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. 

(Audio) Bark Humbug: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel, 34, by David Rosenfelt

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

As always, a fun adventure with always reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter and his crack team of investigators. What can I say? Andy would rather be lounging around with his family and friends watching football than taking another case. He's lucky enough to have inherited money and doesn't need the job, so how does he wind up defending a suspected murderer this time?  Well, he's a sucker for all things dog. Reporter Sharon Lowery tricks him into a supposed interview on local celebrities and their dogs. Only there's no interview. She is there because he isn't answering the phone and she wants to talk him into taking her brother Jon's case. A former military sniper, he's accused of killing an up and coming politician and his associate. And, oh, he has a dog. Even more to the point, one adopted from Andy's Tara Foundation. Needless to say, Andy soon finds himself calling together his team once again.

That, of course, is where the story really begins. Over the life of the series, regular readers have gotten to know the team members well and it's rather like gathering in Andy's home to enjoy their company when they meet. Which is, also of course, infrequently given Andy's lack of a work ethic. Marcus, strong and usually silent, remains a bit of a mystery but that's probably intentional.  While Andy appreciates that Marcus has his back and has saved his life an uncountable number of times, he still has the ability to intimidate Andy who mostly communicates with him through Laurie, Andy's ex-cop wife and team leader. I've grown to like the team members and respect what each brings to the table. Laurie deals with Andy's avowed laziness and snark, lots of snark. Honestly, while each story features a case that seems to become more complicated as the book goes along, often managing to includes underworld figures, Federal authorities, near death for Andy, not to mention a group of 90-something year old hackers that computer hacker, er, wiz, Sam, calls on for help when in a time crunch, it's the characters and snarky humor that keeps pulling me back. I mean, guess what author Andy manages to criticize at one point. Nope, not telling.

Bottom line, although I won't delve into the plot, far too many twists and turns, other than the murder that sets everything into motion, I will say that if you like courtroom drama with a touch (okay, a big touch) of humor, that shows us the behind the scenes action that we can only imagine, not to mention the stress lawyers are under, this may be the book for you. I often joke that I've learned much of the legal terms I'm familiar with from this series, not to mention general courtroom procedure and etiquette, albeit Andy is usually short on the latter. Humor, warmth of family and friends, Andy's realization that son Ricky is growing up, interesting characters, even the bad guys, and the sense of familiarity are what make this series work. We even get to take a few dog walks with Andy and Tara, the beloved Golden that gave Rosenfelt the name for his own real rescue, the Tara Foundation. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for the early read of Andy's latest reluctantly taken case. What a twist at the end!

Finally, since I was lucky enough to receive both the ebook and audio versions of this book, kudos to author Grover Gardner. He captures Andy's snark well. Thanks #MacmillianAudio for the early listen. I always appreciate getting the audio, too, as it seems like I always catch some nuance or bit of info I'd missed in the regular read.  

Bark Humbug: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel, 34), by David Rosenfelt

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

As always, a fun adventure with always reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter and his crack team of investigators. What can I say? Andy would rather be lounging around with his family and friends watching football than taking another case. He's lucky enough to have inherited money and doesn't need the job, so how does he wind up defending a suspected murderer this time?  Well, he's a sucker for all things dog. Reporter Sharon Lowery tricks him into a supposed interview on local celebrities and their dogs. Only there's no interview. She is there because he isn't answering the phone and she wants to talk him into taking her brother Jon's case. A former military sniper, he's accused of killing an up and coming politician and his associate. And, oh, he has a dog. Even more to the point, one adopted from Andy's Tara Foundation. Needless to say, Andy soon finds himself calling together his team once again.

That, of course, is where the story really begins. Over the life of the series, regular readers have gotten to know the team members well and it's rather like gathering in Andy's home to enjoy their company when they meet. Which is, also of course, infrequently given Andy's lack of a work ethic. Marcus, strong and usually silent, remains a bit of a mystery but that's probably intentional.  While Andy appreciates that Marcus has his back and has saved his life an uncountable number of times, he still has the ability to intimidate Andy who mostly communicates with him through Laurie, Andy's ex-cop wife and team leader. I've grown to like the team members and respect what each brings to the table. Laurie deals with Andy's avowed laziness and snark, lots of snark. Honestly, while each story features a case that seems to become more complicated as the book goes along, often managing to includes underworld figures, Federal authorities, near death for Andy, not to mention a group of 90-something year old hackers that computer hacker, er, wiz, Sam, calls on for help when in a time crunch, it's the characters and snarky humor that keeps pulling me back. I mean, guess what author Andy manages to criticize at one point. Nope, not telling.

Bottom line, although I won't delve into the plot, far too many twists and turns, other than the murder that sets everything into motion, I will say that if you like courtroom drama with a touch (okay, a big touch) of humor, that shows us the behind the scenes action that we can only imagine, not to mention the stress lawyers are under, this may be the book for you. I often joke that I've learned much of the legal terms I'm familiar with from this series, not to mention general courtroom procedure and etiquette, albeit Andy is usually short on the latter. Humor, warmth of family and friends, Andy's realization that son Ricky is growing up, interesting characters, even the bad guys, and the sense of familiarity are what make this series work. We even get to take a few dog walks with Andy and Tara, the beloved Golden that gave Rosenfelt the name for his own real rescue, the Tara Foundation. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for the early read of Andy's latest reluctantly taken case. What a twist at the end!