At Death's Dough: A Deep Dish Mystery (Deep Dish Mysteries, 5), by Mindy Quigley

 

Publication October 28, 2025

I've always been a bit fascinated by the gangster/mobster sagas. I even paid once to see Bonnie and Clyde's "death car" at the fair. I don't remember what I was expecting other than maybe some bullet holes but recall being a bit disappointed. Maybe sad, too. In any case, my long lasting fascination with all things gangster maybe helps explain part of the allure of this tale featuring family members of the Capone family, not to mention our main character is named Delilah O'Leary. You know, O'Leary, like  Mrs. O'Leary and that cranky cow that started a raging inferno in Chicago, or so the story goes. Our Delilah is a pizza chef, however, who has shown herself to be an excellent investigator, too, much to the annoyance of the Geneva Falls, Wisconsin, police chief. Boyfriend Calvin Capone is, no lie, a police investigator.

I won't detail the plot but will note that it involves both an old mystery that is seemingly tangled up in a new one. Delilah stumbles across it when taking her octogenarian aunt ice fishing. Again, no lie. Biz is full of life and isn't one to let the cold and ice stop her. Delilah, however, being fonder of much warmer surroundings, has made sure they have a roomy tent and heat to use atop the ice. That entails drilling holes. Let's just say, she finds something she wishes she hadn't while using the powerful auger. What? Oh, I didn't mention that you'd learn a bit about what happens to a body trapped under the ice? My bad. Grin. You'll also learn quite a bit about diving under the ice, too, not to mention Delilah's frightening experience diving in warm water. In fact, you're going to learn a bit about many of the characters, from Biz to the military trained skills that bartender Daniel brings to the group. Jarka even gets an unexpected surprise that she's not sure yet if she will appreciate. 

Bottom line, I liked seeing the way the team of characters has grown and come together to help solve a crime. Honestly, I didn't particularly like Delilah in book one given her overbearing control freak tendency, so it was interesting to see how best friend Sonja helps defuse that reappearing situation when Delilah is stressed too far and feeling a lack of control again. That's probably partly because Capone is mostly away during the case, once for his own reason, once for ticking off the chief, sigh, and Delilah misses his steady hand. Anyway, let's see, what else? Oh, secretive home buyers, bank records and internet scams get some time, as do difficult customers, spoiled dogs, and, well, as noted, the dangers of diving into ice covered waters. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for feeding my interest in all things gangster while serving up yet another top notch mystery with characters who come across as likable, well, for the most part, people we might all know. And, hey, Auntie Biz did get a new fishing rod out of it all, not to mention that Butterball deserves some virtual kitty treats. Grin. 

Sugar and Spite (Agatha Raisin Mysteries, #36), by M. C. Beaton; R.W. Green

 

Publication October 14, 2025

I always felt a bit conflicted when it came time to review an Agatha Raisin book. On the one hand, I usually find the mystery and the way her now team comes together to find clues and sort out what they really mean, if anything, impressive to watch. On the other, I've never quite liked Agatha. That changed a bit this go-round. While I can't say she's someone I'd want to spend much time hanging out with, her edges seem to have been smoothed out a bit. Not completely as, well, that just wouldn't be the Agatha Raisin so many have come to love, but she seemed more real to me, for lack of a better phrasing, this go-round. She's always ultimately had a heart of gold but, well, usually hides it well. True, she's still vain and, oh, boy, that temper, but it's obvious she cares deeply about her team and her friends. I mean, Mrs. Bioxby even talks her into attending a birdwatchers meeting. Er, twichers meeting. There seems to be a difference. That meeting leads her into a mystery investigation that involves multiple deaths, nearly being drowned, confronting a grouchy farmer angry that his land rights are being abused, and getting herself arrested and charged with murder. Just your typical Agatha Raisin case, you know. Grin.

 I'm not going to detail the plot as that would take some of the fun away from watching Agatha and her team unearth clues and investigate them to see if they're pertinent or, well, red herrings. Her instincts tend to guide her although she sometimes takes away to pin-point exactly what a bit or info or item may mean in the grand scheme of things. Take the time to get to know her team members as each is a unique character with different skills and viewpoints, making for some intriguing discussions. I very much liked them, as I do John and James, the seeming loves of her life. The police chief? Not so much. He's rude, arrogant, overbearing and unlike Agatha, doesn't seem to have any redeeming qualities. 

Bottom line,  I've surprised myself by admitting that I've slowly grown to appreciate Agatha for her good qualities, even if she's still not fond of dogs. I did laugh at her adventure in the mud, I must admit, and her choice of vehicle in the rather emotional roller coaster ending. I definitely didn't see that one coming. The plot moves along smoothly while still managing to give us a sense of why Agatha so loves living in Carsely. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #MinotaurBooks for keeping me in the fold and allowing me this early peek at Agatha's life, including her clothes choices, as well as preferred foods and drinks. I wonder if sheep will ever grow on her after this episode.

Death on Dickens Island (The Books on the Beach Mysteries, #1), by Allison Brook

 

Publication October 21, 2025

Tradition vrs. progress? Old vrs. new? Change vrs., well, "we've always done it that way". Those might be the main themes of this one aside from the murder mystery. The fictional Dickens Island sounds like a volatile mix of emotions as the book opens, both for main character Delia Dickens at home and throughout the community overall. And that's before the murder happens. Delia finds herself caught in the middle of it all, between feuding family members and outspoken residents who want to have a say in what happens in the community. Although shocked by the murder, the first known murder in the area, the residents don't let go of their concerns about the use of certain properties or the idea of a ferry line to connect the island better to the mainland. Was the murder the product of all these emotions or, uh-oh, a secret affair or some other family angst? 

To be honest, I didn't particularly care for Delia as the story opened. I was dubious about her thinking of why she abandoned Conner, her son, with her parents for nearly a dozen years. She seemed to have some real, sensible reasons behind it but, well, that's a long time. I did warm up to her eventually but it took quite a bit given the initial slow pace of the plot. That's normal for any new series, of course, but toss in the community angst and family drama going on and it was all bit hard to take in. I'm not sure we didn't spend as much time on those issues as we did the murder, not to mention the side story involving, no lie, Captain Kidd's supposed journal and an also supposed treasure map. Oh, boy, does that ever get Conner, Delia's son, into trouble. Oh, and there's a ghost, too. I actually rather liked Hannah the grandmother ghost but felt she was a bit extraneous. Perhaps she'll play a bigger role later but for this installment the role she played could have just as easily been conveyed via a surprise diary or some hidden letters. That said, she was a highlight for me and I found myself perking up whenever Delia and she connected. Given the other characters general turmoil, it was hard to connect with any of them aside from Jack the vet who treated the stray that Delia called Riley. 

Loved Riley, especially his relationship with Conner. Conner perhaps shows the most growth throughout, in fact, and shows great responsibility where Riley is concerned. Toss in a blooming relationship for Delia with Jack and there's progress. Bottom line, didn't love this installment but also didn't hate it. There's a lot of promise there. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for the early intro to this new set of characters and the intriguing setting of Dickens Island. 

 

Home Fries and Alibis , by Lena Gregory

 

Publication Sept. 23, 2025

First an admission, with another review already waiting to be written, I didn't set out to read this one in one day. Just a quick peek, I thought. I'm always drawn to character driven stories, however, and the next thing I knew it was almost time to think about a mid-evening snack as I pondered the ending. All-Day Breakfast Cafe owner Gia Morelli is beginning to feel at home in the Rolling Pines area on the outskirts of Florida's Ocala National Forest but wasn't prepared to find herself living across the street from a murder scene. Ironically, she'd just had a confrontation with the victim, Gladys, earlier when Gladys accused her dog of digging up her lawn and threatened to take care of it permanently if it happened again. Gia's dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Thor, had been inside at the time and was always closely monitored and on leash when out, but the woman had loudly persisted. Turns out that this sort of run-in with a neighbor wasn't a rarity for Gladys, so the suspect list was rather long when she was found dead. 

