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. 

A Very Merry Murder: The Malvern Mysteries, Book, by Kate Wells

 

Publication Sept. 3, 2025

Buckle up your seat belts. This one takes you on quite the rollercoaster ride. Not only is there a murder and long list of suspects but, well, there's a question about who was really the intended target. This was my first read of this series but it won't be my last. Jude Gray's farm has been selected as the site for a filmed Christmas special. Unfortunately, Jude is beginning to wonder if that was a good thing or bad. Sure, she likes the money she'll earn but, well, maybe she should have read the contract more closely. Even worse, the producer is arrogant and way too handy with his hands if you get my drift. Then there's a near disaster, closely followed by a murder. And that's just the beginning.

I won't detail the plot other than to say it moves along at a steady pace and is full of surprises, twists, and turns. The regulars are quite likable and even the pertinent film crew is nicely fleshed out. Note that I said fleshed out, not necessarily likable. Besides the heartless producer, there is a storm brewing amongst the crew and the outcome isn't good. Any of them or all might have a motive for murder. watching Jude and friends sort it all out is fun. Well, maybe I should say interesting as I'm sure Jude wouldn't consider it fun. She also has her animals to deal with. We even get a bit of their personalities. Rodney Trotter emerged as my favorite critter, gotta admit, though the ducks aren't really good at getting in a row. 

Bottom line, I'm definitely hooked. I enjoyed the characters, with Grannie Margot, who seems to run the senior center and has a sharp analytical mind, probably being my favorite. Also, young Sebbie, who delighted in the odd places Jude hid his elf leading up to Christmas, not to mention springing it on his mother the morning of the school's holiday play that he needs a costume for it. Does that sound familiar to any parents out there? Jude's bubbling under the surface attraction to Marco is fun to watch play out, too, especially since Clara, his current girlfriend, is a friend. Who said living in a small town was simple. Kudos to Jude, btw, for sharing info she stumbles across quickly with detective friend Binnie, who is on desk assignment due to a prior incident.  Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for intriducing me to them all with this early peek at the current goings on. I'll definitely be catching up with the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and, hey, we got to pet some fun animals and even take a tractor ride. Grin. 

Ask Scarlett: Can Being Outside Help Me De-Stress? And More Questions about Nature and You, by Rebecca Baines

 

Publication August 5, 2025

Full of fascinating tidbits and information.While designed for younger readers, I feel we older ones might just as easily enjoy and learn from it.  Not only is the information, which ranges from weather, both normal and extreme, to animals (even the mole rat gets space), houseplants, how pets may help out health, as well as headaches, foods, and more. Seriously, it's all tied neatly to the outdoors. I liked that though they frequently pointed out that there was scientific info to back up their statements that they didn't go into minute details in the text. The kept it simple and easy to digest and understand. There is a resource list at the end for those desiring to do a deeper dive, plus a glossary of terms and a quite extensive index to make it easier to find particular topics of interest. 

The book is illustrated with both cartoon like images, ie Scarlett, and photos which are credited at the end. Young readers should find them interesting and even charming, at least I did. There are even some crafty projects suggested with instructions at some points which will add to the fun. Bottom line, quite informative in a fun, easily read manner, and full of fun, colorful pictures. Thanks #AmericanPhychologicalAssociation for sharing this early look at a book that I highly recommend to both teachers and adults with curious, inquisitive children. Another plus is that while I ultimately read straight through, one can browse randomly or use the various guides to find desired info. Seriously, teacher friends and outdoor lovers, add this one to your bookshelves to share. 

The Sisterhood (Lady Emily, #19), by Tasha Alexander

 

Publication Sept. 23, 2025

This was my first read of this apparently long running series. That said, while it ultimately worked as a stand-alone, I felt like I would have known the two leading characters far better had I read earlier books.  Bad me. I enjoyed the main characters, well, most of them, and always love my virtual visits to Edwardian England, even if the status conscious nobility frequently annoys me. All that aside, I don't think this was the book for me as the alternating timelines kept throwing off my focus. Honestly, being new to the series, I had no clue why we were suddenly back in AD 60 when a murder had just taken place in 1907, England. Although it ultimately made sense, I obviously need to shy away from books with this trait as it really broke my concentration and, quite frankly, frustrated my "I wanna know who did it!" fixation. Some readers won't be bothered by this at all, of course, making the book a 4/5 star for them, though for me it kept it at a 3.5 rounded to a 4 star.

