Poppy Done to Death(Aurora Teagarden #8), by Charlaine Harris

 

I've had this one sitting around the house for awhile and decided to give it another read before donating it to the library for their used book sale. Let's just say I'm not very good at remembering whodunit. It's one of those books I didn't love but didn't hate. The characters would probably be considered stereotypes today (the book is nearly two decades old) and, boy, but one had to wonder if anyone in town was actually faithful to their marriage vows. Oh, not Aurora (Roe), she's true blue and loyal to her writer boyfriend but overall doesn't seem to judge people. we actually get a look at her family this go-round when her brother Phillip (there's a story there) shows up uninvited after basically running away from home due to infidelity there. Me thinks he chose the wrong town but Roe seems determined to do her best for him. 

As for the murder, it leads Roe to a flood of secrets in her small, Southern town. She also learns more about Poppy than she perhaps ever wanted to know, too. Poor Poppy, who was, let's see if I can get this right, Roe's step-sister-in-law (there's another story there) about to receive the honor of being inducted into the Uppity Women Book Club. She's a no-show at the induction, however, which embarrasses Roe, who does try hard to do the right thing. Needless to say, as soon as possible Roe goes looking for her, determined to give her a piece of her mind. That's when the story really starts for, as the title says, she finds Poppy dead in her own home. Equally disturbing, Poppy's husband John David is nowhere to be found. Poppy tracks him down and is soon investigating. As noted, she turns up lots of information and clues, some of which she'd just as rather have not seen or know. Needless to say, in this bed-hopping community, the suspects are frequently linked or related, adding to the difficulty. 

Okay, not detailing the plot any further. It's not my favorite series by Harris but was entertaining once you get past the infidelities of so many. Glad I picked it up for some idle reading. The ending was well worth the read.

When Dogs Work, by Opal Sinclair

 Publication Nov. 12, 2024

Dog person that I am, I was drawn to this book. I liked it even more as I began to peruse the pages. The pictures are real people and real working dogs. By that I mean that they appear to be genuine photos taken in action, not something posed. There are a variety of dogs and human characters, not to mention a herd of sheep. Love those guardian dogs. The author dedicates the book to her own dogs, too, a nice touch and loved the paw/hand photo used with the dedication.

Each working type gets a two page spread. One page is devoted to a short, rhythmical description of the dog's job. It's accompanied by a color photo of that type of dog doing its job. There's a bit of humor in the text, too, a plus for children who enjoy a giggle. As noted, the descriptions are brief. The author isn't trying to tell us everything there is to know about each canine job, simply to share the very basics of the job and, so to speak, offer kudos to those dogs. As an Alaskan who has attended many sled dog events, of course, I feel compelled to mention the inclusion of sled dogs as a canine job. Yeah, huskies. My favorite canine job, though, was the last one mentioned, the job of being a pet dog. In other words, they have a job, too. It's to love us and be there for us every day. My corgi mix, whose heritage would call her a working (herding) dog, falls into that category and I, for one, appreciated the inclusion. 

Finally, the book closes with a list of suggested activities to expand upon the contents and focus on the idea of helping these dogs symbolize. The suggestions are simple one that anyone can do. They don't involved collecting a bunch of supplies and finding a specific time or place. In fact, one is simply to note dogs to the child when out and about on daily routines, asking questions such as what kind of dog do you think that is or what sort of job might that dog be suited for. All easy and low pressure type activities. Thanks #PajamaPress - #PublisherSpotlight for giving me a sneak peek at this book. I'll definitely be mentioning it to my friends.

The Poison Pen Letters(The Village Detectives #2), by Fiona Walker

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2024

I found myself all over the place with this one. On the one hand, it used an unique murder weapon, that's for sure. I honestly didn't care much for the characters as the book began but they did grow on me as I got to know them better. I'm not sure if reading the first book in this series would have made a difference. Probably not as it eventually worked as a standalone for me. I did seriously wish they'd find Juno the perfect boyfriend soon, if only so she'd stop obsessing over men so much. Part of her character, true, but it did distract me at times. Phoebe, the writer and possible target of the murder, and her husband Felix, a film producer, seemed genuinely in love even while they also seemed to both push and pull away repeatedly. It's obvious they care for each other. Mil Winterbourne, was younger than the rest but has a crush on Juno that she can't quite bring herself to reciprocate. 

These relationships, good, bad, or indifferent, are sidelined when Phoebe's chatty postman Craig is murdered. Let's just say a package he was delivering to Phoebe explodes and kills him. Was he the intended target or Phoebe? Who'd hate either of them enough to kill them in such a dramatic manner? As it turns out, Phoebe does have a long list of potential enemies. She's been stalked before and getting an invite to her own funeral the day before is rather telling about who the intended victim was, I'd say. Phoebe's friends, who've been dubbed the Village Detectives, gather to investigate and then scatter here and there to do so. I won't detail the plot further other than to say the ending was quite intense.

Despite the murder and following events, there is also humor. Just the characters alone provided much of it, especially their thoughts as they encounter others. Juno and Felix combining forces to investigate offered lots of laughs as well as "Uh, oh, what if..." thoughts. And, as over-the-top as Juno's man crazy persona was, I found myself liking her and thinking she'd be someone I'd want on my side. Readers just need to relax and go with the flow, so to speak, and not try to make it all make sense as frequently as I initially did. The theme of cyber stalking is definitely a timely one, so that kept my attention, too. The red herrings are plentiful, as are the twists and turns. While not quite the book for me, 3.5 rounded to 4 stars, it was still an intriguing read with characters you're likely to grow to like. I may make a point of reading the first book now because it's a series that intrigued (yes, there's that word again) me enough to want to know them all more. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Phoebe, Felix, Juno, and Mil early, not to mention the rest of the cast of characters. That ending was both intense and funny, something hard to make come off but the author managed it well.

Last Dance in Salzburg, by Vivian Conroy

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2024

This was a delightful mix of intrigue, romantic angst, looking back, wishing things had been different, finding oneself, deciding what is most important in your life, and history. Quite a mixture, huh? And, I didn't even mention that murder is involved. Actually, let me back up. It begins with a mysterious invite to attend a ballet in Salzburg. It's to honor both an 18th birthday celebration and anniversary of a jewel heist of a sapphire necklace at the same location. The invitation is sent to Atalanta's late grandfather, Clarence Ashford, but she is intrigued enough by the wording to be determined to attend in his place. 