Although a relative late-comer to the series, as noted, I've come to like the characters and how well they mesh their skills and personalities to work through their amateur investigations. Given that Gia's best friend Savannah's husband Leo is with the police, as is Gia's boyfriend Hunt, they obviously aren't just flailing around in the dark. Alfie, their friend with some serious computer and hacking skills, is a stand-out this go-round and I had admired him for potentially putting himself in hot water with the police near the end for the benefit of his friends. A sense of community shines forth in this installment, making Gia realize she really, really needs to get to know her neighbors better. Let's just say, the neighbors are their for them when the time comes. Another stand-out character, one willing to fight his own inner demons that prevent him from being easily being able to enter a building of any sort, is Harley, who I recalled vividly from the previous book. He's there for Savannah in her time of need once again, offering support. 

In other words, it's the characters that drew me into the series and made this one a stand-out to me. Now, true, I did have a couple quibbles with Gia, such as her tendency to venture out without her cell phone on her instead of someplace else in her purse or on a table. As she acknowledges, she let her guard down, so it's obvious she's recognizing some basics she needs to work on. Let's face it, how many of us really think we're going to be attacked when we venture out our doors, though she's trying. Bottom line, a fast-paced mystery that held my attention from the beginning. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at what's going on with Gia and her circle of friends. What a great ending after that emotional roller-coaster at the end.

 

Murder at the Royal Palace, by Verity Bright

 

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

A delight.

I've come to love this series for the characters and story but must admit, the historical bits the duo of writers that form Verity Bright are a bonus. With half the duo now gone, see the dedication, I hope this series will continue. I've grown to enjoy the time I spend hanging out with Lady Eleanor Swift and her seemingly all-knowing butler Clifford, not to mention her husband, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, and her ladies. And, oh, let's not forget Gladstone, the bulldog. Gladstone didn't get to tag along initially as it's on royal palace grounds. Hugh is being knighted! He's honored but seems to be a mix of embarrassed at the fuss and worried about getting out of there so he can attend to police work. Then, a fellow honoree passes out in front of King George. They discover he's been ill for some time but, well, Eleanor being Eleanor, she's suspicious and urges Hugh to take the case after his death that is offered by his brother. She sells it to Hugh as sort of a trial run for their almost-there investigative agency with Clifford. 

Things escalate from there and in the process you'll learn a great deal about the palace history, particularly the infamous Tower of London. I think in my mind I've always perceived it as pretty much a museum that now houses the royal jewels but not much else. As you'll discover, it's a residence for palace guards and workers of all sorts. If you've ever heard the term Beefeaters, for instance, you'll learn what that actually entails as well as the history of the name. The victim was actually the Raven Master, charged with, well, the well being of royal ravens. You'll learn their story as you read, don't worry, and why they were considered so important. Rune, one of them, is an intriguing, fun character in the story, in fact. I had to chuckle when I read that Clifford was reading Poe's collected works and immediately thought raven, so was delighted to see I'd picked up on at least one clue. All this and more, much more, while you're trying to solve a mystery but keep getting distracted by all the palace and royal mentions. Grin.

I won't detail the plot further, it's a fun one that ultimately includes family drama, danger, royalty, old legends, ghosts--maybe, maybe not, and hidden....well, let's just say stuff for now. You'll have to much fun sorting it all out and I don't want to ruin that fun. The characters are likable and, of course, taking place in the Tower of London adds a certain aura to it all. It was fun to see Eleanor's loyal ladies arrive and jump right into the investigation, not to mention noting the growth and maturity of the younger ones. I'd be giving away a delightful surprise at the end to say much more so, well, read the book and enjoy traveling back in time to the era of King George. Oh, at a time when the now familiar red booths holding phones first appeared, too. See, more fun history. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for introducing me to this delightful cast and sharing the wealth of info usually included within. I always find myself peeking at the historical notes at the end throughout, I must admit. I guess I'm not much more patient to find out the read story than Eleanor. Grin. 

A Wonderful Christmas Crime (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, #6), by Jacqueline Frost

 Publication Oct. 21, 2025

Holly and Evan's joy of discovering they're about to become first time parents is quickly subdued by a murder investigation. True, Evan is trying even more than usual to caution Holly about putting herself in danger's way but, well, Holly being Holly, we pretty much know how well that'll work. Then there's the weird case of the Snowman Thief. Seriously? Who goes around stealing inflatable snowmen? And, oh, what's with the daily crossword's weird clues?

I always enjoy my virtual trips to Mistletoe, Maine, and have come to enjoy hanging out with the likable regulars. Wait till you see Libby in action in action in her new job. Holly's reputation precedes her as the Gumdrop Gumshoe, a moniker she picked up after being showcased on a true crime show, but she'd just as rather it disappear. It gets lots of play this go-round, however, making it hard to be subtle about asking questions when people not only know who you are but why you're asking. But, who knew a delightful evening out with her husband would lead to a mystery and then murder? Why was that woman trying to steal an antique ornament? Is it a coincidence that the Antiques Roadhouse is in town? Who later killed her...and why?

Bottom line, it's a fun, relatively quick read. I won't detail the plot any further other than to say that Holly quickly chaffs under the multiple mother-hen types about her but, hey, one really does need to watch their blood pressure, especially when pregnant. While the murder aspect of the plot was a bit slow in taking off, we got a fun virtual tour of the town and Holly's family Christmas tree farm, the Reindeer Games Tree Farm. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for the early invite to check out the Christmas doings in Mistletoe and hear Holly's big news. Loved the ending and am already wondering what name they'll ultimately decide on. 

How to Hatch a Writer, by Kari Ann Gonzalez , Rachel Suzanne (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 9, 2025

Colorful, fun illustrations show us how to make a chicken, er, child a writer. Seriously, the use of chickens as the wannabe writers is cute and adds to the whimsy of a book that actually packs a lot of information. The drawings are quite basic but manage to convey the action, which is both goofy and informative. It's the follow-up to How to Hatch a Reader which, unfortunately, I haven't read yet. The character of Goldi-fox is frequently the source of much humor and teaches us several words like wet, muddy, and fluffy. And, oh, hungry. The enthusiasm of the chicken characters is endearing as they tackle each new skill taught. 

I liked that the skills are taught step-by-step, one building upon the ones before it. It even shows how to make corrections, a skill perhaps not showcased often enough given that we all tend to goof up at times. This one would work best with an adult reading and guiding the child along. Much time would surely be devoted to putting the book aside to try and practice the various skills. While it starts off very basically, with the use of capital letters, it would also be an excellent tool for refreshing skills in children a bit older. Examples of the skill are given, initially with mistakes deliberately shown. Then the child is taught how to not just correct mistakes but build on the thought to create a more interesting phrase/story. Even Goldi-fox seems to catch on and, quite frankly, I'm not sure Goldi-fox wasn't so focused on her hunger that she was focused as she might have been. Grin. 

Bottom line, goofy and fun but quite useful/informative. This would make a great gift for not just a child but your local school/library.  There are some excellent hints at the end as well as suggestions for interactive activities such as creating a Word Sort Game of sorts, such as creating and classifying words as nouns, verbs, etc. Definitely fun. Thanks #GnomeRoadPublishing for the early look at this fun tool to help children develop their writing (and thinking) skills. I loved the "peck" sound used for a period, so PECK. 

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas, by Natasha Bache

 

Publication October 9, 2025

Hmm, let's see. Locked room mystery vibes. Trapped with unlikable family members. Egos. Nastiness. Family drama. Blizzard. Snowed in. Cut off from rescue. An "innocent" murder game. Then the real murders begin. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

I'm not going to divulge the plot other than to say the Agatha Christie vibes were strong. As twisted holiday gatherings go, this one was deadly with each victim offed in creative, even Christmas-y ways. Since it was so easy to dislike most of the characters, I found myself wondering more about how the next murder would happen than whodunit, to be honest. And, no, I didn't guess the culprit. My only concern was that the family dog be okay at "The End". Spoiler: It was. Other than that, as far as I was concerned, everyone else in the distasteful Weiss Family was fair game.