As noted, I did wind up quite enjoying meeting Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves. While the book didn't focus much on their relationship, it appears an excellent one, with lots of understanding, patience, and support. There's even some humor. I applaud Colin for not simply strangling her snobby, very annoying mother. Let's just say, even while understanding Edwardian society pressures and its expectations, she got on my last nerve. I do wish I knew more about Colin's ties to the king, however, so I'm going to have to do some catch up reading. My other favorite character was Sebastian, ironically a thief, albeit a charming, devilishly one. He seems to go way, way back with Emily, claiming an undying love, a relationship that, again, I need to sort out. He may be a thief, but he's charming and I have to admit, I sort of enjoyed his tweaking of the system and readily being willing to share the weak points he utilized in his thefts with Emily and Colin.

As for the murder, it happens early on. I was actually rather taken with the victim, so a bit disappointed to see them killed off so soon. The final reveal was actually rather shocking but made sense based on all we see and learn. And, no, I didn't guess it early though the clues were certainly there. The 60 AD story threw my sleuthing game off. Yeah, that's my excuse. Oddly enough, I think I'd have found that story line intriguing on its own given my own history buff tendencies and the role of horses in Vatta's life. I did know the gist of the story of the ancient warrior woman, Boudica, so it was interesting to read more about that era, confused as it left me initially about its connections to the 1907 mystery. And, the title will make sense to you as being symbolic as the story progresses. You'll also be reminded that being popular isn't the same as being liked. 

Bottom line, while not quite the book for me, it intrigued me enough to have put a couple of the author's past books on hold at the library. I liked the relationship between Emily and Colin, especially in comparison to some of those surrounding them, and want to know more. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for sharing this with me and letting me know what I've been missing.  

Edam and Weep, by Linda Reilly

 

Publication July 22, 2025

Character driven, this was a fun read. Carly Hale is beyond busy planning for her upcoming wedding when not only does she still volunteer to take part in the fundraiser rather than take the easy way out and just donate, but husband-to-be Ari's sister Leslie arrives unexpectedly with her niece Quinn. It's explained in the story so let's just say that Leslie hopes to adopt Quinn but there are complications. Speaking of complications, having her mother become a suspect in a murder definitely complicates things. 

I don't want to give away much of the plot, it's a solid, intriguing one with lots of twists and turns and revelations that will keep you reading. The murder of the rude, unfriendly, and demanding Brice Keaton after the local high school's fund-raising event was a shocker. Even worst, her mother was caught on video telling him off due to his behavior and, worse, the murder weapon seems to have been a scarf that was part of her fifties related costume for the event . That's makes her a suspect since the video went viral online. No shock that Carly is drawn into investigating, even if she does swear to Ari that she's going to limit herself to internet searches. We all know that promise was going to be quickly broken. At the same time, Carly is dealing with Leslie's sudden arrival and situation. That Carly's dog Havarti immediately takes to Quinn and vice versa is both a plus and minus, of course, but it does help endear Quinn and the situation she's caught in with her Aunt Leslie to us. Actually, we learn enough about Brice, the victim, to even have some sympathy to him despite his entitled and rude behavior at the fund-raiser. 

Bottom line, a  relatively quick read with characters who seem like they could be our own neighbors or family. I wasn't crazy about mother Rhonda's initial attorney but overall even he wasn't a problem, just an odd distraction. Carly and Ari are a solid, loving couple and Carly's workers at the grilled cheese specialty shop are all quite likable. I was glad to catch up with Grant, the cello artist who has given up music school to train as a chef. He's got to be one of the great guys of the world to work his now regular job but still jump back into working at Carly's shop to free her up for, well, everything. As noted earlier, you just knew she wasn't going to be satisfied just doing internet searching. And, hey, long time readers, you're going to learn why Don won't eat grilled cheese sandwiches! Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at Carly's hectic life. Loved the ending and that thoughtful gesture made. I liked the author's dedicating this to animal rescuers everywhere.

Woody's Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows, by Lisa Jean LaBanca Rogers , Susan Reagan (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 9, 2025

It's been awhile since I last read "Where the Red Fern Grows" but it still makes me smile when I remember it. Smile and feel the urge to reach for a box of tissues. That said, I must admit to knowing next-to-nothing about author Woodrow Wilson Rawls prior to reading this book. I'm now feeling the urge to dig out my old copy of the story (with some tissues handy) as I read it again with fresh eyes and more knowledge about how it came to be. 