Just as she might be wavering, handsome, flirtatious Raoul appears and agrees to go with her. I'm not going to detail the plot other than to say that initially much of it seems focused on Atalanta's romantic yearnings for Raoul, a famous race car driver. We get a peek into his childhood this go-round, one that helps explain his determination not to become seriously involved with Atalanta. In any case, who murdered the man just released from prison for the theft of the sapphire necklace. It's all wrapped up in the past, of course, meaning Atalanta has two cases to solve to her satisfaction. There are also a host of potential suspects for the murder Alalanta stumbles across while chasing after....oh, I think I'll leave that for you to find out. It's all part of the overall mixed bag of themes mentioned. Alalanta, whose name means "huntress", is caught between yearning for a dance with Raoul and finding a murderer, not to mention protecting her late grandfather's reputation. An impulsive young ballerina eloping with her somewhat older beau complicates things. 

Bottom line, I liked Atalanta and despite her frustration with Raoul, came away with more respect for him than in the past. Respect and a sense of sadness at his personal baggage. His comment about how a passion become an obsession was telling of his own parent's relationship. Even the stuffy upper crust characters largely came across sympathetically. Renard, who was her grandfather's butler, while admitting even he doesn't know the full truth of the stolen sapphire case her grandfather investigated, plays a vital role this go-round. I've barely touched the surface here but if you like stories set in fabulous setting that are quite character driven, you'll like this once you settle into the slower pace. Thanks #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter for allowing me to take a virtual time travel trip back to November 1930 to catch up early with the complicated, intriguing Atalanta.

The Gardener's Plot, by Deborah J. Benoit

 Publication Nov. 5, 2024

I'm not much of a gardener but I love flowers, so decided to give this one a chance. I'm so glad I did. While I have to admit to finding Maggie Walker's questioning style pushy and rather obvious, I liked her. Like many, she's making a new start by going back to known places, ie living in her late grandmother's home, and dealing with both old friends and enemies as well as trying to make new friends. She's a master gardener and has started writing a gardening column for the local paper, so she seems to be on the right track. Even more impressive, she was tapped to help organize the local community garden. She's excited about that...until she discovers a boot in one of the plots. A boot attached to a foot. Uh, oh.

Without giving away the plot, I will say that while it seemed slow in spots, my hunch is we were getting valuable background for future book in a series. At least I hope so. I liked Maggie, pushy and occasionally fractious as she was when confronted by the standard operating procedure of the police. There seems to be a history with local police chief Sam, one that has lead to Sam's wife Catherine being openly hateful to Maggie. And, oh, that detective, Matt Quinn. While grudgingly admitting he's good looking, Maggie seems at odds with him the entire book. Well, almost the entire book. Love the possibilities the ending offers. Like Maggie, Sam and Matt seem to be good people, caught in the middle between their softer side and the bureaucracy of police procedure. Maggie's friend and neighbor, Sally, is there for Maggie, even when she fears it might put her family in danger. And, yes, danger is lurking. Not one but two murders occur. Even worse, Maggie is with Sally when they stumble across the second body thanks to Sally's dog Dreyfus. And that's just the beginning of the action, which also involves snotty encounters with Catherine, cranky garden plot owners, Maggie's annoying pest of a cousin, and a growing fear that this isn't over simply because the bodies have been discovered. Trust me, it isn't. 

You don't have to be a gardener to enjoy this one, either. In fact, if you read carefully, you might even pick up a few helpful tidbits. Maggie and Sally, the featured characters, are quite likable and seem to work well together, showing promise as amateur sleuths. Maggie seems to recognize at the end that her probing questions may have help create the danger Sally and she faced at the end, too, so it'll be interesting to see how that balances with her natural curiosity and need to know. Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the next. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early introduction to Maggie and the cast of characters that surround her. And, oh, I definitely liked the role the K9 police dog played at the end. What can I say? I'm a dog person. Grin.

The Body in the Lighthouse (A Georgina Drake Mystery #4), by Kate Hardy

Publication October 29, 2024

I'm hooked. Once I started reading, I was compelled to finish. I've come to like Georgina, Colin, and the cast of characters that surrounds her. It's a pleasure to see a main character who actually works with the police, not against them, and doesn't hesitate to share any info gathered. Nor does she go dashing off into dangerous situations, something few of our other favorite amateur sleuths can boast of. She's smart, cares about others, and able to sort out things not always obvious to the frequently overworked and stressed Colin. I have to admit to patting myself on the back, of course, for picking up on a missed clue before it became important, so maybe I'm getting better at this sleuthing thing, too. Toss in Georgina's spaniel Bert, who has the not-so-desired trait of digging up bodies, and it's a fun read.

The author does an excellent job of mixing myth and history, fuzzy as some of the events were in most memories. I won't detail the plot as I don't want to give away too much as the twists and turns are part of the fun, not to mention they make our brains work We're reminded of a history within the lifespan of many of us, however, when acceptance of differences was not common and those who wavered from the expected path might face danger. Everyone has secrets but, as the book notes, secrets kept can fester. This time they lead to murder. Who killed developer Eliot Manson and his girlfriend? Why? As it turns out, the list of suspects is a long one. There's also the matter of the human bone Bert digs up? Who was it? Why were they buried at the lighthouse? Does the legend of Black Shuck, a huge mastiff that once seen means you only have a week to live, have something to do with this situation? Priests' holes? What is Georgina learning about Colin during all this, well, aside from reaffirming his fatigue at being compared to Mr. Darcy? Oh, and so many Shakespeare references, too. What's up with that? 

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are likable, people whose situations most can relate to, and the setting is lovely. You'll learn some history, not to mention Shakespeare quotes, and get to hang out with some adorable dogs. And, oh, I can't forget Doris. Doris is a ghost heard only by Georgina via her hearing aid. I feared Doris might be gone after the last book so was delighted to see her pop up again, especially with news of her beloved Harrison. She's able to be part of the investigation, too, an extra plus. Colin remains a tad stuffy but we learn more of his backstory, too, one that impacted his life, so he's making strides forward with Georgina. Thanks #StormPublishing for allowing me this early look at all that is going on in Georgina's world. As an amateur photographer myself, I found myself drawn to her initially and have come to like her a great deal. I'm looking forward to the next book to see if my hunch about what secret she's keeping from Colin is right, not to mention if she'll actually share it with him.