The story alternates between the point of view of Liv/Olivia and the killer. Oddly enough, there was humor, too. True, dark, dark humor at times, but humor. This is definitely one warped, twisted family. Money doesn't make you nice or kind. Yes, I know. No surprise there. Thanks, #HarperCollinsUK and #NetGalley for this entertaining, early peek at this truly despicable family. It was well written and kept me turning pages until well past my bedtime. Oh, that ending!

Death at the Door: A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery (The Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries Book 2), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication October 21, 2025

Who knew there was such a learning curve to being a ghost? Good thing Cordelia Graves, our ghostly sleuth, is learning from Harp, albeit at a far slower pace than she'd like. Her living roomie and fellow sleuth, Ruby Young, is busy, too. Not only does there seem to be a potential romance blooming but, yikes, she's stumbled across another body, this time the delivery guy for her workplace. It's also where Cordelia used to work and still drifts in and out occasionally but, since her near presence seems to fry anything electronic, from light bulbs to computers, her visits can be hazardous for a data systems type site. 

While Cordelia is on a mission to protect Ruby, who she sees as being naive, Ruby's on one, too. Only her mission is to figure out who killed Marty, the delivery guy, in the company's restroom. In the process of sorting this all out, we not only learn more about Ruby's new workplace and quirky co-workers but learn quite a bit about Cordelia's past life. Let's just say, she was no angel.  I won't detail the plot, see the book blurb, but note that a popular topic of late, the algorism, gets a showcase. You know, like if you do a search online about "how to care for a plant", a topic Ruby could use help with, the next thing you know you're getting bombarded with ads and emails about that topic. Well, I guess it would be easier to explain than if you'd searched for "how to talk to a ghost", another topic Ruby could use help with as her communication with Cordelia remains limited and slow. That makes sleuthing tougher, let's face it, when you can't chat back and forth with whoever has your back. 

This is a fun, quirky mystery with, let's face it, the odd couple of sleuthing, the naive, very alive young Ruby and the very dead, never so naive, Cordelia. I liked getting to know Cordelia's background more this go-round, even if little brother Ian left me with lots of questions. Cordelia and Ian obviously didn't have an easy time of it growing up and it shows. I'd also like to learn a bit more about the quirky ghost Harp who is trying to teach Cordelia what a ghost can and can't do. That seems to boil down to anything you believe you can do although there are obviously limits as Cordelia learns. Like? her energy source is limited. Harp's attitude is rather lackluster but, well, he's a ghost and who among us knows what is normal in Ghost-ville. While all this is going on, of course, Ruby is busy sticking her nose into things others would just as rather she not mention, some of them even fellow office workers. Is one of them a killer? Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to these two very different characters and giving me an early sneak peek at how their relationship is progressing. Those are some interesting ways they've found to communicate. Grin. 

Murder in Trafalgar Square, by Michelle Salter

 

Publication Sept. 25, 2025

Although it took me a bit to warm up to main character Coral Fairbanks, I see a lot of promise to this new series. As with any new series, there is a lot of information and characters to digest, so it requires focus. I definitely appreciated the character list at the beginning. It was quite helpful as side characters came and went. I actually found myself liking male lead Guy Flynn far more than Coral in the beginning. You may agree when you read the action packed opening. Let's just say, nothing shy and retiring about Coral. She's feisty and opinionated. She's also a suffragette, a topic that gets lots of space in this opening to this new series. I'm not overly familiar with that movement in England, so there was quite a bit of history I had to digest, including a not yet overly powerful Winston Churchill's involvement with the movement. 

I won't elaborate the plot other than to say there's a murder involved. Big surprise, huh? Grin. Besides the women's battle for equal rights and the vote, there's intrigue, backstage wrangling of politicians, love and lust gone wrong, jokes taken too far, violence, and, well, more. The time is 1910, London, so it was interesting to time travel not only backwards for me but to drop in on a country where many of my Pilgrim ancestors came from so many years before but realize that some of the then battles could be equally compelling today. The author does a good job setting the scene, from the horse and carriages that still line the streets and the growing number of automobiles angling for space, to political wrangling and names anyone familiar with history knows the future of. There are quite a few characters but after some initial confusion, they quickly sorted themselves out in my mind and, for the most part, seemed both likable and strong enough to provide interest in future plots. 

Guy Flynn, not only a detective for Scotland Yard but an artist and raising a daughter on his own after his wife's death, was a unique twist and I'm looking forward to seeing how his roles play into those same future plots. Coral was, as noted, slow to grow on me but had come into her own by the end and emerged a strong, multi-layered woman with both a heart of gold and strong will. Watching her work her way through the unfamiliar scenario of being both a potential suspect and gaining Flynn's trust and becoming involved was interesting. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at this brand new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where this tricky beginning takes us. Loved the ending! 

While We Wait, by Bee Johnson

 Publication October 17, 2025

As someone who doesn't wait well, I could so relate to the children in this story. Illustrations are colorful and lively, capturing details and expressions nicely. Those facial expressions speak for themselves at times. The bouncy text is fun and surely captures the energy of  the girls perfectly. I liked that the children weren't pictured as perfect little angels, happy to sit quietly with eyes front and hands crossed quietly in their laps. While it's obvious they aren't always glad to be where they are, places nicely detailed, btw, they show the ability to entertain themselves without needing parental intervention. Heck, they even find a dog to play with. Grin. 

There are lots of little details/things to be spied in the illustrations, too. This adds another level to a fun story as children can be on the lookout for such things as, well, not just that puppy, but flowers, toys, and such. There are some fun, unexpected rhymes, too. Thanks #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup and #NetGalley  for the early share of this delightful reminder that while we all have to practice our patience at times and waits, it's how you approach it that makes all the difference. 

Die Another Dane, by Laurien Berenson

Publication October 28, 2025

It all begins when Melanie's youngest son, Kevin, decides he wants a Great Dane. Never mind that the Travis Family already has a houseful of Standard Poodles. Kevin is feeling quite grown up and seems to want a dog to match his feelings of being grown up. In other words, a large Great Dane. From there on, Melanie finds herself caught up in investigating the murder of the woman they'd just met that introduced Kevin to her Danes. I probably don't have to tell long time readers that Aunt Peg is in the middle of the whole thing, including finding homes for the ten Great Danes Audrey Kane had had. One, Daisy, goes home with Melanie. Again, no surprise, I'm sure. Grin.

While Melanie always seems a bit of a push over where Aunt Peg is involved, she's also dealing with Kevin's unexpected request, oldest son Davey's desire to get his driver's license, and dashing about to ask question after question. Audrey's life was complicated with many secrets, not to mention the cast of suspects isn't eager to be seen that way. We also get to spend some time at dog shows, including learning a bit about the quirks of judging and the more mundane aspect of grooming the dogs for the show ring, much of that info provided by Crawford and/or Terry. Melanie is, as always, likable and trying to tread that fine line between her curiosity and family demands, including husband Sam's worries about her safety. Heck, we even learn a bit about real estate deals in the process. 

Bottom line, an enjoyable, easy read with characters you'll come to like or, for long time fans, have grown to feel like part of your own family. And, of course, there is lots of dog talk. Having my own senior dog now, I definitely related to Melanie's determination to spend time with Faith, her original intro to poodles and the dog show world. Even rowdy Bud, Kevin's non-poodle "mutt" will probably give you a moment of warm fuzzies. Thanks #KensingtonPress for allowing me this early peek and letting me drop into Melanie's world of family and dogs, not to mention the all too frequent murder case. Let's just say, Melanie's reputation as an amateur sleuth definitely precedes her nowadays. 