Whether you've read "Red Fern" or not, I don't want to divulge too much of this book about it's author. Teacher friends, it should be a must. Same with dog fanatics everywhere.  A thoughtful, insightful look into what made Rawls a writer. It wasn't an easy life. In fact, he spent some time in jail but it ultimately sounds like wife Sophie was his savior and inspiration. A budget analyst for the Atomic Energy Commission, she was not just his biggest booster but typist, proofreaders, editor, and, well, much more. 

Rawls beloved dog book was first published in the highly regarded Saturday Evening Post before appearing in full book form. While barely educated himself, Rawls, a true story-teller, made thousands of promotional appearances, frequently at schools in front of children. It sounds like their words of appreciation only fueled his drive to write. Is the story 100% true? You'll have to read the book to find out. You won't regret it. While aimed at children from 7-10, my hunch is dog and book people of all ages will find it a good read. There's a lengthy bibliography at the end for those who want to take a deeper dive as well as, in addition to the illustrations, both b/w and color photographs. It was a plus to note the contributions of family members. Thanks #AstraPublishingGroup for allowing me this early peek at this intriguing, delightful story. It brought back many memories and I loved the inclusion of a photo of the statue of the book's Billy Coleman and his hounds that stands at the Idaho Falls Public Library. 

Death at the Village Christmas Fair (The Cotswold Curiosity Shop #3), by Debbie Young

 Publication August 16, 20

This was my first read of this series so I can vouch that it works well as a stand alone. Alice Carroll is preparing for her first Christmas in her new home, a celebration that includes not just the traditional Christmas Fair but a Santa Run. Her mother is visiting and Alice is looking forward to a peaceful holiday celebration with her relatively new beau, Robert who, as we find out, has money. Lots of it. That's beside the point, however, as he's genuinely likable and low key about his status. To be honest, though, Alice can't help but be a bit subdued by his wealth as, well, what do you buy someone who has the money to buy about anything he wants. She's also a tad uncertain about her status but they do seem to work well together, especially when it comes to sorting out whodunit in a murder.

So, who killed Clive and why? Strangled with a scarf stolen from the booth owned by Alice's mother, Alice is naturally interested. I won't spoil the plot any further except to say there's an interesting twist to the crime. If you don't know what Netsuke is, you will by the time you finish this book. It was rather fun to learn a bit about this art form as well as some aspects of museum collecting and investments/sponsors. I liked the cast if characters and you'll easily figure out who is who and the relationships they have with each other. Some are rather naive, even Alice at times, but they come across as good people that are easy to root for. Robert's granddaughter, Tilly, was a standout, and I'm guessing that Alice's mother may be sticking around based on her so easily fitting into the knitting community. She's one fast knitter, too. The village of Little Pride might be said to play a role, too,  with both positives and negatives.

Bottom line, while somewhat slow in pace, I wound up enjoying the book. The characters are a real plus with them seeming to be real people prone to think the best of others. And, of course, there's that blossoming romance between Alice and Robert. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for giving me this early peek at Alice's world and the doings of Little Pride. It was fun to imagine the Santa Race, especially the slower paced, not so athletic ones, and loved the giving spirit of the community, and the mention of Paddington Bear and toggle buttons was a bonus. Made me remember my grandmother's button jar.

My Brain Is Like a Puppy, by Laura Filtness

 

Publication Sept. 16, 2025

This is a fun story with many layers. First, having had puppies in my life, I can testify that puppy Boss is very much a true puppy. Boss is full of fun, mischief, hyperactive one moment and zooming about, then plopping down and stubbornly refusing to be easily moved the next. He wants to please but is impulsive and easily distracted by, well, pretty much everything. Let's just say, self-discipline isn't a strength for most puppies....or children. That's where this book comes in.

The bond between Boss and first-time dog/puppy/owner Brooklyn is close. And, as Brooklyn slowly realizes, they also share many traits, not all of them good. Yet, her focus on Boss helps her recognize them and realize that many of the same tactics she's trying to ingrain in Boss will also benefit her. As Boss goes through training to earn his Canine Good Citizen award (yes, that really is a thing) the story alternates between Brooklyn's loving understanding and frustrations with her impulsive, stubborn, but adorable pup and her realization that she has a lot in common with her challenging pet. It's handled well and the illustrations add to the layers as we follow the fun rhymes. Metaphors, anyone?