A New Lease on Death(Supernatural Mysteries #1), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication October 29, 2024

I've got to admit, the premise of a ghost somehow investigating a murder drew me in. I was probably more invested in the frustrating situation between Cordelia, the ghost, and Ruby, the living, then sorting out who killed Jake. I love such character driven stories. Their ability to even communicate seemed limited, so how could they work together? What fun to see how they gradually found and then smoothed out their means of communication, albeit Ruby seemed to have a tendency to misread or not even catch some of Cordelia's initially fumbling efforts. Next time something electronic goes poof at my place, I think I may simply blame it on wandering ghosts. Grin.

Cordelia and Ruby basically alternate perspectives, giving us a view of life, er, death from Cordelia's side and Ruby's struggling real life. While there is humor, there is also an air of sadness to the story, one that deals with more than one real world issue. While they're not situated in a bad area, they're not in a good one, either, hence life isn't easy for Ruby. In any case, as the book progresses, we get to experience the frustration Cordelia feels as a ghost watching things happen that she had no power in which to intervene. Cordelia hasn't even been dead long and is still learning the abilities and limits to her powers. Not exactly the ideal working relationship but somehow they make it work. 

I found myself genuinely liking both Cordelia and Ruby, even if she never seemed to stop talking. The chasm that existed between the deal and living was seemingly insurmountable and we don't know much about either as the book begins. How will they figure out who killed Jake? For that matter, who'd want to kill Jake? Was his death somehow connected to Cordelia's mysterious, reported suicide earlier? Why can't ghosts remember the details of their death? Will Ruby discover any workable leads from Cordelia's awkward prods? What do Cordelia's "flashbacks" have to do with anything? Why are people fighting over Jake's not particularly great apartment? Why was Jake outside without shoes anyway? And....nope, more than enough teasers. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to this bewildering but fascinating duo. I'm most definitely looking forward to book two after that teaser at the end from Ruby!

Deader Than a Wet Hen (A Dixie French Mystery Book 2), by Ella Duke

 

Publication October 8, 2024

I like Dixie and Miriam but, man, they are not very good detectives. They're way too obvious and, especially in Dixie's case, way too direct in their questioning. Dixie can get away with a certain amount of curiosity due to her relatively newcomer in town status but that may be dwindling. That said, it really doesn't matter, They are likable with hearts of gold, even if bumbling into situations at times they are unable to handle alone. Fortunately, police officer/friend Toni tends to have their backs while, at the same time, practically begging them to stay out of the investigation. Their disregard or blindness to this aspect of the situation, one where the police chief is riding Toni's back with threats of demotion and such, is one thing I don't like about them. That said, they did seem better at trying to convey information they stumble across to Toni in a more timely matter this go-round. Never mind that their idea of timely and Toni's may not exactly jibe. 

There are lots of laughs, most at the misguided efforts of Dixie and Miriam to investigate. I mean, being caught staring at suspicious (to them) customers in Twin Perks, the local coffee shop, and then tailing them in a flashy, bright colored vehicle isn't exactly subtle. Kudos to the prey, er, suspects, for how they elude them without much effort, however. So, who did kill home-town fishing tournament hero Greg Cole? Are tournaments really that cut-throat? Well, after reading of the prizes, maybe. Greg has friends and supporters in town, some long-time friends, but his ex-wife obviously isn't among his cheerleaders. Could she have killed him? And, hey, what about the duo Dixie and Miriam dubbed suspicious? What connection did they have to the ex-wife? You'll even learn how some contestants attempt to cheat in the tournament, one tactic I've seen used even here in Alaska. Did the location of the murder have anything to do with anything? I mean, a waterfall (inspired by a real one, btw) that could only be reached by boat? Does that narrow the list of suspects? Will DIxie and Miriam manage to survive their sleuthing without getting Toni demoted or even, yikes, fired? 

And, oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Despite the fact that I frequently found myself going "No! Don't do it!" in my head at their impulses, I thorough enjoyed my time with Dixie and Miriam. I mean, after all, I'm reasonably safe since it's only a virtual visit, right? Thanks #BookSirens and #EllaDuke for introducing me to Dixie and Miriam's world, frustrating as it may be at times watching them in action. Bring on the next adventure!

Santa Overboard (Potomac Shores #2), Carolyn McBride

 

Available Sept. 24, 2024   Audio Book   3h 55m      Narrated by Maria Marquis 

This was a fun mix of romance and women finding themselves, with a touch of humor, and, obviously, Christmas magic. Having not read the previous book, this was my intro to the series. It did take me a bit to sort of the various characters although I swiftly admired their strength both as individuals and a group. I will note upfront that covid and the pandemic is mentioned frequently, so keep that it mind if that is a trigger for you. The main character, in fact, Katie, lost her mother to the disease. Katie is now trying to find herself after that and, well, let's just say, bad luck with men/marriage. As a result, she's reluctant to trust herself, ie take a chance on loving again. Her family and friends, known collectively as the Beach Bonfire Babes, are there for her, however, plus a new friend she makes who loves the feel of boating as much as she does. Together, with romantic interest Deke, she has a formidable support group.

While it seemed a bit slow paced at time, the narrator, Maria Marquis was excellent. She did a great job conveying the various, often rapidly changing emotions/moods, and seemed to genuinely be enjoying the story just as much as listeners. She even did a good job of voicing both men and women, not always the case with narrators. Chapter changes were simply announced, ie "Chapter (whatever)" and we moved on. As for the characters themselves, they were an interesting bunch but, probably on me more than the author given distractions as I was listening, I didn't feel like I got to know most well. Not sure whether reading the first book or not would help in this instance but it didn't impact my understanding of the plot and basic situations.

