the very human man we get to know. The image of Lincoln on the floor wrestling with his two youngest sons still makes me smile. The many different relationships and connections covered, including family, friends, opponents, generals, and even the average people who trudged through the White House to air grievances or ask favors, all relationships that helped make Lincoln the President he was, are intriguing. I have to admit, though maybe it was just me, but meeting Pinkerton early on with his concerns for safety and seeing how Lincoln sort of brushes them off are a bit chilling, of course, knowing history. Can you imagine any president being able to walk through the dark streets alone nowadays? BTW, the book can basically ends as Lincoln gives the opening of his Gettysburg Address although the not so upbeat lead up to the assassination follows and how it impacted many, particularly Mary and oldest son Robert, are encapsulated in the section that follows. Use your own discretion on whether to read on from Gettysburg Address or not, in other words. I rather appreciated Shaara's careful structure there...even if I did read on.

Bottom line, even knowing this is a historical novel, given Shaara's reputation and my own experiences reading his other works, I lean toward this being a reasonably accurate presentation of Lincoln the man, President, and now myth. On thing that struck me, no, two things, show how times differed. Early on, we see how painfully slow election returns were counted and shared. Then, it struck me how used we have become to instant communication in our modern world. Any communication between Lincoln and, say, his generals was slow, surely painfully slow for those needing to know. Heck, if I read correctly, Lincoln hadn't even met his first Vice-President until he was elected. Anyway, my sincere thanks to #StMartin'sPress for this early look at this insightful look at a span of history that not only fascinates me but shaped the USA in ways no one could have imagined. 

Wood You Be Mine, by Daphne Elliot

 

Publication Nov. 10, 2026

As an Alaskan, first let me caution you not to follow Alice's lead on dealing with a moose encounter. Moose are not only big but have no problems taking on grizzly bears, so throwing tampons (!) at them is unlikely to detour a moose. While I've grown accustomed to having moose frequent my yard here in Alaska, I enjoy them through the window. People who've tried to pet the moose, yes, pet, or simply were in the wrong place at the wrong time have been maimed and even killed. Okay, end of my wildlife cautionary moment. On to the story....

I've got to admit, the title is what first drew me in. Then, toss in a rugged outdoorsy, tough lumberjack  type and, well, moose, and I was all in. I liked the characters and enjoyed the sorta dueling points of view we get as we go along. It was fun seeing Henri be the one to fall first, gotta admit, especially given Alice's tendency to find herself in situations that aren't, uh, positive. Let's face it, Alice isn't a country kinda gal but is determined to make it in this small Maine town as its new principal despite her past and not initially fitting in. She has a great sense of humor, fortunately, and the back-and-forth banter between Henri and her comes across as natural and  full of life. Both characters, unbeknownst to each other, are also facing difficult situations. Henri is struggling to save his late father's home/heritage, while Alice is struggling against being trapped by the expectations of others. She suffers from insecurities of never quite living up to those expectations with even her own mother chiding her frequently about her weight. I won't go into detail but it's obvious she's got a long way to go before being confident about any relationship. Henri's life in a seemingly male dominated world certainly did him no favors, either, when it comes to winning a non-rural woman. 

Bottom line, while I'm tempted to ramble on about some favorite and both fun and revealing scenes, I'll simply say it's a good read with both laughs and thoughtful, timely issues that come into play.Small town life isn't all smiles and happy, perfect citizens and I give kudos to the author for fleshing out a real world community with all its good and bad. It seems likely this is to be a series, too, so all my questions weren't answered, so I'll definitely be looking for the (I hope) follow-up. Watching Henri and Alice find a common ground was fun to watch as was seeing them finding their way through their own barriers not just to romance but a full life. I'm trying not to give away too much more of the story but will say you're likely to enjoy the read if you're into small town romance (with bumps), out of their comfort level characters, and seeing them make a difference in each other and their community. And, oh, yeah, moose. Can't forget the moose. Grin. There's even a bit of a mystery woven into the story that makes me all the more anxious to get my hands on the next chapter in this story. Thanks #BerkleyPublishingGroup for this early introduction and peek into Alice and Henri's world. I think they'd feel right at home in my own Alaska world so I felt quite comfortable with them while enjoying some of Alice's humorously absurd experiences. 

The Nuremberg Women: The Untold Story of the Eight Women Who Brought the Nazis to Justice, by Natalie Livingstone

 

Publication Nov. 13, 2026

As I discovered when I resorted to reviews to double check the spelling of a name, there are already lots of extensive, well-written reviews out there. As a result, I'm going to stick to my own reaction and keep it relatively short. I found myself reading in bits and pieces, I must admit, as some sections were rather, hmm, not hard reading but unsettling reading given the context. Unsettling but well worth the read and I do recommend it highly. While the author's focus is certainly on the women she selected to highlight, the reality behind the story is laid bare through their stories. Man's inhumanity to man may seem like a rather sexist cliche to use but it is universal as we're all part of humanity and not just men but women were impacted by events many only know from history books, including me.