Bottom line, this deceptively simple story of a girl and her rowdy puppy works on all levels. It's a fun story that can be read as just that, a fun story. It might also help open a child's eyes to how their own actions can be "trained" through focus, perseverance, and how to control both emotions and behaviors that, like Boss's wild child puppy behavior, isn't desirable. Again, the tips at the end are wonderful, direct and easy to understand. Thanks #BoysTownPress - #IBPA for the early peek at this layered look at taming not just a rambunctious puppy but helping children learn to navigate their world, too. 

Earth Rover, by Taylor Woolley

 Publication Sept. 9, 2025

Absolutely adorable and, shh, educational, too. You'll be rooting for Rover to fulfill his dream of becoming a NASA Rover. After all, he has a head start. His human works is part of the NASA space agency. And, as Rover says, he can dig up rocks with the best of them and won't tip over among other skills he perceives as important. He even writes a letter to NASA laying out his credentials and, whoa, gets a response. What we get is a fun, frequently humorous story and lots of doggie related puns/jokes. 

The illustrations are simple, colorful, and add to the layering of the story, somehow managing to convey Rover's personality and hopes throughout. As noted, you'll pick up quite a bit of genuine information about space exploration as you read. The addition of an information section at the end is a bonus and will help tie things together and perhaps offer answers to questions asked of parents reading with their child. This would make a lovely gift as well as earn a well deserved place on a library shelf or teacher's classroom. Children with an interest in space, dogs, and just adventure with a twist of humor will enjoy this one. Thanks #Familius for allowing me an early peek at this entertaining and grin inducing read. I spent much of my life in Florida where I could simply step out the door and watch launches soaring overhead as they cleared the trees, so I found this one a fun read.

My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!, by Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Tiffany Everett (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 9, 2025

A colorful, beautifully illustrated, and, yes, cute book for children. I've always like Benatar's music, so this collaboration with husband and music collaborator Neil Giraldo was a big yes from the time I spied it listed. While their role as rocking grandparents might seem to get the spotlight, I liked that it also made the point that no matter what your own grandparents might do, they all rock in their own ways. The illustrations add to that, depicting items symbolic of various roles non=rock-n-rollers might take, from being a rock star cookie maker, taking you fishing, teaching or, well, simply loving their grandchildren. Benatar and Giraldo depict different cultures, too, an added plus, as grandparenting has no boundaries. Kudos to them for empathizing that grandparents come in different guises, colors, and may speak different languages .... or like different music. 

Bottom line, the text flows.... I'd love to hear it set to music .... and should be a hit with both child and grandparents everywhere. Lots of fun rhymes and illustrations showing not just the Benatar/Giraldo family in action but "average" grandparents with an emphasis that they all rock, too. Seeing the various names used to indicate Grandma and Grandpa was fun and their note that there are other names used out there, too, was a subtle nod to inclusion of all. Thanks #SourcebookKids  and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at this delightful book by Benatar and Giraldo with the help of illustrator Tiffany Everett who brings the scenes to life. I always knew they rocked as musicians so it's nice to know they are rocking their grandparent roles, too. 

Mince Pies and Murder (The Morwenna Mutton Mysteries Book 3), by JR (Judy) Leigh

 

Publication August 23, 2025

Morwenna Mutton is smart and obviously in great shape for her age. I marvel at the idea that not only does she find swimming in frigid water great fun but there's an entire group of residents who join her. Not her own mother, mind you. Nope, no polar plunges, so to speak, for Lamorna. Ex-husband Ruan is drawn to the water, yes, but seems to prefer boating atop it. In any case, Morweena is fiercely protective of her family. Her moments with granddaughter Elowen, who remains feisty and self-centered, are frequently a hoot. There are a lot of characters to take in, some important, some just passing through. Kudos to the author, by the way, for including not only a glossary but a characters list with a brief description at the beginning. I found that most of the terms used were easy to figure out but did need to refresh my memory on characters. Wait till you meet Lady Elizabeth. 

Overall, the side characters are likable, even the seemingly cranky ones, and it was fun to revisit Seal Bay again and spend some time boating. As for the murder, it does put a damper on the holiday festivities. The Christmas party sounds both interesting and chaotic with people roaming the Pengellen's manor home seemingly at will. That gives us a long list of suspects. Heck, could it have been an accident? Good thing the local police were actually at the party (in costumes, no less) although Morwenna, in her usual way, manages to do some snooping before they can even get to the scene. And all this before the random visits from the sinister Santa and not so jolly Santa Claus cards sent to some. 