The chief relationship, of course, is between Katie and Deke. Both have been wounded by love in the past, so they do have baggage that they bring to the relationship. Deke seems the more solid of the twosome despite initially being unable to grasp how much their being together at Christmas means to Katie. She is more inflexible, some odd combo of disappointed and angry that he has business obligations that will take him away during the Christmas holidays, an expedition planned before they got close. In other words, she's frustrated, including at herelf. I'm not going to detail more of the plot, I've already said quite a bit, but how sort things out is the fun. The Santa antics are a hoot, too.

There's a lot to take in between Katie and Deke's edging toward and away from each other as well as what is going on with the other Beach Bonfire Babes. Lives and life styles may....or may not.... change. Bottom line, a fun read that makes me ready to read the next adventure this cast of characters engage in. Thanks to #MakeWavesPress - #IBPA for introducing me to Katie and her friends. I'll be looking forward to the next book.Love the little history lessons included.

Essentials of Murder (Aromatherapy Apothecary, #1), by Kim Davis

Publication Sept. 24, 2024

Back home again after being falsely accused and arrested for a crime she didn't commit, aromatherapy shop owner Carissa Carmichael finds herself a target again. Even worse, a dead body is found in her as yet unopened shop. One she was seen having an altercation with earlier. Never mind that the man, Russ, is the son of the next door shop owner, Victoria, who believes Carissa and she can work together to benefit both shops. Russ is angry and fears Carissa will take business, ie money, from his mother. Oh, did I mention he is, er, was in his 30's? Never mind. He's dead and the detective sent in to relieve her police chief father of the case due to conflict of interest is determined she is guilty. He may be wickedly handsome but he is definitely not on Cari's side. Heck, even Victoria accuses her of killing her son in an outburst of emotion. And this is where the story begins to take off.

I won't detail the plot. As it turns out, Russ had more than his share of enemies and, well, small towns have secrets. Never mind that Oak Creek seems an idyllic place, full of artists, New Age type residents and businesses, and is one of those small towns that help us stereotype small towns. So, who killed Russ? Why are the detective and Cari's police chief father seemingly at odds? Why is everyone telling her she needs a dog? What's going on with Jasper? Why has Cari shut herself off from most old friends? Why is Mari there? Will Ashley be a help or hindrance? How does one hire new workers while under suspicion of murder? Will Cari ever stop saying, "Daaaaadd!" And, oh, so much more. There are even hints of romance.

Bottom line, I liked Oak Creek and the characters. Heck, even the bad guys had interesting backstories. The dialogue seemed natural and I definitely loved Carissa's chats with her father. Well, aside from her flipping back into school girl mode at times. I'll also point out that as can be expected by a Kim Davis book, there is lots of talk about food. Definitely do not miss Jasper's recipe at the end. Speaking of not to be missed, do not skip the Aromatherapy Basic Care Guide at the end, either. I was expecting lots of talk about mixing and creating but, instead, it's full of practical, daily life suggestions on how aromatherapy ingredients can be a help in one's day-to-day life. The plot, while there were a few slow moments, often when Carissa mused about the food or her crush on someone or how handsome another guy was, moves along well and Davis does a good job tying the various seeming side-stories together at the end. I'm looking forward to next book when the shop fully opens and watching the development of the interesting cast of characters growing about Carissa. Thanks #BookSirens and #KimDavis for allowing me this look into Carissa's business and all the related info shared. I found it both helpful and intriguing.

Gingerbread Danger, by by Amanda Flower

 

Publication October 20, 2024

It's always fun to hang out with Bailey and Jethro, albeit it'd probably be exhausting in real life. And, oh,, Jethro is a pig, an absolutely adorable little pig that seems to find something to get into no matter how well Bailey and the rest monitor him. He isn't even Bailey's. I adore him but, no, don't want a pig, even one as cute and personable as Jethro. He does manage to make friends everywhere he goes, however, some of them surprising. Oh, you're going to have to read the book to discover Jethro's latest new best friend. 

This has become a favorite series and the mix of Amish and non-Amish characters adds to the fun. Okay, and occasionally misunderstandings and havoc but, hey, no one's perfect. I enjoy the characters although keep waiting for Bailey to stiffen her backbone and stop allowing others to take advantage of her so often. It isn't like she doesn't have enough going on in her life. Not only is she dealing with Margot blasting orders constantly and Juliet's tendency to drop off Jethro for Bailey to pig-sit without notice, but she's dealing with her candy shop crews, fiance Aiden Brody being distracted by a rash of robberies despite the imminent arrival of her parents , and then, oh, my, one of her employees falls to their death from the roof of her building. Was it a horrible accident or murder? Who'd have wanted to kill Zeph? Bailey being Bailey, of course, finds herself unable to stop investigating. Will her questioning get her in trouble? Danger? Hey, this is a cozy mystery, so I'm sure you can guess. 

Bottom line, Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop Mystery series has become a favorite. This one kept me guessing until the very end, too, not to mention chuckling over Jethro's antics. Flower's ability to weave side stories into a whole continue to impress and despite the quirky, sometimes overbearing characters that surround Bailey, they're all likable. Even the various animals have well-rounded out personalities, Jethro maintaining his status as top pig, of course. It seems like we got to know Bailey's parents a bit more this go-round than in the past, so another plus, albeit her mother's actions may drive Bailey to distraction, especially when Juliet (Aiden's mother) gets in on the plan. So, a solid mystery that will keep you guessing, intriguing characters from both the Amish and non-Amish community, lovable critters, family pressures, and, well, a life-sized Candy Land game courtesy of Margot (which actually sounds like a blast). Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop in early on Bailey's holiday, even if trying to keep up with her is enough to make ones head spin. It was fun!

The Cursed Writer (The Baker Street Mysteries, #2), by Holly Hepburn

 

Publication October 17, 2024

Journey back with me to 1930s London. Harriet/Harry White has a job that sounds at once both mind numbing tedious and potentially exciting. She's answering letters sent to the fictional Sherlock Holmes because the company she's employed by just happens to be located at that, oh, so famous Baker Street address. And, oh, there's the little matter of it being a bit of a demotion after she refused to be the victim of sexual harassment by her overseer. Having not read the first book in the series, I was a bit wary of jumping into this one given the frequently puzzling, complicated cases that come to mind when one thinks Sherlock Holmes but, well, what can I say. That name alone and a mention of "Hound of the Baskervilles" was enough to pull me in. I'm glad it did as I very quickly liked Harry and the author quickly got us up to pace on the background from book one. 