And to All a Good Bite: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel Book 32), by David Rosenfelt

 

Publication October 14, 2025

Once again, reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter finds himself in the middle of a murder case. There is, of course, a dog involved. A beautiful Golden named Rufus that the defendant, Jeff Wheeler, rescued from a burning building. Why was it burning? Because someone blew it up. Jeff was there to pick up his girlfriend who was attending a meeting in the building. Unfortunately, he was unable to save her or any of the others there but did manage to rescue the then puppy before being forced out by smoke and heat. He became something of a hero to many and ultimately adopted Rufus from Andy's Tara Foundation. Now. however, he's accused of murder. Having reluctantly reached the realization that he is a lawyer at heart despite his yen to endlessly talk and watch sports, Andy not only agrees to take the case but cares for Rufus at his own home. Never fear, he talked it all out with Tara during one of their daily walks. 

As usual, it's complicated. While I won't even attempt to summarize the plot, let's just say it ultimately involves bad guys, explosives, greed, priceless art, crack investigative work, and, well, Marcus saving Andy's life. That last one should be no surprise to long time series fans. You'll also get to spend ample time in the courtroom where Andy's snarky style masks a crafty legal mind. I always find the court time fascinating as we get insight into why he asks and doesn't ask certain questions, and things like what the police responders did or didn't do. In the process his investigative team gets time to shine, well, except for the work allergic Edna, who appointed herself office manager. You'll wind up liking them all, especially Laurie, Andy's wife, an ex-cop, as is Corey, who is part of the team with his retired K-9 Simon. Sam's hacking ability still makes Corey nervous but no one can deny that while his day job is as an accountant, his ability to find out things online is incredible. Marcus is, well, Superman, I think. I've never attempted to figure out how often he's saved Andy's life but it almost seems easy for him. While I lean toward thinking he'd make me nervous, I'd sure like to know he had my back. 

So, bottom line, it's an intriguing, complicated plot full of not just dogs, Laurie's motherly care of the team, Tara's wisdom and patience with her human, and explosions and international ..... oops, almost gave away a plot point. Let's just say, it's a fun read, even with the violence, and I'm already impatient for the next in the series. Andy's genuine worry and concern over the verdict rings true, too, showing the fact that he is not just a lawyer but a caring one. Thanks #NetGalley and #St.Martin'sPress - #Minotaur for allowing me this early peek at what's going on with Tara's human and his friends. This continues to be a favorite series, one I look forward to following as long as Rosenfelt keeps writing. Extra virtual treats for Tara and her four legged friends, too, especially walk-resistant Sebastian.  

The Great American Mousical (A Broadway Tale), by by Julie Andrews; Emma Walton Hamilton. Tony Walton (illustrator)

 

Publication October 21, 2025

No matter what, the show must go on. 

This is a cute tale of those who make stage plays magical. Written by someone who knows a thing or two about the theater, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, however, instead of human stars and stage crews, it features mice. Yes, mice. Youll find out what inspired the story as you read. Think Disney and you can imagine this one being made into a charming movie. You've got the whole range of personas, from the diva to wannabes, stage mothers, frazzled directors and stage crew, and a hallowed theater setting. Okay, true, the mouse perform in the deep realms of the theater basement but, hey, it's on Broadway. Sorta. True, they may not win a Tony for their production but they love performing.

Then, uh-oh, things go wrong. Not only is the once hallowed theater to be bulldozed for another purpose, their starring actress has gone missing. The troupe is in a panic but holds to the old manta that the show must go on, even if the show has to be practically re-written and blocked in a short amount of time. In the meantime, what has happened to Adelaide, their star? I won't detail any more of the plot but let's just say, she fell into a trap and there seems no way she can make what may be the model of the famed Sovereign's final bow. Will she make it back in time? How? A little mouse in a big city. A BIG BIG CITY. Will she find help in time or give in to her occasional dramatic moans of it being the end? How can they save their beloved theater?

Bottom line, a fun read with amusing characters. The people, er, mice Adelaide meets are all types one might run into on a New York street but their clever "can do" attitude is inspiring. Watching the various characters personify theater types, including the hard working crews, is fun and reminds us that all the magic doesn't happen onstage. A real plus is the info included at the end of not just the authors but a lengthy glossary of theater terms, not to mention a playbill that makes it clear what "real" plays the oh, so close sounding song titles mentioned within come from. Thanks #ABRAMSKids - #AmuletBooks for allowing me this early peek at this adorable slice of theater life. I wonder if there's a troupe of mice in the basement of the Richard Rogers Theater doing Hamilton nightly? Grin. 

Andy: A Dog's Tale, by John Kelly

 

Publication October 14, 2025

Support dogs rock!

I've known a few, so I was immediately attracted to the book. Well, the adorable face on the cover didn't hurt. Andy is an inspiration to us all to work hard to overcome our fears and do what we were always meant to do. In Andy's case, overcome being injured by a bicycle running over his tail....ouch!..... and then learning to serve a wheelchair bound human. It isn't easy but he does it.

The illustrations are beautiful, almost lifelike at times, and show Andy's expressions well. The smallest of his litter, he already faced rejection due to size but support dogs come in all breeds and sizes. Kudos to the author and others for highlighting the contributions of our furry friends to those in need. There's a section at the end that details their contributions and those who work with them to make them a success. I understand there's a film although, alas, I have no info on it. 

Bottom line, it's a sweet, powerful story. Readers unfamiliar with service dogs will emerge with a better understanding of not just the role service dogs play but how hard they (and their humans) work to make it all work. I'm not quite sure dogs dream of being heroes but they do strive to please us, so maybe that is the same thing in their minds. Thanks to #TheCollectiveBookStudio and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at this adorable story. I wanted somehow to reach through the page and scratch Andy's ears (with his human's permission, of course) and tell him what a wonderfully good dog he is. 

Forever in Alaska (Moose Falls, Alaska #3), by Belle Calhoune

 

Publication October 28, 2025

A sweet, charming romance set in my own state. Although I'd read the first two in the series, this one would work well as a standalone. Much of the basic background information flowed into the narrative naturally early on. The characters are likable and if you don't come away from the book wishing you knew Hattie Stone, you romance genes are snoozing. Despite her illness, she remains upbeat and determined to see her grandsons settled in happy families in Moose Falls. Landon, the self described nerdy brother who worked as a scientist/chemist, may be her biggest challenge yet. Never mind that, according to Bailey Daniels, he looks like a gorgeous Clark Kent type. His confidence around women is, well, shaky. Needless to say, he's astonished to find himself Bailey's target as she works to convince an unwanted suitor to go away and stay away. Landon and Bailey hadn't even met at that point but things move quickly.

I won't detail the plot. Think Hallmark Channel worthy.  Let's just say, in order to make his ailing grandmother happy on what may be her last Christmas, Landon finds himself in a fake romance with Bailey. He's working out issues from his past job but quickly realizes that his feelings for Bailey aren't fake. Family relationships, his and hers, past events, and the bond between the three brothers, who refer to themselves as the Three Musketeers. not to mention Bailey's family dynamics and tragedy, make Landon and Bailey's bond all the tighter. Hattie reveals some surprising things on her bucket list at the Christmas gathering, I must say, albeit all are not serious. I liked them, though, as they show her zest for life. 

Bottom line, family love and legacy is strong. I liked the characters and the town of Moose Falls rings sounds like a fun place to live. I smiled when a scene flying over the bay was described. I've done that and it made me smile. Alaska is a pretty magical place. Thanks #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for giving me that early peek and Christmas smile. I didn't note the exact line but Hattie's saying that even though she was near the end of her time she was still living was inspiring and a reminder to us all the live every moment with gusto.