That's about all I'm going to say about the plot, it's a complicated one with twists and turns but, hey, we get to watch a couple relationships bloom at the same time, so it isn't all bah humbug and whodunit. Watching Morwenna fret over mother Lamorna's budding romance was both sweet and sad, especially given her own confused feelings. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for the early invite to catch up on the doings in Seal Bay and among Morwenna's friends and family. After that ending, definitely looking forward to Leigh's next in this series. 

Stella: Ranch Patrol: Dogs with a Purpose, by W Bruce Cameron

 

Publication August 26, 2025

I've been looking forward to this one ever since I saw Cameron post that it would feature a corgi. Although my own fur girl is only a corgi mix, she definitely exhibited the herding tendency that any working ranch dog probably needs, so I was definitely curious to read Stella's story. It didn't disappoint.

While I won't share the plot here, I will say it was a heartwarming mix of both canine and human emotion and love. While Stella is certainly the star, the human family she must fit into is complicated and dare I say it, well, seems genuinely human. They're hard working, face difficulty, disagree, but ultimately want the best for everyone. Stella finds her place, exhibiting the courage I've seen in my own dog as it faced down a dog four times its size that came at us while walking, and showed that you don't have to be big to be brave and strong. In the process, her human family finds unity and while they may not always be on the same page, they show genuine love for one another and the ranch life that Mateo has. 

Bottom line, I can see this one being a hit with not just corgi fans but fans of dogs period. Mateo's family may be complicated, disagree, and occasionally seem ready to give up on their dreams, but hold together. Thanks #Tor - #Forge for introducing me to Stella, Mateo, and the rest a bit early. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, especially with my own sometimes brave, other times couch-potato corgi at my side as I read. It cares the message that even the least likely of us can rise to a challenge when push comes to shove and, oh, boy, what a challenge Stella faces to help/survive. 

Death at a Paris Hotel (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #22), by Verity Bright

 

Publication June 30, 2025

Having a murder fall into their lap isn't exactly how newly-weds Lady Eleanor Swift and Det. Hugh Seldon planned to start celebrating their honeymoon in romantic Paris. Good thing they brought butler Clifford, not to mention Gladstone their feisty bulldog along. This one is going to need all the help and input they can get, especially since they aren't fluent in French. Long time readers won't be surprised to learn which of them is best, of course. Of course, that doesn't keep them from being arrested and, again no surprise, I'm sure, Eleanor finding herself in danger once again.

Nope, not telling you the plot. It's in the official publisher blurb. What I will say is that it was a real delight to get to see Paris through their eyes. We even get a trip to not just the top of the Eiffel Towel but a peek at the apartment its creator, Gustav Eiffel, made for himself. I'd read about that before, so nice to see it used as one of the settings. Make sure you read the historical notes at the end. t was great to see the easy relationship that has developed between Clifford and Hugh, too, especially recalling the tension in the early relationship between Eleanor and Clifford. As always, Clifford seems to see all and know what is needed before it's needed. While the murder is the focus, it doesn't stop Eleanor and Hugh from enjoying the romance of Paris, either, including romantic river cruising and what I'll obliquely call a remembrance gift. And, hey, this is Paris  so art is prominently mentioned and we get a bit of an education on the then not prominent Impressionistic art and artists' lives. Eleanor isn't sure why she feels such a connect with the victim, an artist, so that's a fun question for you to ponder over and beyond the usual whodunit. 

Bottom line, an excellent addition to this series. Book #22, in fact, for the Verity Bright husband-wife writing team. The characters are well-rounded, with both lovable and maybe not so lovably traits at times.... Eleanor's inability to let go of a case even on her honeymoon, for instance .... but those traits are what make them seem like genuine humans we might know and consider friends. The Paris setting, of course, was a delight, not to mention it's set in the past, the early days of the Eiffel Tower. Trust me, taking that elevator up to the top might not have happened had I been Eleanor. The mystery is full of twists and turns which, coupled with being off their own British turf, added to the fun of following them along the way. Thanks #Bookouture for allowing me this virtual trip and an early peek at the possibilities to come. "The Three Musketeers" was an apt reading choice for Clifford for this trip to France. 