Just as she seems to have done in book one, Harry responds personally, well, as Holmes instead of using her tried and true normal line as Holmes' secretary about him being retired and unable to help. This time she was intrigued by a telegram arriving rather than a letter, however. I won't detail the plot, it's too much fun to sort it all out as it happens, but it involves a nephew worried about the health, both physical and mental, of his uncle. Let's just say his uncle seems to be in turmoil, panicked, and unable to function. John Arbor, the sender of the telegram, hopes Holmes can help. And, from there, Harry's rash action of responding sets off a series of events involving not just her but Oliver Fortescue, a childhood friend who, from what I can gather, seems to be in the midst of a very slow burn wannabe-romance with Harry. Remember, the setting is in the 1930s, so things do tend to move slower overall,  

Delightfully spooky, full of tales of a grim reaper of sorts known as the Ferryman,  ghostly spirits on the marshy fen that surrounds the estate, and the poor, afflicted man's loyal wolfhound, abound.....and that's just the main story. Not only does the author give us a dose of Holmes, but there are other side stories, all of which Harry finds herself involved in investigating. Without giving away too much, let's just say they seem to tie back to book one but even without reading it, I had no problems sorting out what was what and who was who. I definitely liked Harry and have my fingers crossed Oliver will perhaps be bolder in future books. Again, remembering the date, no pressure, Oliver. Grin. Harry's courage and, yes, even rashness at times, not to mention there's so much going on that it has the sense of moving right along without too much time spent spinning our wheels. In other words, while cringing at the role of women of that time and Harry's mother's hopes for her marriage to a suitable man, I thoroughly enjoyed the book/mystery and am already looking forward to my next virtual trip back to Baker Street in the author's lovely time machine. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me this early peek into this case and introducing me to these fascinating people.

Wonderful Words That Tell a Tale: An etymological exploration of over 100 everyday words, by Tom Read Wilson, Ian Morris (illustrator)

 Publication October 1, 2024

Remember how much we enjoyed playing with words in, oh, so many ways as kids? Rolling around multi-syllable, almost musical ones in out mouths, testing their sounds and rhymes, even memorizing how to spell L.O.N.G. words because, well, because we could. Wilson captures a bit of that whimsical childhood past in this book with the help of Morris' fun illustrations. While I'd question aiming the book at children, the fun element should make it work. It's not necessarily a book to read from front to back, either, as one can easily flip around, flip back and forth, or, shh, even skip words that simply don't grab you. 

It's been awhile since I read the prior book but these words seem more unfamiliar than the those initially showcased, but the format is the same. Each letter of the alphabet gets four words. One word is highlighted and showcased in a brief rhyme. Tables are shown that share the words origin and how the term came to be and more. The three words that follow aren't necessarily related but did catch the author's whimsy, Finally, the words are in italics for their first use and their source is in bold, with meanings underlined. Don't worry. It's pretty obvious as you go along. 

Phew, with that bit of explanation done, let's turn to the words. Nope, not going to provide you with a full list... part of the fun is in the discovery .... but will highlight a few that aren't mentioned in the blurb. For instance, the word alphabet itself. It comes from the Greek terms alpha and beta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet. Like many, I knew the word sandwich got its name from the Earl of Sandwich but do you know his real name? Nope. Not telling, but it's there. There's even an explanation for where the abbreviation Xmas came from. Again, nope. Not telling. I will share that the Old English meaning of the word hiccup comes from one meaning "elf induced". That somehow seems fitting. Oh, and the term barbecue comes from the Caribbean and means, oops, almost gave that one away. Check it out before your next barbecue.

Bottom line, a fun book for all ages that can be revisited repeatedly. Morris' watercolor style illustrations are whimsical in nature but realistic, too, if that makes sense. They add to the fun. Thanks #QuartoPublishingGroup - #words&pictures for allowing me an early peek at this fun collection. The glossary in the beginning was quite helpful, btw.

A Return to Common Sense: How to Fix America Before We Really Blow It, by Leigh McGowan

 

Publication Sept. 17, 2024

"Common sense is not so common." -- Voltaire

This should be must reading for anyone interested in politics or, for that matter, maybe more so for those who claim to be uninterested in politics. As the author notes, whether we're paying attention or not, politics affects us. 

I'm not going to try to summarize the author's points but will point you to the blurb and countless lengthy reviews that have already been posted. I first encountered McGowan online where she's known as Politics Girl. Her straight-forward, no nonsense comments appealed to me, so when I stumbled across her book to review, I grabbed it. I was not disappointed. McGowan writes in such a way that you'd swear you're sitting in the room with her having a conversation. The conversational tone makes it easy to follow as she details, first, basically how our government was formed and what falls under the various branches of government (among other things), before offering possible suggestions on how to fix it. She recognizes that the first step in solving a problem is recognizing that there is a problem. Ever political decision made impacts us. 

There were many standout moments in the book but for brevity's sake, I'll only mention a few. First, a reminder that the framers of the Constitution saw it as a living document, a work always in progress, so to speak. In the grand scheme of things, only a handful of people make decisions that will have an impact on our lives so we need to be more attentive to who we select to make up that small, core group. Something is broken and ignoring it isn't going to fix it. The other thing that gave me pause was her suggestion for how to make the Supreme Court more effective and fair. Nope, I'm not going to share how. Read the book. Grin. And, finally, her reminder that freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from accountability. That is something many seem to forget or ignore.

Seriously, this book should be required reading. It's a relatively quick, easy read, too, despite the importance of what it covers. The book opens with what might be dubbed a mini-refresher course of our high school civics class (do they even still have civics classes?) and then into how we've strayed from the ideals of our nation's founders and how we can find our way back. My sincere thanks to #AtriaBooks for allowing me this early look. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Common sense if something that everyone needs, few have, and none think they lack." McGowan's book will go a long way toward helping us find our way.

A Corgi Conundrum, by M. Alfano

 

Publication October 23, 2024

A fun, quick read. Being a sucker for anything dog, let alone corgi, the title and cover pulled me right into this one. Heck, I think I spent more time fretting over Gus the corgi as the book progressed than I did the humans involved but, well, what can I say? In any case, it was great to see Gus have a role to play.