Antiques Round-Up (A Trash 'n' Treasures mystery Book 19), by Barbara Allan

 

Publication October 7, 2025

Enjoy a good mystery but like to laugh? This one's for you. 

This is part of a series I'm happy to pick up any time. The adventures, or frequently misadventures of Brandy Borne and her mother Vivian are always entertaining. I won't even try to summarize the plot other than to say it involves antiques, getting arrested, a casino heist, suspicious deaths (where they seem to always be the ones to find the bodies), an eventful road trip, a rent a horse, and, well, too many more to list. You'll like the two main characters, who run an antiques shop in Serenity, Iowa, where Brandy's boyfriend is with the police. Let's just say, Serenity is anything but when they're around, especially if Vivian is off her bipolar meds. They're also famous, though some would say infamous, for their books and crime solving, which makes it hard for them to remain inconspicuous. Not that Vivian could be inconspicuous if her life depended on it. I mean, she sneaked out on Brandy and rented a horse? Vivian whose only riding experience turns out to have been a pony in her youth?

Anyway, it's a fun ride. While Vivian tends to go off on various topics as they occur to her, frequently movie or television related, not to mention topics most of the younger generation isn't familiar with, Brandy at least tries to focus on the main target. In this case, it's finding antiques to resell at their store, never mind she keeps getting dragged into investigating with Vivian. It's hard not to shake your head in wonder at this duo but it's also hard not to like them. Brandy and Vivian alternate chapters for the most part, each here tending to end with a recipe and hint on adding antiques and/or collectibles to your own collection. While you may get lost in Vivian's, uh, thoughts at times, not seeing the point, even the most absurd are somehow entertaining. I did miss the regular characters and having diabetic dog Sushi around this go-round but he was left at home in the care of another long-suffering regular, Brandy's boyfriend police chief. Something tells me he wasn't surprised at the number of calls he kept getting from police departments as they travel to Texas in their RV to see what they can find at a town wide antiques yard sale as a fund raiser.,

Bottom line, there's a good mystery here and lots of laughs.  Characters who'll make you laugh and, most likely, shake your head in disbelief.  I wish I had Vivian's energy, not to mention her guts. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me this laugh-out loud early peek at the zany world of the Trash 'n' Treasures dynamic duo. 

The Christmas Keepsake (Love in Bloom, 2), by Annie Rains

 

Publication October 7, 2025

Uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time, if that's possible. Having dealt with a family member with dementia, I loved the whole idea of the keepsake memory book, especially done via collected Christmas keepsakes with a written memory attached to them. Although I hadn't read the first book of the series, it worked very well as a standalone. In fact, I wasn't even sure it was a series until I double checked the title and say book two indicated. Watching Hollis and Mallory find their way to each other despite the very strong walls they'd built around their emotions to protect themselves was a delight. I immediately liked them both, especially Hollis and his work with dogs. A foster child himself, he was sort of giving unwanted dogs the second chance they needed, even when he frequently seemed to need patching up from canine related accidents. 

It certainly didn't hurt that Mallory was a nurse and frequently the one applying the care, especially since she's working extra shifts to help pay for her grandmother Nan's spot in the memory care facility. Nan doesn't remember Mallory anymore but her story is told through the, oh, so honest journal she kept to explain the keepsake items. It's both sweet and sad, though the book manages never to let us sink too far into the "I need a tissue" range. As it turns out, Mallory's emotional trip via the journal opens the way for her to both give and take support from Hollis. He's dealing with a host of roller-coaster emotions, too, torn between his own dreams and those of others. You'll like his Pop, I'm sure, and come to love the Nan we meet through the journal stories. "Santa, Baby", the play she wrote that has become a holiday tradition, is one with a message for many, too, I'm sure.

I won't share any more of the plot as it's a joy to read and get to know the characters almost as they're rediscovering who they are and reaching for their own dreams. I think it's a John Lennon quote about life being what happens when we're making other plans and that is surely true here. Life, both the good and bad, is very much what we make of it. Hollis rescues dogs. Can he rescue himself? Will Mallory let him into her heart? Will family drama take over or love? Will the Christmas play be the beginning or the end of Mallory's dreams? Thanks #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for reminding me why I so loved Annie Rains' books in the past. Thanks for bringing me back with this warm hearted look at memories, dreams, family, and, yes, dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

 

Naughty Novels (Cozy Corgi #37), by Mildred Abbott

 

A fun mystery that serves two purposes. It not only lets us catch up with Winifred/Fred and her cranky corgi Watson, but serves to introduce us to an upcoming new series featuring fantasy author Maeve Hawthorn and her corgi, Mischief. Fred is the focus of this story, of course, but we do get a good feel for Maeve as it goes along. Needless to say, Watson is charmed by Mischief, a corgi with a tail! Yes, there is a corgi type with a tail. The plot revolves around the murder of Maeve's agent while she's visiting the Cozy Corgi for a book signing afterward. 

I won't detail the plot but it has lots of angst, drama, suspicious minds, writing and publishing woes, secrets, and, yes, lots of doggie antics. There's also a deep dive into past history with attitudes toward, let's say, those who don't conform to norms. Given some of Fred's family members, she has lots of first hand resource information, even if she does have to endure Percival's determination to jazz up her clothing choice in the process. The usual gang seems to largely be accounted for, from family members to Anna and her wild dogs. Only Watson, who has earned the title Sgt. Fleabag from the police chief, seems able to control them and even he has his limits. I did like that Fred, who has suffered tons of trauma during the run of this series, is not only going to therapy sessions but seems to be taking it to heart. True, she's still overthinking it at times, doubting her instincts, but she's definitely in a better place.  

Bottom line, a quick, easy read with its share of tension and humor, the latter usually supplied by the dogs. Enjoyed this excursion into Fred's often quirky world and am looking forward to getting to know Maeve and Mischief .... with that name, you just know there will be doggie antics .... in the new series.

For the Love of Dog: How Dogs Think and the Unbreakable Bond That Connects Us, by Maggie Marton

 Publication Sept. 16, 2025

We really don't deserve dogs.  

The title of the final chapter pretty much sums it up, "Dogs Are Love: Plain and Simple". It's a heartfelt, lovely tribute to our furry friends. Be prepared, however, for both laughter and tears. Every dog in our lives teaches us something and, sadly, that includes about loss.

The focus of the book, however, is what the author learned about herself and, in a sense, human nature in general from her own experience. It details her learning curve with Emmett, with his separation anxiety, Lucas, who was basically afraid of everything, and Scooter, later renamed Cooper, who made the author and her husband failed fosters despite his housebreaking challenges. Trust me, they have a lot of company in that category of people who volunteered to care for a dog until a suitable home is found only to fall in love with the dog and adopt it themselves. Each dog, while ultimately loving, had their own personalities and quirks and it was a at times to work through their issues with them. Kudos for the author for persisting. She learned something about dogs from each encounter, not to mention herself and others. There is quite a bit of easy to digest research and science shared but it was the personal experience and growth of the author that kept me reading.

Although I took pages of notes as I read, I'm opting to simply say that this is a book all dog lovers should read. Trust me, reading this with my own now senior dog at my feet, this wasn't an easy read at times but it was a thoughtful, loving one. The pain of loss is well worth the joy of knowing and sharing their life, however brief in comparison to our own. Dogs live in the moment and don't overthink, they simply live. There's something to be said for that. 

Bottom line, well worth the time it'll take to read. It's actually an easy read but I tended to spread out my sessions with it to both savor the content and think, really think, about what my own dog means to me. Thanks to #PostHillPress for making this early copy available to me. It wasn't always a "fun" read but it was a great read with my own furry friend curled up somewhere beside me. I'm going to check out a few of the references given at the back, too, I think, as time permits. 