The Last Laugh Club, by Kate Galley

 

Publication July 29, 2025

I was immediately hooked and wondering what wedge had driven these friends apart. Each character is distinct with both strengths and flaws, with the vague sense hovering in the air that something was wrong . Even the personalities of the side characters were well-fleshed out and you felt like you got to know and appreciate them, too. Yet, it's the trio of Bridget, Gloria, and Derek that hold center stage although the spirit of Norman, now just ashes, is a character, too, in a sense.. Each thought they had been the only real friend Norman had. They're wrong.

Always a prankster, Norman gets one last laugh at his old work friends. They each receive a seemingly personal notice that, if they're reading this, Norman is dead. He has a request. He requests they wear a colorful, bright item he's made just for them to the funeral. They are singled out at the funeral not only by their non-black garb but his assistant calling them together. Norman asks that his once closest friends scatter his ashes. Why are they so reluctant? Well, I'm not telling but that's one of the things that slowly emerges as the plot and their unexpected adventure progresses. Seems that wasn't the only request.

If you like character driven stories with a touch of family and even romance, you're going to love this one  While not always likable, I'm betting you'll come away liking not just the trio but, as noted, the role of the side characters, too. The trio may not have been glad to be there but I was glad to be a fly on the wall with them, especially as I learned quite a bit about yarn and how it's produced. The intriguing, stormy landscape of the frequently isolated, seemingly almost treeless landscape of the Shetland Islands they travel through in some ways become a character. Heck, you even get to experience a rather nausea awakening ferry ride or two. 

That's all I'm telling. Bottom line, this is a delightfully bumpy road to renewed friendships as they rediscover not only what drove them apart but what brought them together. I ultimately wound up liking them all and rooting for them, even the one I found particularly prickly initially. That's not to say that Norman's last trip was smooth. It had its bumpy, even "Oh, no!" moments, but I'm so glad #BoldwoodBooks allowed me this early peek at a book I wound up truly enjoying. Who know a request to scatter ashes could lead to so many changes and bring people together after years apart. Give it a read!

Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library , by Amanda Chapman

 

Publication August 26, 2025

First, an admission. I clicked to review this thinking it was a follow-up to another book I'd recently read where Agatha Christie was a very alive character set in her time frame. Imagine my surprise to discover that Christie, who actually plays a much larger role in this book then the one I'd read, is a, well, ghost. Oops. My mistake. One I'm glad I made. I found myself much more caught up in this story than I'd imagined I'd be and enjoyed it a great deal. Ghost Christie is still on top of her sleuthing game, not to mention remembers all her poisons well. She's someone I wouldn't mind knowing, even if I had to settle for the ghostly version.

I won't delve deeply into the plot. It's in that book blurb I neglected to read.  It involves a ghost showing up in Tory Van Dyne's beloved Mystery Guild Library and saying she's bored in the great beyond and is there to help Tory solve a murder, one that hasn't happened yet. Unfortunately, whatever knowledge of the murder she may have had in the great beyond doesn't follow along to the library's dedicated Christie room. Of course, there's a murder. Next thing you know Tory and Christie are being joined by one of the most unlikely sleuthing groups you could imagine. There's Tory, of course, her quirky, self-absorbed socialite/actress sister Nic, Tory's snarky librarian friend, a poorly dressed (in Tory's opinion) NYPD detective, and, no lie, an eleven-year old computer wiz with a father who not only isn't fazed by his daughter's new friends but looks like Colin Farrell. There's even a romance brewing, albeit it's set on slow burn given Tory's own demons. As for the spirited Christie, who is visible to all and quite physically there, she's both listener and sharer of info, not to mention quotes from her books. 

That's all I'm saying other than, no surprise, there's another murder.  Nic seems to be a likely target and, surprisingly, shows a side of her that hasn't really been visible until near the end. I liked these quirky, less than perfect characters. Heck, even the wealthy Van Dyne family's chauffeur is personable,. As for Agatha Christie, let's face it, while unsure of who she is, all the others find her quite comforting with her ability to listen and offer concern. The setting was fun, both the library room created to mirror Christie's real-life office, and the New York setting added fun as we tackle how to get around in one of the most crowed cities in the world. You'll even get to meet library "cats" Patience and Fortitude. If you don't know about them, you will when you finish. Thanks to #BerkleyPublishingGroup for giving me this unexpectedly delightful early look. Hoping this is the start of a series. Well done!

