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. 

Sometimes Grandpa Calls Me Herman (Norman the Button), #4, by Michelle Olson

 

Publication Nov. 2, 2026

There's so much more to our family history than we realize. 

I adore this heartwarming, creative series. Thanks to author #MichelleOlson for sharing this early copy. As you can surely tell from the cover, the characters are not human but still manage to convey a depth of feeling that touches the reader and always seems to offer up a gentle reminder of family and family ties as well as friendships. In this case, Norman (the red button) is more or less drafted by his busy mother to visit Grandpa Henry who lives in a dusty old cookie tin in a closet. Norman is reluctant as he finds his visits frequently boring and is bothered that Grandpa frequently calls him Herman. Never mind, Norman. We know you're going anyway. Grin.

The colorful, clever illustrations are all, so to speak, make from "found items" by the author, many from her own family home. Hence the book not only tells us what's going on in the story but shows it, too. Nothing too elaborate but all quite creative and well done. You'll find out, for instance, how Norman gets to Grandpa's as well as catch a glimpse of his family he finds as he helps Grandpa clean. Oh, okay. Mostly Norman cleans as Grandpa does enjoy his naps. Among the items encountered I grinned at the bowling image, marveling at the "Of course!" items used to create it while also knowing I'd have been hard pressed to come up with something so simply yet perfect. The pictures Norman finds of family members are adorable, too, one family member perched on the uniform of a baseball player's uniform while, yes, that's Norma's mother as a little girl! (On a photo of the author's own mother). 

But, wait! There's actually a real Herman in Grandpa's past. Nope, not sharing that info, nor how it does tied to what little Norman discovers he really knew about Grandpa. Bottom line, the message of it being well worth learning about our family's background rings loud and clear here. Norman discovers his "boring" ol' grandpa isn't boring at all. I loved that the author included her own mother's childhood picture in this homage of sorts to family. I've worked on my own family tree off and on over the years and am still constantly surprised and impressed at what I've discovered. Again, thanks #MichelleOlson for the early peek at this family connections, so to speak, reminder. Even better, done with a smile and an easy read that should bring a smile to all ages. Finally, readers, if you're like to know more, check out belliebuttonbooks.com for free printable activities.  

Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog's Tail, by Molly Burke

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

AUDIO, about 15 min. 

Both teaches and entertains us as we read/listen. Since I had the audio version, read by the author, it allowed me to experience the story as a blind person might. As such, the narration varies a bit from the norm. Not only do we get the story but a voice then describes the illustrations as they might to a blind person right down to the yellow clip in Molly's hair to fun visions of Eltie dressed as a fireman rescuing a cat in a tree and more without being disruptive in any way. The actual book, I read, actually contains not only examples of Braille but features a slightly roughened page somehow demonstrating Eltie's furry coat. I kinda wished I'd had a hard copy in my hand to experience these little nuances/pluses, gotta admit.

While I was initially drawn by the cover, which is nicely described in the audio, by the way, I came away thoroughly impressed with the thought and effort that went into pulling the whole together. The fact the illustrator, Ziyue Chen is deaf added another level to the efforts at inclusion. While the story of Molly and Eltie's typical day at school isn't profound, it pulls you into the story as most of us can remember our school days and the normal, everyday activities that we simply took for granted. It was particularly nice to see how Molly's schoolmates were both involved and respectful of the boundaries set in relationship with sharing space with Eltie. 

Bottom line, this would be an excellent addition to just about any library, personal or public. My thanks to #RBmedia for making this audio available to me early. While I have taught deaf students and even learned some sign language in the process, I've never taught a blind student, so this was informative. The added info on how we should interact with service dogs of any kind is a plus, too, as they are quite common in certain locales. I recently even got to share a waiting room with one who behaved just like Eltie. Curled up at its owners feet but alert. In any case, hope to see more stories of Molly and Eltie in the future. Since the author herself is blind and has had multiple guide dogs, I'm hopeful she'll share a few more examples of life with a service dog. 

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

 

Publication Oct. 16, 2026

Place holder until next week. 

Joy to the Bones, by Carolyn Haines

 

Publication Oct. 27, 2026     End of series

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

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

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

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

 

Publication Oct. 20, 2026

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

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

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

Murder in the Upper Crust, by Mindy Quigley

 

Publication Oct. 27, 202

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

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

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

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

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

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

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

Bob Newhart, by Michael Seth Starr

 

Publication Oct. 27, 2026

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

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

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

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

 

Publication Oct. 13, 2026

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

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

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