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 largely 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 that seemed to be 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 one 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!

A Silly DOG Named Klaus: A Silly story for Dog Lovers about a Playful Schnauzer with a Big Personality, by Terry E Gunn, Kelli Winkler (Narrator), Faith Bianca (Illustrator)

How could I resist that face on the cover?

Seriously, I wasn't even looking to add another book to my review list but, well, a cute doggie face has that effect on me. Next thing you knew, I had it to review. I'm glad I did. Although written for quite young doggie lovers (ages 2-6), the illustrations pulled me in and should provide lots of fodder for discussion when reading to a child. I also noted that my dog displays most of the same mischief making modes, a bonus and a good sign that this one is based on reality. 

I'm happy to say the power of the pictures continues through the book. Lots of color and things to see or find, all quite realistic in nature. It's quite obvious Klaus is having fun, too, which will surely draw a giggle or two from your readers/listeners. While I was expecting lyrical verse, the text is, well, mostly plain ol' text that repeats to help build recognition, but definitely connects to the illustrations. Having had my own non-wolfish dog howl at times, I did grin at the picture of Klaus howling at the moon. Spooky dog, indeed. The words aren't ones young readers will necessarily know, so it's definitely a read-aloud, probably with lots of stops to discuss the cute illustrations and perhaps identify things like flowers, boots, doggie toys, paw prints and more that pop up as you go through the book. It'd probably be fun, too, given the frequently unknown sight words used to describe Klaus in particular situations, to pause and ask the child how they'd describe Klaus in that situation. 

Bottom line, a fun, beautifully illustrated book that not only will children love for the fun of hearing and reading it but adults may gravitate to, too, simply for the sweet visuals. It's #IndependentlyPublished and I absolutely loved the closing text thought and accompanying illustration. 

 

Legacies, Lies & Murder (Prentiss & Parker Cozy Mysteries Book 1), by Kathy Manos Penn

 Publication Sept. 22, 2026

What a delightful segue into a new series featuring characters I already know and love. Leta and Dave are currently settling into married life and expecting nothing more than a fun, entertaining time at a literary festival. Dave, although not there as a participant, is looking forward to sorting through and helping organize his friend Gilbert's library. Leta is there mostly for fun and, of course, they brought Dickens and Christie along. For newbies, I'll reveal that they talk to Leta in a language only she understands, albeit Dave is getting better at interpreting facial expressions and movement.  Oh, didn't I mention that Christie and Dickens are a cat and dog? It's simply a fact in the story and somehow seems just normal. Shrug. In any case, they're frequently helpful when Leta and Dave get involved in an investigation although much of it reminds of nothing more than typical kids bantering and teasing each other. Great fun, however you interpret it.

As noted, I've grown to like this duo, er, foursome, over the life of the series. I have to admit to thinking I might miss the other regulars, particularly the LOL's, aka Little Old Ladies group that frequently got involved in the investigations. Heck, they were there before Dave came along. What investigation, you ask? Long time readers won't be at all surprised to hear Leta discovers a body. This time it's the body of Agatha Penrose, a caustic, often mean spirited, 90+ year old writer who announced the publication of a fictional story collection that could best be described as a very thinly disguised, gossipy tell all. Needless to say, many of the locals who could easily discern who the real people being described were, were stunned and, yes, some were quite upset. Upset enough to kill? Well, now she's dead and the suspect list is long.

That's about all I'm going to reveal of the plot. I'll simply say that Leta and Dave's reputation as sleuths precedes them. They're quickly welcomed by the local law officials and investigating rather than simply enjoying the book chatter. Heck, even Minerva, the victim's cat gets involved courtesy of Dickens' translation for Leta. Leta's ability to not just get people to open up to her but to reveal more than they might have wanted is, as always, fully on display while Dave is a research wiz. While I'm not certain which of the new to us characters will become regulars, I'm thinking Gilbert and Margery are a cinch, with police office Tamsin and supposedly retired detective Harold Tremaine seem likely. I kept wondering how the author was going to handle the reveal of a new series with old, beloved characters but, well, let's just say for now that Dave seems to have an itch for something more and it provides the push for something new in their life. That's it. Not saying anything more. You'll just have to read it. 

Bottom line, I'm all in on this new series and recommend it highly. I love the bits of history and literary aspects Kathy Manos Penn brings to her books and it's definitely here. Of course, for me it is usually the characters and, as noted, I already was game for just about anything Leta and Dave, not to mention their furry friends. I'll happily tag along down any new path they lead. Well, maybe I'll skip the ones leading to a new body. While I'll admit I hope the old regulars play a role, at least occasionally, this appears to be another strong cast of characters surrounding Leta and Dave and it'll be fun to get to know them even better. I mean, based on Dickens and Christie's ability to train them on treat preferences, they're quick learners. Grin. Thanks to author #KathyManosPenn for gifting me this early peek at her brand new series. 