Since this was my first read of this series, it did take me the expected brief time to feel comfortable with who was who and the various relationships, That's normal, of course, when one drops into an established series. While I wish I knew a bit more about Leslie's work as a groomer and the barndorminium  (sounds fascinating), I quickly felt at home with the characters. Now true, I rather marveled at Leslie and sidekick Sophia's willingness to dash headlong into potentially dangerous situations but, hey, that's pure cozy mystery behavior. You just know upfront that when the main character muses to themselves that there's surely no harm in doing this or that alone that, well, a rescue may soon be called for. I do hope Sophia leaves the youngest child at home safe next time, however.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and liked the various characters, even the quirky ones. Poor Principal Jake. I'm not sure finding his school secretary murdered was something he had a contingency plan for. As a retired teacher, I definitely grinned and nodded knowingly as the power of a school secretary was discussed. So true, so true. I won't discuss the plot, see the blurb, but finding a dead body certainly wasn't how Leslie expected to start her substitute teacher duties, of course. She's lucky to have the likes of boyfriend Adam, who just happens to be a detective, have her back, as does her little dog Bandit. Adam seems a steady sort, even when bailing Leslie (and others) out of unexpected danger and situations. I  mean, breaking into a school building? Especially one connected to a murder? Uh, not cool Leslie. Even though the suspect list is short, it's proving difficult to pinpoint the true guilty party, keeping you guessing. Seriously, who'd want to kill a school secretary anyway?

Bottom line, this was a relatively quick, enjoyable read and I'll definitely be checking out the next in the series.Not only do I hope to see Leslie's dog grooming role play a bigger part of the story but I want to keep up with corgi Gus. My own corgi mix, Daisy, can vouch that while I'm a sucker for all things dogs, toss a corgi into the mix and I'm there. Thanks #BookSirens for allowing me to be there for this early peek at Leslie's life, friends, and dogs. I'm looking forward to following this series to see where that ending takes us!

The More the Terrier: An Andy Carpenter Mystery(#30), by David Rosenfelt

 

Available October 15, 2024       Audiobook   9h   45m     Grover Gardner narrator

The verdict is in. It's another win for David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series. Rosenfelt even manages to do a sort of cameo in his own book, though he may not approve of Andy's review. Grin.

While some reviewers keep saying the series uses the same ol' formula, it works. What's that ol' cliche? Don't fix what isn't broken? In this case, Rosenfelt still offers up fun, satisfying reads each time. Not only is the whole gang here, even the work adverse Edna, but the humor and snark and character's relationships are solid and each contributes to the story in their own ways. Some, such as the tales of Sebastian's avoidance of walks are played for laughs while the human side of the suspects are revealed and make us genuinely glad Andy took on another Christmas holiday case. And, yes, Sebastian is a dog. There's always a dog....or many. In this case, Murphy, a former rescue of Andy's Tara Foundation (a real life rescue organization started by Rosenfelt and his wife), even helps kick start Andy's very much unwanted case. Although he's been trying to retire for years, I hope Rosenfelt keeps him working for a long, long time.

No way I can even begin to detail the plot. It's wide reaching and there is a lot going on. Like what? Well, it isn't just dog walking. Let's see, there's a shady lawyer, computer viruses, drug trafficking, mob involvement, including Russians, potential witnesses dying, and, well, more. Much more. Andy's frequently humorous commentary carries us along into and out of danger and into the courtroom where Andy's antics are well known. Maybe it was just my own more serious frame of mind during the fraught days leading to another national election, but Andy himself seemed more prone this go-round to vent about the pressures of the mountain of work ahead for both him and his investigative team, particularly on cases like this that can lead to a quite young man going to prison for the rest of his life. For all his snark, Andy takes his job seriously.

In any case, if you like mysteries and courtroom dramas, not to mention dogs, with a healthy pinch of humor and snark, this is the book for you. I was lucky enough to get the audio version and absolutely adore Grover Gardner as a narrator. The text flows and you feel like you really are hearing Andy's thoughts and the story from him. Just as importantly, the relationships between the various characters are solid. Each is likable and well-fleshed out and that includes the dogs. You'll see why Sebastian is one of my favorites as you read. You'll like them all. Well, the good guys anyway. They all get their moments and even those new to the series will quickly sort them out and fall into feeling like this is ol' home week. Many, many twists and turns, not to mention suspects, none of whom are easy to prove did it instead of BJ/Brian, the young man originally arrested. You'll also come away with a better feel for how investigation done right should operate albeit Andy's crew probably has a far bigger budget than the average police jurisdiction. Thanks #MacmillanAudio for allowing me this sneak peek into Andy's holiday gone amuck. Not of any particular significance to anyone but me but I note this is my 700th review for #NetGalley, too, so a win for me, too. Glad I got to share it with Grover Gardner and Andy's associates.

Fondue or Die (Cheese Shop Mystery, #5), by Korina Moss

 Publication October 22, 2024

A delicious twist of mayhem and murder, with a twist of romance. 

Willa and her friends and workers from her cheese shop, Curds & Whey, are helping out at the annual Dairy Days festival in the neighboring town. Then, something goes horribly wrong. Nadine, the festival's organizer of the Miss Dairy Pageant is killed. Was it an accident or murder? Willa and Archie are the ones who discovered the body, however, and despite the local police chief's determination that it's an accident, Willa isn't convinced. While rattled, she'd still noticed several clues that pointed towards murder. She also isn't shy about letting the Police Chief Womack know. And, this is where the story takes off.

I won't detail the plot, see the blurb, but there are quite a few things going on here. Some obviously related. Some not. As is noted in the story, you just never know what is going on in people's lives to cause them to act as they do. Nevertheless, it's great fun to see Willa and friends pull together to try to solve this mystery or, for that matter, simply to convince the police in that jurisdiction to deem it a murder. Even Det. Heath, who seems to have been distancing himself from Willa (I've obviously missed a book in the series) makes an appearance. The murder didn't occur in his jurisdiction but, well, he didn't hesitate when Willa texted him that she needed his help. Ah, something's brewing and you don't have to be a sleuth to see that. Grin. In any case, in the process of the story, we get some cute costume scenes and, oh, my, can these people eat. Make sure you don't miss the recipes, cheese related, at the end. Of course, that's natural given that cheese is Willa's comfort food as well as her livelihood. 