 

Dog Interview: How Jeff Found the Perfect Dog, by Philip Habeeb

 

How do you find the perfect dog? After impatiently waiting for years, Jeff faces the problem of too many dogs to decide between. Even when he interviews them, it really isn't helpful even if the dogs are decidedly honest. Love how the illustrations by Juan Diaz so perfectly captured the various dog personalities. 

I was actually hooked from the opening but won't spoil the fun for you. I'll just say you'll root for Jeff and be wondering which of the many dogs you'd pick yourself. I definitely liked how the not-so-perfect dog finds Jeff. As is to often the case, the dog chooses us. In any case, this is a fun, quick read that will surely delight young dog lovers everywhere. You'll meet Jeff at a very young age, learn his early doggie thoughts and his first word, which I'm sure you can guess. 

So, fun story, cute, lively illustrations full of energy and personality, and a happily ever after ending. Thanks #AmplifyPublishing for sharing this with me. Even better, I read it aloud to me own furry friend and she gives it four paws up and a tail wag. 

Claws Out, by Cate Conte

 

Publication August 26, 2025

What begins as a promising business opportunity quickly goes sour. In Provincetown with the cat cafe's brand new cafe cat truck, Maddie and her family and much of the cafe's crew are expecting a fun time of cats, good food, and books. They're there for a literary cat festival with several authors known for featuring cats in their books. Maddie is pleasantly surprised to discover that not only does organizer/author Jasmine Prescott know about her cafe's rescue reputation but so does the well-known featured author Vivi St. Clair. Things have barely gotten started, however, when there is a murder. Vivi is murdered after a fun gathering. Maddie, being Maddie, instantly converts to sleuth mode.

I won't detail the plot but will say that it involves egos, secrets past and present, greed, conspiracy theories, shady dealings, publication woes, and, well, more, much more. Let's just say, Vivi wasn't who she presented herself as being. While the mystery was interesting, especially the behind-the-scenes look at publishing deals, I found myself more annoyed with Maddie than intrigued by her investigation. Much of this reaction is, of course, purely on me, but her impulsive actions lead her to more or less just leave her family and crew in the lurch. While she did more-or-less stay in contact with her retired cop grandfather, she simply didn't show up for her stints in the truck, leaving others to cover not just their own stints but her segments. Let's just say I'm more impressed with amateur sleuths who don't forget they have a real job, too, and sleuth around the demands of the job rather than just ignoring them and leaving others to cover. There was also a great deal of coincidences, being in the right place to overhear or see things, that sort of thing, more than one might expect in real life. I also didn't like her decision that since FBI agent Todd didn't share his information with her, never mind official rules, she didn't have to tell him everything, either. That's ego speaking, not real sleuthing. On the plus side, I did like her genuine concern for the cats in her charge, making efforts to set up a system where the cats not only couldn't slip out past visitors but could find space to, well, simply chill out in private if wanted. She also periodically voiced concerns over the troubles she sensed Val and Ethan, who are to be married soon, seemed to be having, albeit, okay, that aspect was usually glossed over. 

Bottom line, this one didn't quite make it for me but was well-written and had an interesting mystery to solve. I normally enjoy the series so, as noted earlier, it may just be me. If you like cats and have ever wondered what it might be like to travel with multiple cats and oversee their care at a major cat-lovers style festival, this may hit the spot for you. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Thanks #StMartinsPress for the early look. Needless to say, I will be back for the next installment and probably be as into it as usual. 

 

Halloween Night Murder , byLeslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Liz Ireland

 

Publication August 26, 2025

Somehow, my rainy, cool weather seemed to indicate this would be the perfect time to curl up with three  favorite authors and check out their Halloween tricks-and-treats. I won't go into great detail as I've noted others already have, but will note that while I wasn't quite in the mood for the "Yikes! Oh, no, look behind you!" flavor of Lee Hollis'"Death of a Halloween Night Stalker", it was probably the most Halloween-y of them all. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent tale, perfect for those in the mood for serious chills and thrills and the feeling of being trapped with spooky, scary killers on the lam. I just wasn't there yet. An accident on the way home from a concert leaves Hayley, Liddy, and Mona stranded with no internet or way of contacting outside help during a spooky rainstorm in a house that sounds straight out of a gothic horror movie. The residents are, well, not someone you'd want to spend time with, especially the zombie son. Nope, not sharing any more. I'll be going back to this one, I assure you, when I'm more in the mood for having chills run up my spine. Yes, Hollis can do spooky and do it well. 