O, Deadly Night (Year-Round Christmas Mystery, #8), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication October 14, 2025

This one might be a caution about becoming too much of a snoopy neighbor but, well, since it's Merry's curiosity and caring that leads to the solution, I don't think we're supposed to take that literally. Grin. In any case, this is another favorite series with characters you'll like, even if they do annoy you at times. Kyle, I'm looking at you. Mabel D'Angelo, Merry's landlady, is determined to greet her new neighbors properly, all in being neighborly, of course, not snooping. And, if you believe that, I'm sure the realtor in town has some swamp land they'd like to unload on you. 

Merry is annoyed when Mrs. D'Angelo's, who was supposed to be helping with the shop's float in the annual Christmas parade, is a no show. Crazy busy as Merry is, however, she doesn't think much beyond wondering who's moved in across the street. Then a couple days later a mutual friend mentions Mrs. D'Angelo is missing and isn't answering her phone. That's very unlike her. Merry and BFF Vicky decide to check up on her. 

That's where the story really takes off. Merry's good deed winds up with her not only rescuing Mrs. D'Angelo from a frightening situation but finding a dead body. One that turns out to have ties to the quaint town of Rudolph, NY, where Christmas is celebrated all year. Merry's sister Eve, an actress home for the holiday, recalls the victim being a mean girl in high school. I won't detail the plot much further but will note it involves online scams, illegal activities, greed, a family's drama, unrequited love, well, infatuation, and, oh, yeah, a dog gets skunked. And that's just hitting the high(low?)lights. Mrs. D'Angelo plays a pivotal role here and the regulars seem to largely be on hand, including Merry's father who might as well be Santa Claus as well as just portraying him. Her mother is an opera singer. How's that for an odd couple? Vicky is, as always, there when Merry most needs an assist, even reminding Merry not to be TSTL (too stupid to live) at one critical point.  

Bottom line, this was a fun read. The characters are easy to relate to and like and, well, who wouldn't like to at least try spending some time in a town where it's Christmas every day. There's even a horse-drawn sleigh! Watching the way Merry's St. Bernard Maddy adores the police detective is a hoot, too. The side-stories show Santa, er, Merry's dad, isn't just caring when dressed as Santa, either, and even Merry sometimes wonders about his Santa connections. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for this early chance to celebrate Christmas virtually in Rudolph. We do have a North Pole here in in Alaska, so I feel a kinship with those townspeople. 

Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine (Mrs. Claus Mysteries Book 6), by Liz Ireland

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

I adore this quirky series. To be honest, while the mystery is always intriguing, I'm there as much to lose myself in the fantasy world of SantaLand as for the mystery. I mean, cranky flying reindeer feuding over Flouncy, a flirtatious female reindeer from the Vixen herd, naturally. A stuffed up, talking snowman. A police station jail cell that is more hotel room than cell. Flying sleighs, with or without reindeer power, note. I mean, the are quite up-to-date there. Cut throat candy competitions. And, oh, so many other fun, quirky bits of this North Pole that don't quite match up with the long time traditional image. Heck, Santa is even not only young but hot. Sorry, ladies, he's married. April Claus is an amateur sleuth who always seems to find herself in the middle of some wrong doing, even murder.

That's the case here. Who killed elf fireman Sterling Redwinkle just as he seemed about to pop the question to his elf girlfriend Juniper? With a poisoned rose, no less. That's just the beginning. April is on the case but also caught up in preparations for BFF Claire's upcoming wedding to private detective Jake Frost. Yes, related to Jack Frost.  Even better (well, maybe....you'll see) she's to be married at Castle Kringle, home of the extended Claus Family. Current Santa Nick is simply holding down the job while waiting for his nephew Christopher to reach adulthood but has proven a caring, wise Santa. April often wishes she had his way with words. Well, when she isn't fretting that the romance is fading this go-round. She even resorts to taking one of those generic magazine quizzes to determine if he's drifting away from her. Yes, they read those magazines in SantaLand, too, it seems. In any case, given her busy schedule, which involves lots of chocolate (a woman after my own heart) and snooping, er, looking into the murder, she barely has time to focus on anything else. She's even desperate enough investigating to descend into Hades. Nope. Not explaining that one. You'll just have to read. Honest, it isn't what you're thinking. Grin.

Bottom line,  as noted, I thoroughly enjoy this series and the various novellas that pop up periodically. The characters, many of which are elves or.....nah, not telling, are quirky and have personalities all their own. the Dowager Mrs. Claus is a force in her own right and harbors no nonsense but, well, we get to see another side of her here, too. Claire has a surprise for April, too, not to mention Jake. Yikes, is the wedding off? Murder does have a way of dousing one's enthusiasm. In any case, if you're looking for a fun mystery with quirky characters, even if it involves talking reindeer and snowmen, this one is for you. Heck, I normally don't read stuff in the fantasy realm, either, but this one has me hooked. Thanks #KensigntonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me to time travel and have this early peek at how SantaLand celebrates Valentine's Day. I'm already waiting impatiently for the next chance to drop in on April Claus and the whole crew. Hope she doesn't eat all the chocolate before I get there. 

Death of a Tom Turkey, by Lee Hollis

 

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

Bar Harbor is holding the annual Thanksgiving turkey shoot celebration and Hayley even wins a turkey. Things grind to a halt, however, when local Tom Farley is shot. Not with the specially created non-lethal bullets used in the competition but by a real bullet. Given Tom's cantankerous reputation and behavior, there's a long list of suspects. Fortunately, however, he survives. Well, sorta. Guess who is the dead body late discovered by Hayley and husband when they visit his turkey farm? And, this not long after the hospital staff was discovered having a celebration of sorts after his very alive discharge. Let's just say, he wasn't the best of patients. I don't want to give away much more of the story but will say that resident squabbles over land and a blocked land deal, family squabbles, and more play a role. Maybe it was just the timing, but I wasn't as taken with this one as I'd expected. Most likely just me. The usual gang is there and there are some downright hilarious scenes to visualize (a pig sty is involved in one), but it just seemed like the pluses and minuses equaled out for me. My biggest eye rolls were over not just the mishandling of evidence, likely making it inadmissible in any court, but the rush by the police to arrest a suspect without verifying the evidence as part of the crime. Seemed very out of character for police chief Sergio. That said, I did enjoy the humor and banter between the usual cast of characters, so while I wasn't loving the book, I didn't dislike it, either. Mona's on again, off again relationship with Sergeant Earl was fun, And there's a new young couple in town. They should be a fun addition, well, if they aren't murderers. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for this early peek at Hayley's Thanksgiving. Hopefully I'll be in the right frame of mind for the next one as I really do enjoy the characters and occasionally zany events.

You Are Brotherly Love A Book for the Littlest Kelce Brothers Fans, by Emma Carlson Berne and Narrated by Zach Barela

 

Available Oct. 14, 2025            Audio Book   c5m

Although my avid football fan days are behind me, I became a fan of the Kelce brothers when their two football teams opposed each other in the Super Bowl. Actually, it may have been their even keeled mother who most impressed me given her position, but I admired their humor and obvious respect for each other even then. Now, of course, given Travis' relationship with Taylor Swift, we see more of him than the retired Jason. As a result, I was curious to see how this book played out, weak pun intended. 

It took me a couple listens to sort this one out, I have to admit. The physical book is surely heavy on pictures and, unfortunately, we're asked to use out imagination upfront. Once I sorted out that the pace indicated that the narrator was moving through illustrations of the Kelce's life/career, helped along by the subtle sound effects utilized, it all made sense to me. As a teacher, I can see an opportunity to use the audio to promote children to imagine what they're seeing if you don't happen to have a hard copy of the book on hand. It'd also be fun to have them draw pictures fitting the sound/words from their own lives, I'd think. Anyway, that's the first section and it flew right along quickly. Very quickly.