Bottom line, a intriguing mystery that kept me unsure until the end, always a plus, with natural sounding dialogue and quite likable characters. The way they all interact, including Willa and Heath as they dance silently around their attraction for each other, is also realistic. Mrs. Schultz, despite her own part in the action, remains upbeat and a bit of a calm force in the group. The author does an excellent job weaving the various side-stories and clues together into a neatly wrapped whole by the end. Well, for all but the murderer. Thanks #StMartin'sPress for the sneak peek allowing me back into Willa's cheesy, sorry, couldn't resist, world. Now, I think I may have to go make myself a grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy, readers. It's a fun one.

World War II Close Up: They Saved the Stallions, by Deborah Hopkinson

 

Publication October 15, 2024

It's telling in a good way that I started this book that should have taken a day or two to read and review more than a week ago. I found myself getting so caught up in the story that I spent a great deal of time refreshing my brain about the story and searching out info on the Disney movie "Miracle of the White Stallions" that I was only reading in spurts. I am happy to tell you, however, that I not only enjoyed the book fully but found the movie streaming and flashed back to my childhood when I first saw it. Funny how memory is selective as about the only thing I recalled was how enchanted I was with the gorgeous horses and a scene on a train with bombs and mayhem. Equally funny that if memory serves, I was worried about the horses not the people involved. Ah, the innocence of youth.

In any case, I obviously recommend this book highly to both horse and history lovers. It definitely filled in the huge gaps in my knowledge of the real story and more. The photos of the horses and Spanish Riding School of the time were fascinating, as was learning more about the art of classical dressage. After opening with the tense status of the horses and school's sheer survival as the war neared, the author takes time to provide us with background on Alois Podhajsky and the long history of the Lipizzner stallions and breed. i should also note that even before this, as well as afterward, the author has provided readers with not just a list of the personalities, but their positions/status (I was surprised to discover how many were actually in the German military) as well as listing the individual  horses. There's also a glossary which includes terms used to describe the various airs above the ground the Lipizzners are so famous for. In other words, a great deal of thought has been put into organizing and assisting readers relatively new to the art. Of course, the Virtual Field trips links included is what kept sending me off to find out more and more. I honestly didn't try all the links, of course, but will note that the ones I checked were up and working. A great add to a reader's experience.

Bottom line, while I won't detail the text, it was a 5 star for me. Others, less familiar with the story, may find themselves less interested in the history lesson and just want to find out what happened but it's easy to skip ahead without taking in all the background information. I'd suggest you read it in its entirety, however, to fully grasp what an amazing feat this was, one that involved not only US General George Patton but a host of others, not all of them on the same side of the conflict. They were all on the side of the horses, though, and worried what might happen if the stud farm wasn't relocated out of Czechoslovakia before the advancing Russian army took control. And, for those familiar with "Miracle of the White Stallions", yes, a demonstration was put on for Patton. Seeing a photo of the real Podhajsky, I must also note that Disney did an excellent job of casting and the real Podhajsky even appears briefly in the movie. So, rather than ramble on, let me simply thank #Scholastic for allowing me an early look at this book, one that I will surely be adding to my own "horse crazy girl" shelf as soon as it goes on sale.

Book of the Month, by Jennifer Probst

 

Publication Ocotober 22, 2024

This was one of those books that I was either totally into or meh on at various times. Don't get me wrong. I didn't hate it. It'll be an all-around hit for many. I just couldn't fully connect to the characters or scenario. I mean, main character Aspen spends a great deal of time telling us she's not particularly attractive, just average, has a too large nose, etc etc etc, but at the same time she's confident enough to believe she can win over the town's seemingly hot guy. Brick? He did have a dog, though, so he won points from me. Grin. 

The basis of the plot was both a bit egotistic and self-centered. Aspen needed inspiration for another potential book-of-the-month. Her plan was to have a hot summer romance with Brick, whose reputation for loving them and dumping them seemed to be legend, thus breaking her heart and giving her he perfect plot for her next novel. Brick earned a few more point with me for initially rebuffing her. It's only because he needs to save the business he inherited from his grandfather that he comes around when Aspen offers something too much needed to turn down. Let's face it. Albeit in different ways, both Aspen and Brick are under great pressure to produce results. He rather envies his friend Marco's seemingly carefree lifestyle while Aspen admires her sister Sierra's life choices that lead her to settle in the Outer Banks after the pain of a divorce from her cheating husband, so you know right away these two may have more in common than they think.

The story really begins here after he accepts and begins to actually like this wannabe-girlfriend. And, she likes him back. Plot twist. Only Aspen isn't quite ready to give up on her original idea that easy. That's when things get both hot and complicated. I won't detail the plot further other than to say that the sexual encounters seem to be what is now being tagged as open-door. I've reached the point where that doesn't really intrigue me much any longer, so I tend to lean toward closed-door, only in my imagination encounters, which may be why I found myself impatiently skimming through the sexual bits that may entice others. To each his own. We do get sections from Brick's point-of-view, btw, which is where he details not just his family ties/situation but Aspen's, uh, mind-blowing skills....and he doesn't mean as a writer, although he's quite supportive. 

Bottom line, the book was alternately a 3.5/4.0 for me. I'd fall into a scene only to suddenly realize I was skimming and wasn't interested enough to go back and reread. Again, that's is probably on me, not the author. As noted, I enjoyed the story, especially as it spurred my thoughts on the pressure even best selling authors are under to constantly produce another best seller. There also seemed to be more telling than showing, if that makes sense. I definitely enjoyed the Outer Banks as a setting, especially the idea of wild horses. What can I say? I was a horse crazy girl. So, while I didn't love the book, I enjoyed it. Thanks #BlueBoxPress for sharing the story of Aspen and Brick with me. Looking forward to seeing what happens with Marco and Sierra.

