The Afternoon Tea Murders (The Secret Detective Agency, #4), by Helena Dixon

 

Jane Treen was ibe if those characters that wasn't easy to like when I first stumbled into this series. Rather standoffish and prickly, she came across as somewhat self centered and standoffish. I'm happy to say that I've gotten to know her better over this series and quite like her now. She's a woman living not only in a man's world, ie a Whitehall office full of, well, full of themselves men, but a wartime world where women were already secondary characters who weren't expected to have an opinion, much less a supposedly man's job. Her initial focus on ignoring those about her who'd belittle or ignore her made her a tough know and it's been delightful to see how she's evolved into, well, if not necessarily easily likable into a more thoughtful, well rounded person. True, she still brings along her cat despite knowing that poor Arthur, with his asthma will be negatively impacted, but she's making a genuine effort to keep them apart whenever possible and has even taken to not smoking around him. Even more telling, she has taken to worrying about his well being instead of finding him a nuisance for slowing her down, so to speak. She's even learned to slow her walking pace when with Arthur given his breathing issues.

As for the mystery, it's a good one. Author Helena Dixon does and excellent job of setting the scene. You will sense the feelings of isolation and the underlying sense of wariness and tension in the old manor house where a team of intelligence experts is being housed. Their job is to intercept and decode enemy messages. something is askew, however. What if one of the code breakers is the enemy? How else can you explain the sudden, unexpected shifts of code? Then while visiting the village, Jane and Arthur stumble across a murder scene. Are they connected to the underlying issues of the team? Why is one of the team members showing increasing signs of being suspicious and, yikes, surely it isn't a mere coincidence he winds up dead, at a dance no less? And....oh, that's just the beginning. Spies, servants not doing their jobs, a claustrophobic sense of unease, and a sense of not knowing who to trust. And, oh, yeah, a snow storm. 

Nope, not sharing any more. You'll just have to read the book. As a history buff, I definitely enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the multitude of people involved in the shadows of the war effort where the danger of German spies was always on their minds, and how vital the behind the scenes agents were. I'm bad a decoding anything that isn't pretty cut and dry, so can only imagine the tedium of going through message after message after message looking for patterns and more importantly, being able to see any diversion from them. Watching Jane and Arthur work together with the very able assist from jack-of-all-trades (and jobs) Benson, was impressive. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to this fascinating cast and allowing me an early peek back at their time and service. If I've learned nothing else from this series, it is that I'd have made a rotten spy. Grin.  

 

 

 

Vengeance: The Last Stands of Custer, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull, by Tom Clavin

 Publication May 12, 2026

I honestly think my first introduction to George Armstrong Custer and the Battle of the Little Big Horn was due to my horse focus. I recall badgering my grandparents to take me to the drive in, yes, I'm that old, to see the Disney movie "Comanche". I don't recall being bothered at all by the violence of the battle, probably due to Disney magic, though certainly filled in the gaps as the years passed. This one definitely doesn't spare us the details of the battles, including the mutilation of bodies...by both sides, mind you. So, be prepared. There are some tough scenes included but it's well worth the read to get an honest, informed idea of all that went before Custer was turned into a mythic hero. There's even a bit about how his widow contributed to that, I might add, not to mention that Comanche the horse gets some space, too.

Needless to say, I'm not going to even try to summarize. This is definitely not a lighthearted read that will leave you admiring Custer. It will also give you the reasons behind the title choice, a choice made by the United States government that had little love for the natives slowing their westward movement. How ironic to read about Native leaders even being honored by a visit to the White House and meeting the President, not to mention a visit to NYC, but their tribes still being hunted down and massacred. It's a complex, tragic story. There are no heroes or villains here, just flawed humans on both sides. The author has pulled from the massive works of other authors here, too, and managed to pull it together in an easily readable, albeit frequently uncomfortable read. I did grin that he managed to work in a descendant of Alexander Hamilton, btw, though you're going to have to read the book to discover who and how. You're sure to catch more than a few other historically significant names, too. 

What I particularly enjoyed was how Clavin blended the stories of not just Custer, but Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. You get their backgrounds, some history leading up to the battle that changed history forever, and their demise. Of course, military leaders get their moment, including a rather detailed sense of how Major Reno handled himself throughout and after the battle. Oddly enough, though many of the scenes and history depicted are violent, the book manages to avoid falling into being a sad, depressing read by making readers think. Clavin doesn't waste his time trying to point fingers or blame one side or the other. Instead, he leaves it up to his readers to digest the info and come to their own conclusions. It's a lengthy read for some, I'm sure, but well worth it if you have any interest in history and the many ups and downs that created the current nation, one even now dealing with its treatment of Native Americans. 