The second section is more detailed, giving more biographical detail. Details range from their birth, love of sports, and attending the same college. You'll also find out the reason behind Travis' choice of jersey number. That was cool and something I'd missed knowing. In any case, while the narration sticks to the brothers, not bringing in any romantic issues, it seems relatively up-to-date, mentioning that Jason had retired but the brothers were doing a podcast together. 

Bottom line, once I sorted out my confusion over the briefness of the audio, it was an interesting, fun read. That said, while it could be made to stand alone, I tend to think it'd work best accompanying a read of the actual book. I'm actually curious to check out what the actual book looks like, I must admit. Thanks #MacmillanAudio for this early listen to a book dealing with a couple men that seem genuine good guys and are worthy of being offered as models for young fans. It's a positive message we can all relate to, one setting an excellent example for young people. 

Epilogue to a Christmas Murder, by Lauren Elliott

 Publication Sept. 30, 2025

Addie's back in Greyborne Harbor but is no longer sure she fits there. Life seems to have passed her by while she was away in England. Then a surprise arrives from England that sends her mind spinning. And, oh, there's that rather odd robbery and then, double oh, a dead body. All this while she's busy trying to find her footing once again and help friend Paige have the wedding of her dreams. No pressure, right? Grin.

Not revealing much much more of the plot as it's a fun one to follow not knowing much more than Addie. We spend a lot of time in her head this go-round rather than connecting well with the others and, oh, my, Addie's brain seems caught in a perpetual spin. Determined to help Paige navigate the perils of her Momzilla where wedding planning is concerned, Addie seems caught in a cycle of what ifs? With her own romantic life in limbo again, her seeing the happiness of long time friends now wed isn't helping. She's wondering if she'll ever find her own happily ever after and questioning a big decision made in England. For better or worse, she is caught up in helping solve a rather strange robbery that, no lie, she unknowingly helped assist....in the middle of a major snowstorm at that. Only the next day does she hear about the body discovered nearby by a passerby. Are the two crimes connected? As it turns out, when the body is identified it hits way too close to home.

Bottom line, I keep returning to this series because I've grown quite fond of the characters. Addie, even with her brain on spin, is smart and level-headed (for the most part) and her friends and associates are now well fleshed out characters. True, I rather liked the English setting, hence was extra glad (not a spoiler as it's in the book's official blurb) to see the quite British Detective Inspector Noah Parker show up at her shop. Oh, and did I mention quite handsome, at that? Although we met him in an earlier book, his character is fleshed out more here and he emerges as a strong, caring man who has faced tragedy in his own life. Given Addie's romance record, of course, she's the biggest obstacle he may face winning her over, so that kept me reading until the very end. Let's just say, while I found my eyes periodically rolling at her, oh, not sure what word to use, so let's go with indecision and fluctuating behavior at times, being inside her brain does give you insight into what makes her tick, too. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me this early eek into Addie's mind during a time of such impending decisions. Readers who enjoy character driven stories will enjoy this one and the entire series.

 

Down with Lime Books! A Story About Book Banning, by Jan Zauzmer

 

Publication Sept. 23,2025

Don't let the lively, colorful illustrations and bouncy rhythm fool you. This book carries a powerful punch. It not only introduces young children to what book banning is but offers them examples of how to fight back against it. You just know when you see the scowling face of a woman peeking in the library window that something is about to happen and, well, it does. It follows the now usual pattern of one person deciding they're offended, then getting vocal and drawing in curious, often clueless support. In this case it's lime colored books being used for books accused of being offensive for a variety of reasons or, for that matter, none that make sense. 

Seeing one child being brave enough to speak out and therefore rally opposition to censorship is a message we all need to take to heart. While remaining silent and above the fray may be easier, it doesn't accomplish anything other than allowing those who'd take books out of our hands to seem even more powerful. This example of taking action, especially when scowling adults are the opponents, could offer support to other youngsters who feel voiceless. The illustrations of smiling readers before the lime books were targeted and the more somber, sad expressions after were well done. There's humor to be found here, too, especially in the spread depicting the protest signs sported by the two factions. Quite creative and pointed and, yes, both sides are shown. I bet you can guess which ones showed thought.

Bottom line, while targeting  very young children, meaning adults will have to read this to them, this one should work with slightly older students, too. I'd nudge parents to read along with them, however, no matter the age, as there will surely be questions. No, you don't need to use the word metaphor but it would surely be helpful for younger children so see the connection between banned books because of content and this one simply using lime colored books symbolically. Thanks #Familius and #NetGalley for giving me this early peek at a very deserving book. I'll be sharing the info with many.

What Goes on inside a Wolf Pack: Follow the Adventures of a Wolf Family in Yellowstone National Park, by Kathleen Yale, International Wolf Center (afterword), Carrie Shryock (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 23, 2025

While I've never been to Yellowstone, I have visited Alaska's Denali Park and can testify that the artist perfectly captured the vastness and grandeur of our wild places. You feel small in such places and, quite frankly, I'm not sure it isn't a reminder we occasionally need of how tiny we are in the grand scope of nature. Toss in that wolves do roam freely in my general area and this book was a natural for me. It follows a pack of wolves from basically the birth of a litter until they're grown and moving out on their own. Even better, we're also introduced to the flora and fauna as well as the other animals that surround the wolves' range.

It's a beautifully done, well thought out book. The artist has painted the vast beauty of the wolves' home largely in soft pastels, some of which almost seem to glow. Based on the many photos and books of Yellowstone that I've seen, it seems to realistically capture the area as well as the playfulness of the pups. I liked that rather then simply black print on white, the information is nicely arranged in various colorful graphs, boxes, and sidebars throughout. It makes it easy to follow, which simply going straight through the account or randomly flipping about and stopping when something catches your eye and, trust me, there's a lot to see. Readers can enjoy trying to spy whatever other things they can see, ranging from bears to lovely flowers and birds.I also appreciated that rather than toss in a plea not to litter, the author went with "a picture is worth a thousand words" mantra, showing wolf pups playing with a plastic bottle, for instance, with items that have been observed as "wolf toys" ranging from plastic water bottles and cans to human clothing items. I should also note that while it's made clear wolves eat prey, it's handled nicely, without dwelling on it. In fact, it uses that moment to subtly show competition among other animals for food and mentions why bears are such voracious eaters. 

Although aimed at independent reading aged children, adults should find this book equally interesting and informative. It would definitely make a lovely gift for animal lovers and a great addition to many teachers' reading/research shelves. The fact that it shows us the full picture, so to speak, covering nearly a year and encompassing other life in the area should make it applicable in different areas. There are some color photos at the end, I should also note, identified with the names rangers/researchers have given that particular wolf and more info on both wolves and ways children can help protect them. There's a map that identifies wolves' general ranges, too. Thanks #StoreyPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a lovely book focused on an animal that fills me with awe. That said, I had to chuckle this afternoon when, while walking, my not-so-wolfish (though she had a cute howl as a pup) corgi mix demonstrated scent marking for me. Grin. 

Murder Pays a Call, by Nancy J. Cohen

Publication Sept. 9. 2025

Oh, goodie. A new series from a long time favorite author.  Keri Sullivan is a personal concierge. What is a personal concierge, you ask? What's the difference between a personal assistant and concierge? To be simplistic, while a personal assistant usually works for one person, a personal concierge may have many clients. I didn't think to keep track of how many clients Keri and her A Friend in Need Agency have but, well, let's just say a lot, ranging from corporate type groups to senior citizens. Fiona Sullivan is one of her favorite clients, however, one whose contacts have often helped Keri expand her customer list. Keri considers her a friend and mentor. Sadly, while delivering some items to Fiona, whose 80 th birthday party Keri had been hired to plan, she finds her dead. As if that wasn't bad enough, it's soon confirmed that she was murdered. 