Selena Gomez, by Beth Gottlieb

Short and sweet and I mean that as a compliment. Written for young readers, it presents quite a bit of basic information on Selena Gomez in an easy to read manner. While positive in nature, it doesn't avoid mentioning her various health issues, either, which I count as a plus. Gomez seems to be upfront with her fans about such issues, so it was nice to see the book take a similar approach. Nicely illustrated, it covers her early life, including her parents' divorce, and her emergence first on Barney & Friends, going up to her current position on Only Murders In the Building with Steve Martin and Martin Short. As I type, that show is in the entertainment news with the well-received premiere of Season 4 and quick renewal for another season, so I was happy to see the relative up-to-date nature of the book. 

You're not going to learn everything there is to know about Selena Gomez from this book, of course, but for young readers eager to get to know a favorite star, it's a great start. Chapters are quite short, with words possibly unfamiliar being in bold print later being defined in a glossary. There's also a timeline and suggestions of where to find more information. The publishers and authors note that while the sources were checked for appropriateness, parents of young readers might want to do an updated check, a nice suggestion. Bottom line, a nicely done book for young readers and even older readers might pick up a few things while enjoying the photos, too. Thanks #RosenPublishingGroup for sharing this look at a young woman I've come to admire.

Wildflower Emily: A Story About Young Emily Dickinson, by Lydia Corry

 

Publication October 15, 2024

I'm so glad I took this walk in the woods with a young Emily Dickinson and her dog Carlo. The illustrations are lovely, colorful, and nicely done with lots and lots and lots of flowers. Emily loved the outdoors and her flowers. I must admit that while I've enjoyed her poetry, I knew little about Dickinson's life when  started reading. My sum total of knowledge pretty much was that she was reclusive somehow different from most but wrote wonderful poems.

What I particularly enjoyed about the book format was its inclusion of not only many flower pictures but Emily's poetry interspersed throughout, each relevant to that particular part of the story. The text itself is simple and easy to understand. While written for young readers, I'm sure readers of all ages will find something to like about this enchanting look into life and heart of a young girl whose poetry, whether we recognize it as hers or not, has surely touched some part of our lives. It's telling that in one flower viewing adventure she loses, then finds both her dog and a lovely flower she's long wanted to see. As she goes to snip it, she stops, however. She decides it's not meant to be moved from its place in the sun. A reminder for all of us to enjoy nature and, in a way, leave nothing but tracks. Well, okay, she loses a shoe in the process but, hey, she was in a bog. The understanding nature of her parents was further shown by them calmly accepting the muddy girl and dog home with no chastisement. They and seemingly those about her, accepted her as the unique individual she was, another subtle reminder to us all to accept all. 

I would recommend this book to all lovers of poetry and flowers, not to mention dogs and nature. While we often think sadly of her as a recluse, she obviously lived life her way. There's a great deal to be said for that. Teacher friends, this would be an excellent introduction to her poetry or, for the more scientific minded, types of flowers as all the illustrations of flowers are nicely labeled. The quick snippets of info at the end detail her full life in more detail. Wait till you see how she kept in touch with friends! Thank you so much #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup - #GodwinBooks for refreshing my interest in this fascinating woman. She definitely wasn't a nobody.

Rockin' Around the Chickadee (Meg Langslow #36), by Donna Andrews

 Covers both print and audio

Publication October 15, 2024     Audio version 9h 45m    Narrator Bernadette Dunne

This is one of those series that when I see it's available, I quickly click request to review. I don't even read the blurb, check the length, or even the publication date. Hey, it's worked through the rest of the series so I trust Donna Andrews to deliver another Meg Langslow story that I'll find myself unable to stop myself from reading as soon as possible. In this case, I was lucky enough to have both the ebook and audio book, so I found myself flipping back and forth between the formats. It's always fun to read ahead and then check in with the audio version to see how closely my mind interpreted the voices. As usual, narrator Bernadette Dunne did her usual excellent job. It was extra fun hearing the soft, soothing, well, attempted soothing voices being used on Delaney, whose baby is due just about any time. Cousin Rose Noire takes it seriously when told no disturbing sounds or activities, much to the usually active Delaney's frustration. Of course, when your father-in-law is a doctor, you're pretty much expected to just go along with medical decisions. Good thing she has the Chickadees to distract her attention, even if she does fret whether they have enough suet or not. 

That's where the book opens. The mystery that follows centers around a Presumed Innocent Convention set up by grandmother Cordelia although, as usual, the entire family is involved in some way. Dedicated to efforts to assist those falsely imprisoned in any way possible, it's the brainchild of the lawyer of the family, Festus Hollingsworth. It's also being held just before Christmas, giving extra emphasis to everyone's hopes that nothing goes wrong. Of course, those hopes are shattered when an obnoxious detractor is found dead. In Meg and Michael's backyard at that. Chief Burke's hopes for a short suspect list are quickly shattered when it turns out Godfrey Horton, aka Gadfly, seems to have a very lengthy list of people who'd like to see him dead. I wasn't feeling too kindly toward him myself after his encounter with sweet dog Ruth,

Distracted by everyday worries, like making sure her barely teen boys don't get into mischief at the convention, worrying about Michael being on the road to pickup and deliver family members, keeping Delaney calm, or at least entertained, and helping Chief Burke in the investigation, Meg is her usual organized, seemingly never unsure self. Well, most of the time. Ask her about her son crawling through the rafters of a loading zone. Everyone is also pondering what name Delaney and Rob, who are also fretting over buying a home, will give their child-to-be. Trust me, Delaney, you really don't want to name them after the scientific name for chickadees. It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Nope, not telling.

Bottom line, there's a great deal more going on. The characters, even the minor ones or new to the series ones, are all fleshed out nicely. You'll feel like you know them all by the time you finish the book which moves along quickly and is hard to put down once you start. Needless to say, I was delighted to see sweet Ruth play an important role in the book, too, as the service dog in training by ex-inmate Ezekiel "Izzy" Blaine. Finally, for true crime fans, I must mention an important caution that Kevin issues during his presentation, that fans need to be careful not to spread false information or, in fact, even true information the police would prefer not be shared. That added an extra dose of reality to the book. Read it. You won't be sorry. My thanks to #MacmillanAudio - #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me an early peek at life in Caerphilly for Meg and her family and friends. I'm hoping some of the new characters stick around, particularly Izzy and Ruth.