Bottom line, it's been quite a while since I've delved into the Custer legend, so I have to admit to being fuzzy what I knew and  didn't know going into this book but I found it intriguing. Organized into six different "acts" covering various phases, it opens with a prologue on Custer's Washita attack, setting the stage for what follows. Although in theory the Native Americans won a great victory at the Little Big Horn, it was also an ending for them, all of which is covered. My thanks to #StMartin'sPress and #NetGalley for allowing me this early look at a piece of history I've always found sadly intriguing. It was great to refresh my memories and perhaps be shown another viewpoint at time. And, of course, I was glad to see Comanche's days of being an icon of sorts and what happened to him given coverage. Rather took me full circle back to those days of anxiously waiting for the movie to begin at the drive-in.

Millie and Mabel's Afterlife Adventure: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery with Ghost Sleuths (Spectral Sleuths Book 1), by Katherine Hastings

 

If you had to guess, where would you guess THE doorway to heaven would be located on earth? Whatever you guessed, I'm leaning toward you being wrong. And, nope, not telling. You'll have to read this humorous, quite quirky tale of two heavenly souls who come down to earth to...well, do a job. It is telling that they have hopes of doing a few other fun things, too, while here, but that's half the fun. I got this book late and wanted to have a review ready and up for publication day, so didn't really take notes, but after a somewhat slow start, the pace begins to pick up with their return to earth. Let's just say, things didn't go as planned.

I'm not going to detail the plot much but will say that Millie and Mabel were friends for about 90 years before they went to heaven. Even they aren't quite sure how they got there, to be honest, so that adds to the sense of anxiety that poor Millie feels at Mabel's idea. Let's just say, if you think you know what a Crossing Guard is, you're right but wrong. As noted, the start was a bit slow, setting the stage as the duo admit that they are finding perfection in heaven wonderful but a bit boring. Don't ask. Read the book. Grin. 

The story eventually evolves with them being visible to FBI agent Sarah Sadler who had had a near death experience. Sarah is investigating a serial killer and the dynamic duo find themselves getting involved. Does it go smoothly? Well, no, but that's half the fun. They're also doing their initial job, not to mention a bit more, so their stay on earth is eventful. I think you'll find it intriguing and amusing. Millie and the always more adventurous Mabel are winging it most of the time but discover they're not half bad at this investigating thing. My thanks to author #KatherineHastings and to #ReaganDavis for introducing me to this fun pair of Spectral Sleuths in her newsletter. 

Ivar's Mackinac Weekend, by Meg Welch Dendler

 

Publication April 30, 2026

Delightful, informative, and thoroughly engaging. While I won't go into the details, so much better to let you experience Ivar's adventures yourself, I will say that it nicely combines my love of all things dog and a bit of sightseeing of a place I've always found fascinating. I've never visited Mackinac Island, so it was fun to see it through the eyes of a faithful working dog for the first time. We're reminded that service dogs are always on duty, even when they're out of vest, so to speak, simply because that is how they're wired and trained. Ivar instinctively monitors his Mama Mindy's heart rate and breathing to know if a panic attack is near and goes into action. Their trip to Mackinac Island to visit family is full of potential problems, from the noise, lights, and crowds at the airport to passing through the x-ray machine and sensing hoards of stressed humans about him, all while picking up not just the sudden rise and fall of the plane/pressure but even the many scents left behind, not all human. Ivar handles it all with some nervousness but skill.

The adventure, as noted, is told through Ivar's eyes. Unknown places are tough for Mindy to navigate without stress, so he's definitely on watch. Unfortunately, not all his/their experiences are friendly and fun, so we get to see him go into action and Mindy's reactions to conflict and being overly stressed. And, oh, there's a cat involved but, well, more than enough fun details. I've only touched on the early stages, so there is much more to discover with Ivar. Thanks #SerenityMountainPublishing - #IBPA for letting me tag along virtually for an early peek at this fun, informative book. As one of those who has to restrain her own tendencies to want to pet every dog I meet, even service animals, this made me admire them even more. Disabilities may not always be visible to the human eye but Ivar and his fellow service animals sense things humans aren't aware of. Treats for Ivar and his associates! (Just ask first!)

The Afternoon Tea Murders (The Secret Detective Agency Book 4) , byHelena Dixon

 

Temporary place holder to remind me when I actually finished this one. Actual review will be up on May 2nd. Yeah, yeah, I know. You hate these reviews that aren't really reviews. Grin. 

Rosie's Ranch Rescue: Taking Care of Each Other (Audio Book), by Paige Murray, Narrated by Cassandra Morris

 

Audio Book   13m    Narrated by Cassandra Morris 

Written by Paige Murray, wife of nine-time World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray, this one is both informative and cute as can be. I had the audio version and suggest it would be a great listen for young fans, probably of horses and cowboys/girls. Narrator Cassandra Morris obviously had a lot of fun doing the various voices and sounds. I mean, I wonder how often a book narrator gets to vocalize a coyote? Grin.

While my eyes widened at the idea of our young heroine leaving the house alone at night with only her trusty horse, dog, and cat (yes, cat), it did show the depth of understanding the need to protect the animals at all costs. Rosie the horse gets star billing but Pete the dog and Thumbs (I didn't write it down but that was the name I was hearing) the not-so-brave cat get in on the action. I've been lucky enough to see baby calves, so even if you only get the audio version, trust me, they are just as adorable as Oakley thinks they are. How the trio manages to protect the nearly newborn calves against not just coyotes but a wild boar shows just one aspect of the danger of living on a farm where wild animals may dwell. I liked that the father figure made the point, however, that the wild critters were just following their natural instincts to take care of their needs and not threatening the calves simply to be mean.