That's where the story really takes off. Keri is rather shocked to discover that Fiona wasn't universally liked by all, which includes her family. I won't detail the plot but will say it was fun to see a new sleuth learning as she went along trying to figure out whodunit. Needless to say, she's pushy and not real subtle in her questioning/investigation, and finds herself frequently being told that perhaps she should leave it to the police to solve. I noted that while Detective Jeff Saunders was one of ones most frequently telling her this that he continues to treat her with respect...even when some of her methods were, uh, not exactly on the right side of the legal line. She also involves a couple of her friends, which I found normal in the cozy mystery world although she never once seemed to think about their safety while snooping. True, she was quite protective of Lora, her unexpected house guest with the scary boyfriend, but her meddling there wasn't necessarily helpful, either. I did like Lora who, given her tendency to clean and organize, I rather wished could show up on my own doorstep, and Pam the reporter was rather gutsy, too. And, yes, there are some potential romances drifting about although not with the one most readers might guess. While I'm sure we'll learn more about the regulars as the series continues, the author did a nice job of fleshing them out for us in this initial introduction. 

Bottom line, I enjoyed the story despite rolling my eyes at Keri's rookie sleuth behavior. As her office staff and friends  often told her, she really, really needed to take her own advice and carve out some care time for herself. She's so busy running all over investigating as it is that she even manages to irritate at least one client. True, there were some solid possibilities as suspects but Keri does frequently barge in first and think later. The side story about the naturalist remedies didn't hold my attention and I'm not too sure Keri focused on it much, either. She did discover something most of us will or have discovered, the fact that people aren't always who we think they are. Thanks #NetGalley and #OrangeGrovePress for this early intro to Keri and her team, one I hope to learn more about in future books. Sunny Grove, Florida, sure has its share of secrets, that's for sure. As a former Floridian, this was a bit of a virtual trip home to turf I'm quite familiar with. 

Murder in Paris (Miss Underhay #21), by Helena Dixon

 Publication August 26, 2025

By sheet serendipity, I ran across a video clip of the light-show at the Eiffel Tower for Bastille Day as I was settling down to finish this book. Between the fireworks and twinkling, changing lights on the Tower, it set the perfect reading mood. In this mystery, set in 1937, Kitty and Matt are there to accompany her Gram on a nostalgia trip with a childhood friend, Eliza, and her grandson Julian. Those familiar with the series can surely predict what happens. Yep. You guessed it. A murder. Not only that, but the victim is the model girlfriend of Julian, Simone, and Simon's sister Natalie was found beside her body holding a bloody pair of scissors. So much for Kitty and Matt's hoped for relaxing trip to Paris.

Fortunately for us readers, as they follow the twisty trail of clues, we do get to tag along on several virtual moments as they venture through Paris. For instance, a scenic river cruise and ritzy meal in the Eiffel Tower's towering restaurant. To help place us in time, several references are made about the abdication of the King and Wallis Simpson, not to mention the rise of Coco Chanel as a designer. Very appropriate as the seemingly cut-throat fashion world is front and center throughout. I won't detail the plot but will say that the main characters are well defined, as is Violette, Eliza's pampered poodle. Through it all we get nicely described snippets of the Paris of the time, including during Matt's early morning stroll that showcases the working man ranks that make it all happen. I was glad to see Dixon give a nod to them, I might add. Matt's effort to ensure Kitty gets a very special view of the city was a nice touch and rather makes up for his unavoidable, whirlwind trip home at one point. Long time readers, that was connected to the long-running investigation of his old war buddy Redvers. Nope, not saying any more. I'm just glad that didn't set off more than an uncomfortable dream given his PTSD due to wartime experiences. 

Bottom line, a lively read with interesting characters, a peek into the fashion/design world, and the often complicated human relationships between characters. And, in Kitty's case, a seemingly bottomless supply of croissants. I'm with Matt. How does she stay so slim? There's an emphasis on family and family needs/support, which is always a plus for me, as is the warm, respectful relationship between Kitty and Matt. Lots of secrets and surprises to keep you guessing and, if you're like me, changing your mind about whodunit. Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for making this early peek into the continuing adventures of Kitty and Matt available to me, not to mention the fun virtual trip to 1937 Paris. 

Thanksgiving Puppy Parade, by Lynette Ordonez

 Publication August 26, 2025

Ahhhh, puppies. Absolutely adorable, a word I use entirely too often to describe children's books but, well, PUPPIES! 

What you have here are adorable puppy photos paired with some sort of fall or Thanksgiving saying, many of which involved cute doggie related puns. As someone whose favorite season is fall, the use of such lovely autumn photos for many was a bonus. Lots of different breeds, all adorable (hey, if I'm going to overuse a term, might as well enjoy it) and looking like they could spring off the page for cuddles. The author did an excellent job matching photos and sayings, too, and you'll enjoy the expressions on the varous puppy faces. True, there's no real story here but, hey, who needs a story when you're bombarded with such adorable puppy faces? 

On the serious side, it'd be fun to see what photos children might come up with to match similar fall related comments. Or drawings to match these various sayings or sayings they themselves come up with. A great way to intro children to puns, too. My hunch is adults will enjoy these puppy faces as much as I did, too, so it's a win-win for both child and parent. Thanks #NetGalley and #TeacherCreatedMaterials for allowing me this early peek at this, you know what adjective is coming, adorable photo book. It'd make a lovely gift or addition to any dog lover's shelf.

The Mistletoe Murder Club (The Bad Girls Detective Agency Book 4), by Katie Marsh

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2025

I think I chuckled my sleuthing cap loose a few times reading. This one was a roller coaster ride with a few wild loopity-loops tossed in for good measure. This was my intro to the series and what an intro it was. Just plain fun. Beyond quirky actors, a rickety old theatre that seems to be held together as much by grime as anything, complete with a malfunctioning trapdoor and, yikes, stage lights falling from the ceiling. To top it all off, the cast members, who weirdly seem to be both hopeful and reluctant to be there, all seem to hate the director, Dame Beatrice Butler, for whom the theatre is named. Clio Lawrence is one of them. A former actress, she's now a struggling detective with her two besties, Amber and Jeanie, in the Bad Girls Detective Agency. It's her latter title that comes in handy as, not really a surprise, Beatrice is found in her dressing room murdered on opening night. 

 What follows isn't exactly your typical murder investigation. It somehow manages to mix murder, chaos, and humor, not to mention the endearing friendship of the three friends. I'll leave it to you to discover why Amber winds up in a cow outfit. Yes. Cow. In the meantime, Jeanie is somehow short a few pieces of clothing while pursuing her twins, twins that could easily be nicknamed Mayhem and Chaos, through the theatre and falling through a trapdoor while pursuing clues. And, that just the beginning. I'm not going to detail the plot further, but there's rarely a slow, let alone dull moment. Through it all, we get to know the characters well, even the ones that, quite frankly, aren't particularly likable. You'll even learn what a very British pantomime is, not to mention why the cast seems to so hate Beatrice, who you'll follow along on her last day. What was she up to? Nope, not telling. And....so much more. Seriously, I've barely ventured beyond the opening act here (the books chapters are set up in acts, so to speak).

Bottom line, thoroughly enjoyed this oh, so clever murder mystery. The characters come across as real people, the sort you might run into at the grocery, or more likely be run into by the twins if the twins are involved. There's even an unlikely romance, not to mention the usual twist and turns as you come to enjoy being with them all, even those wild child twins. You'll learn why they're so very, very special to Jeanie, too. Bottom line, the three Bad Girl Detectives have each other's back and are willing to take chances to protect each other, and ultimately find whodunit. Lots of Christmas-y references, too, including the reason for the title. In other words, you've got a layered plot that will keep you chuckling and guessing until the end. No, I didn't quite figure it out although it made all the sense in the end. So, kick back, be prepared for a wild ride with a visit to a lovely pub or two, some goofy friends you'll like, and lots of backstage drama, both past and present. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this fun team of women with this early peek at this book. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next in this series. There are surely many, many more secrets to be discovered in this quaint village.