The first story, Leslie Meier's "Halloween Night Murder", seems to only briefly touch on Halloween. A young, ragged looking teenager shows up at Hayley's door as the night of trick-or-treat is winding down and she spontaneously gives him all the candy she had left. The next morning she's horrified to hear that he was killed by a hit-and-run driver. That's where the story veers away from the Halloween spirit, though there are some scary things to be learned as she dives into investigating not just the social services available to the children and their seemingly abused mother, but into politics, shady dealings, and the corruption of some in positions of power over others. What she finds isn't comforting and, in fact, should probably spook us more than made-up ghosts and goblins. 

The third story is the most fun of the bunch, taking us back to Christmastown. If you'd not familiar with Liz Ireland's series with April Claus' (yes, married to that certain Claus we all assume wears a red suit and is a jolly, fat ol' guy) life with talking snowman and reindeer, snow monsters, elves, flying sleighs, and some of the most fun, quirky residents you can imagine. Be prepared to suspend disbelief and simply go with the flow. Not only is Santa, aka Nick, not old, he's quite a hunk but takes his temporary status as Santa seriously while holding the position until his nephew, Christopher, reaches maturity. In this installment, we have a snowman in a coma, thought to be the victim of a just released from elf prison, caramel maker extraordinary Flake. All this in the midst of a reindeer stampede, er, race, and hotly competitive caramel baking contest that even has the elder Mrs. Claus caught up in the spirit of the competition. April's too busy snooping, er, investigating to bake although not to enjoy samples of the entries. Somehow her best friend and her boyfriend, Jake, a relative of Jack Frost, wind up going to the frozen reaches of the furthest north to convince a cranky witch to return to Christmastown with them to help remove any spell of the poor, dormant snowman but they wind up newt-sitting. Don't ask. Just suspend belief and enjoy. Who knew Santa's life was so complicated. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek at these well-down stories based around the Halloween theme. Bet you never thought about Santa's elves celebrating Halloween, did you? Grin. 

Murder at Cape Costumers (Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery, #7), by Maddie Day

 Publication August 26, 2025

 To be honest, I think I was far more invested in the situation involving Tim's sister Jaime's disappearance than the murder. Her two children, baby Luca and the seems older than her years Ella, are adorable and became real in my eyes. While Jamie obviously gave her all to her children, she is still suffering from substance abuse and stress. Tim, main character Mackenzie/Mac's husband's love and concern for his sister is obvious. While not a blood relative and not knowing Jamie well, Mac is doubly concerned, once for Jamie and again for the burden of worry Tim is carrying. In the midst of all this worry there's a murder. Mac, being Mac, distracted as she is with worry, can't help looking into it. That translates to asking question after question of possible suspects, enough questions that a call goes in to the police about her questioning.  

Fortunately, the Cozy Capers Book Club has her back, as does her family. Even her African Grey Parrot, Belle, seems to have something to say about, well, just about everything. Belle is an amazing mimic, too, though her impression of Jamie's voice only adds worry, unfortunately. The thing that always impresses me about this group, however, is not just their tightness and genuine caring for each other, but the organization and efficiency of their investigation tactics. As they've learned from past experiences, even the most minute clue might be important. Kudos to Mac and the rest for not hoarding information, too. They are quick to share info, either in person of via text, with the police. I always roll my eyes when an amateur sleuth finds a clue and decides it isn't important or to wait until they've looked into it further before sharing it with the authorities, often in some imaginary effort to prove their own value. It tends to backfire. Kudos for Mac, too, for not being TSTL (To Stupid To Live). I liked that she thought first rather than rushing into potentially dangerous situations, doing what she could to be sure someone had her back. And, of course, she does manage to find danger. That's just part of the fun. Seeing how our amateur sleuth manages to escape.

Bottom line, I like these characters. Mac's friends and family are realistic and could be our own friends and neighbors. Each is a unique character and they tend to show growth and change as the series has gone along. Heck, even in the midst of all the turmoil and a murder, romance is in the air. Thus, while weirdly unconcerned about whodunit, I enjoyed spending some time with everyone. I'm always drawn to character driven books and this series and this book in particular had that. Heck, Mac even manages to seemingly win over a not-usually-sympathetic police officer this go-round, so things are looking up. Change is in the air, that's for sure. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this early peek at life with Mac and her family and friends. I'm looking forward big time to the next book.