Essentials of Homicide (The Aromatherapy Apothecary Book 3), by Kim Davis

 

Available Sept. 8, 2026

What would you do if your best friend were suddenly a murder suspect? If you're like Carissa Carmichael, you plunge immediately into sleuth mode. Never mind your father is chief of police and Ashley, your best friend, is dating a highly respected police officer. In other words, they're unlikely to see Ashley as a viable suspect. Let's just cut to the chase and say it puts Clarissa in a whirl of danger and surely complicates and adds stress to her father's already stressful job. 

It's been a while since I've virtually dropped in on Oak Creek Valley. I felt comfortable and grasped relationships quickly, so should work well as a standalone.  While I basically enjoyed my visit, this was one of those I neither loved nor hated. Hence a 3.5 rounded up. I'm leaning toward part of that being my own skepticism about some herbal/natural "medications". I also wasn't impressed by Clarissa's tendency to rush headlong into potentially dangerous situations, not to mention repeatedly call attention to herself in the process. In other words, the outed herself quickly as a potential problem if the killer were lurking about. Don't get me wrong. I didn't dislike the book. I simply never got past my own lack of interest in herbal matters and my general "just okay" sense of the characters. They were likable but none particularly stood out to me, even Clarissa. 

That said, there was lots going on on the movie set, of course, and it's always fun to get a fly on the wall view of movie/tv productions in progress. It's a definite reminder of how much and how many people are involved capturing what we see on out screens. Another plus for me was that the author, perhaps sensing others might be dubious as I was about herbal qualities, made a point of adding a disclaimer at the end urging anyone interested not to disregard their own medical professional and simply stop taking prescribed medicines in favor of herbal/natural ones. I must even admit to having some favorite teas that I tend to utilize, albeit only as supplements. On that note, there's a recipe for a salve included as well as a delicious sounding Lemony Lavender Scone(serves 8) at the end. And, oh, I'd like to thank the author for the interesting story of how some of the names used were chosen. Thanks #BookSirens for the early peek. 

A Murder at Midnight, by Ellie Alexander

 Publication October 13, 2026

It sounded like a win-win. The chance to host the popular reality show "Sleeping With the Spirits" was an opportunity to not only bring in new customers but immediately add a tidy sum to the Secret Bookcase shops' bank accounts. Although Annie initially hesitated, the enthusiasm of her team for the idea quickly convinced her. After all, Halloween is quickly approaching. The cast and crew of the show would record an episode of the show overnight at the bookshop and provide guests with a special "haunted tour". 

Only one problem. Well, actually there were many problems. The best laid plans go out the window when the show's star, Palmer, has an on-camera seizure and dies. The crew initially thinks it's all part of his act and are quick to announce it's ghostly doings. Even before Palmer is pronounced dead, Annie, who never believed for one moment the bookstore was haunted despite the occasional creaking and bumps in the night from the old building, isn't buying that theory, however. I won't detail the plot further, it's much to much fun to ruin by sharing, but will note that she almost instantly has a list of suspects. After it was determined for sure that the death wasn't accidental, Detective Caldwell asks Annie (and her detective partner Fletcher) to come aboard and assist in the investigation. It's already clear that not only doesn't the cast and crew get along but that there is a shadowy history there. One that perhaps hides a former murder?

Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable, fun plot that moves along quickly while still giving us breathing space to catch us up on the current relationship between Annie and boyfriend Liam. Seems they're, whoa, house hunting. What fun although they're discovering homes listed for sale go fast in their area. Will they actually be able to look at homes while Annie's focus is divided? Gotta give Liam credit that he seems to be laid-back enough to just go with the scattered flow. Not giving away any more of the plot other than that it's a mix of reality show non-reality, old grudges and egos, secrets of the past and present, jealousy, and how far someone might be willing to go to pave their way to a big paycheck. All the regulars are there and get some time, not to mention Annie's rather chaotic thoughts concerning Hal's continuing sage focused on his lineage. Thanks #StormPublishing and #NetGalley for the early peek at Annie's sometimes complicated life as well as for introducing her to me in the first place.  Oh, and readers, make sure you read the author's comments. They add to the fun. 

 

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 one 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 series, 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 and #NetGalley 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.