 Livingstone has obviously researched her subject in depth and it was interesting to read why she selected these women to showcase. I liked that she took the time and effort to introduce us to these amazing women, ranging from lawyers to actual victims, as human beings, not simply characters conjured up to make a point. You'll learn quite a bit about each of them as you read (even in the reviews, I should note). The one that I was most drawn to, however, was Marie-Claude Vaillant-Couturier (the name I had to double check the spelling of), who was both a member of the French Resistance but also survived Auschwitz. Then, astoundingly to me, she chose to stay behind to help care for other survivors while waiting to be sent home to France. I simply could not imagine how she could summon up both the physical and emotional strength to do that. 

Bottom line, all the stories are amazing, however, so do give these women their due and take in their words. Not only will you learn about the people involved but the author even manages to take us into Nuremberg itself, giving you the sense of being there, willingly or not, using the words of not just the women involved via letters and memoirs but even family memories when available. Acknowledgements and notes as well as picture credits, sources, a bibliography, and index are included. In other words, while certainly drawing on the collected research of others, the author makes it personal, allowing us to look at this historical moment in time from a different angle, a human one. Thank you #StMartin'sPress for this early look at a book approaching an event from an angle I doubt many have considered. It's quite powerful. 

The Crossword Murders (The Secret Detective Agency Book 5), by Helena Dixon

 

England, 1942

History buff that I am, I just had to look up what the status of the war was in England in 1942. Bottom line, precarious.  The year was scarred by several major military defeats abroad with a heavy loss of trans-Atlantic shipping. On the other hand, it also marked the beginning of the post Pearl Harbor change in status as U.S. troops were beginning to land on the home front. While I was thoroughly engrossed in the mystery, I also noted that one of the best virtual scenes in the book came toward the end when Jane and Arthur see groups of neatly and warmly dressed children at a train station. My take was they were part of the effort of many parents to remove their children from harm, most likely bombings, by sending them to be cared for by others, not always family, in less prominent areas. Many were also transported overseas, I'll note, many Jewish children smuggled out of occupied countries amongst them. And, thus ends my history lesson. On to the story....

While the storyline, as always, remains strong with an emphasis on the war effort involving Jane and Arthur this go-round, the protection of valuable art objects. I won't go into great detail but it's rather astounding to recognize that the extreme measures described here were probably real, albeit maybe not all in one location. As always, there's a spy/traitor in the midst that results in deaths that Jane and Arthur must sort out asap. Crosswords play a role with cryptic clues hidden within. I won't detail the plot but was delighted to get some insight into the people behind the mission, in this case largely Jane and Arthur's man-servent Benson. To be honest, I didn't much care for Jane when the series began despite finding the stories intriguing, though I've gradually warmed up to her. This go-round we find out more about her past, not to mention get another glimpse of her complicated relationship with her diva star of a mother. The Benson reveal is a quick glimpse at the end that I'm sure will be followed up in the next book. So far, Arthur remains largely a mystery other than that he inherited his home from an uncle if I remember correctly. Surely it'll be turn for a reveal on him soon. In any case, much to my surprise, I've come to like all the characters, well, Jane's office nemesis isn't a favorite but there's probably lots to him we don't know yet, either. As a history buff and reader drawn to characters, this has been a delight of a series.

Bottom line, if you love clever mysteries and history, you'll like this one. The three main characters have become a tight team and have each other's backs, and it's been fun to see them grow as a team and individuals. I mean, Jane is still smoking, yes, but is being more and more aware of avoiding sending smoke in asthmatic Arthur's face as well as slowing her pace to his when walking. Trust me, those are serious improvements in her awareness and behavior towards others. The settings are largely away from prime bombing target London but that only reminds us that the war was by this time truly a world wide war, not to mention how much was going on that the public wasn't aware of. Thanks #Bookouture for originally introducing me to Jane, Arthur, and Benson and the early reads that so satisfy both my love of history and well-written, character driven mysteries. Heck, there's a lot to be learned about the war and history here, too. 

 

Murder of a Merry Gentleman (Lady Petra Inquires, #4), by Celeste Connally

 Publication Nov. 20, 2026

While I wasn't quite as into this one as I'd imagined I'd be, it was still an enjoyable read. Lady Petra Forsyth is an independent thinking woman at a time when such things were not just discouraged but looked down upon. She was fortunate to come from money and position, however, and was generally accepted. Set in London, it's December 1815. Christmas with all the expected festivities is drawing near. Lady Petra finds herself drafted into helping organize a sort of bachelor auction dance focusing on not just five unmarried ladies but scientifically minded ones. The bachelors in question are also scientifically minded. The ladies' families are to bid for the right for their daughter to choose the bachelor of their choice and act as that evening's hostess. Needless to say, the winner of the bid gets their choice of bachelor and is the only lady to dance with them that evening. The funds raised will go toward assisting the Lady Patronesses of Almack's Assembly Rooms. You'll learn about the ladies and Almack as the story begins. Lady Petra, who has sworn never to marry, reluctantly agrees to help, perhaps because one of the bachelors is an old, platonic friend, for the group dubbed the Merry Gentlemen. Her supposed beau, Duncan, is unfortunately out of town on assignment for the royals most of the time. Was glad to see him reappear at the end.  

What could possibly go wrong under the strictly monitored eye of society during the nightly series of dances and festivities? As it turns out, murder. One of the bachelors is discovered dead before the first night is barely over. I won't detail the plot much further except to say social expectations, frustrations of the restrictions, and missed opportunities do play a role, plus more. The characters, especially the five ladies and Merry Gentlemen, were generally likable, well, most of them were. Tempers and cattiness flare and there are more "accidents" to deal with, some involving supposedly rare artifacts. Secrets? Oh, boy, lots and lots of secrets. The recurring assumption that women have no brains and are thus expected to marry and give up all ambitions runs throughout, obviously applied to Lady Petra herself, too. 

Bottom line, while some of the events seemed a bit far fetched to my modern mind, I liked seeing how Petra's true friends worked with her. I just wished that Petra herself was a tad less rash, let's say, not needlessly putting herself in danger. That rubs elbows with the side story involving Teddy, the street urchin that Petra has befriended over the series, and his mother's imprisonment. Nope, not sharing more. You'll just have to read the book. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for introducing me to Petra and company and giving me this early peek at her Christmas of 1815. While I couldn't quite lose myself in the plot, I did enjoy the quite startling reveal and then satisfying surprise or two at the very end. And, no, I didn't guess whodunit. Grin. 

Murder in Bologna, by T A Williams

 

Publication Nov. 6, 2026

One of the things I try to do after reading a book to be reviewed is give myself time to mull over my true reactions/impressions of the book. There's no doubt that I thoroughly enjoy this series but I asked myself "Why?" Simplest explanation is that I like the characters. Private detective Dan Armstrong may be whip smart and dogged when it comes to discovering the truth, but he also comes across as a likable guy, someone you'd enjoy spending time with just chatting about everything under the sun. It'd be even better if he brought along the brought along his lovable, always hungry but instinctively smart dog Oscar, of course. I'd be one of the ones sneaking treats to Oscar under the table, I admit. It was also great fun to revisit the villa where Dan and Oscar first met. I won't ruin that for you but, hey, dog lovers already know Labs love water, so there's a hint for you.  

The idea that these stories have a lot of heart sticks out for me, too. Dan genuinely seems to care not just about his clients but frequently those he winds up meeting and questioning as the investigation moves along. The fact Oscar is usually along and senses the need of those being questioned to be soothed, of course, also adds an element of true care, often resulting in him getting far more information than he might have otherwise. In addition, Dan's wife Anne is not just supportive but her expertise as an art professor and wide ranging ties have also proven helpful, especially so since we're frequently surrounded by historic art and architecture. I thoroughly enjoy the virtual tours we get through this or that area/building, all with a bit of its history and/or significance provided via Dan's viewpoint as we travel about. Dan's also managed to become friends with Commissario Virgilio Pasano, head of the Florence murder squad, so he's got legal ties, too, to match his own experiences. Finally, adding to the likability quotient for Dan, he always seems to find time to devote to family, too, this time helping his daughter find her dream wedding venue. 

Since part of the fun is figuring out the actual cases on your own, I won't say much about the plot other than it's a clever one that manages to tie two seemingly unrelated cases together. In this case, Dan is following up on a bereaved father's request that he determine if his recently dead son was a suicide as the initial police reports seem to indicate, or was murdered. This leads Dan to Bologna from Florence, his home base, not only to student housing but to visiting a million dollar apartment complex as he investigates something for Virgilio. In the process, we learn a bit about how modern art products like the inks and even framing differ from those way back in the days of the old Masters, leading to information on why art forgery is actually quite difficult to be successful doing. That's about all I'm going to say to allow you to watch Dan's steady, at times seemingly reluctant questioning as he slowly chips away at the initial verdict. Trust me, lots of action and, of course, lots of Oscar, too, much to my delight. Grin. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dan and Oscar and their likable circle of friends and family and allowing me this early peek at how life is treating them. Oscar deserves every bit of steak he's given, I assure you.