Bottom line, a fun read /listen. As the title says, the focus is on how we should take care of each other, working together whenever possible. And, yes, Oakley gets mildly chastised for going out alone but her parents do recognize her intentions were good. Children will enjoy the story and come away with a better understanding, I believe, of not just life on a farm but the potential dangers that may lurk there. And, hey, the author even works in a quote from western star John Wayne about courage. I enjoyed this relatively brief listen and definitely liked narrator Morris' vocalization. 

Dungeons and Danger (The Ravensea Castle Book 2), by Elizabeth Penney

 

Publication May 26, 2026

Vikings, ancient castles, ghosts, and buried treasure. What's not to like? While I still haven't quite warmed up to Nora as much as I'd hoped, I am enjoying the series. What lured me in initially was the hook of the ancient, haunted castle and lots and lots of Viking lore. This installment has not only that but Nora's brother Will is hosting a Viking themed promotion on the castle grounds. I wish there was video of the grand finale, that's for sure. That must have been a spectacular sight and, no, not sharing. It's all part of the parcel that is a character in itself, Ravensea Castle. Even now, after opening a bed and breakfast in the castle, Nora and sister Tamsyn and still discovering things about the castle they weren't aware of yet. True, their father, Arthur Asquith, is an expert on its history but even after growing up there, his children seem to have much to learn. Like, is there really a buried treasure? If so, where is it? Can they persuade one of their ghosts to lead them to it? Needless to say, I'm not telling but it's a fun read and if you're the least bit claustrophobic, you may feel yourself in some of those tunnels and narrow paths. Poor Nora isn't the least fond of heights, either, probably not good in a castle with tall, tall towers.

I don't want to give away the plot but will say it involves competing treasure hunters, ghost hunters, and some intriguing ghostly encounters. Who knew Sir Percival had such a sense of humor? I mean, the man literally lost his head but seems to have retained a playful streak. Tweedy and the ghost hunters have a history as it turns out and, well, who can resist the lure of a lost treasure being buried somewhere on the castle grounds. A fortune worth killing for, I might note. That's about as much as I care to say about the plot but will add that the regular characters are likable and the family pets have character, too. Even the elusive, ghostly Red Lady gets the spotlight, so to speak, even if Nora is a bit slow figuring out what she is trying to tell them. Good thing detective boyfriend Finlay Cole is around to help sort things out, even if he is removed from the case due to his romantic connection with Nora. 

Bottom line, I found the book intriguing and did enjoy the little side trips and descriptions. While I don't think I'd want to climb all those steps to get a view from the top of a tower, I'd love to be able to visit this fictional castle. The regular cast, including Janet, who insists on calling Nora "my Lady', and her jack-of-all-trades husband Gus, is fun and I'm warming up to Nora as the series has continued. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to this series and allowing me an early peek at the goings on at this rather amazing castle. Ghosts? Well, these are friendly ghosts and definitely have their own unique personalities, a plus.  

Whose Body in the Library (Lighthouse Library Mystery #13), by Eva Gates

 Publication June 9, 2026

Lucy McNeil is beginning her new job as library director and new hire, Nichelle Gilchrest has arrived to fill her usual spot. Nichelle is excited, having upended her old life to move here but her first day doesn't go as planned. As she opens the doors of the lighthouse library to welcome her first day library users, she finds a dead body on the steps. Lucy arrives at about the same time and knows the routine, so it isn't as disruptive as it might be, but there's another issue. Nichelle sees a startling resemblance in the dead man to her father who disappeared many years ago and has been thought dead. There's also a new detective in town, Detective Rhonda Thomas, who is very by the book and regularly tells Nichelle not to get involved. I bet you can guess how much good that did her, huh?

Long time series fans, don't despair. Lucy is still there, just playing a diminished, backup role. Let's face it. She's now the mother of very young twins and sleuthing isn't exactly on her priority list. She's there for Nichelle (yes, her name has a Star Trek connection) but really isn't involved in the investigation. Nichelle's initial interest is really as much on what brought the man she suspects might be her father to her new doorstep only to be murdered as on who did it. Oh, of course, that changes when she learns who the chief suspect is. Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book. I'm not going to give away any more of the plot but it's a solid one that does offer an occasional chapter from Lucy's viewpoint. The usual cast of characters isn't showcased as much as long time fans might wisht, well, except for, sigh, the one character that has always grated on me while I must still admit she adds a certain touch of quirkiness to the plots. Even Lucy still hasn't quite sorted out how best to deal with her, which I'm sure will add a few laughs as the series continues with Nichelle as the focus. Oh, and least I forget, Charles the library cat is definitely on hand. 

Bottom line, Eva Gates had me wondering when I read the initial news about Lucy stepping back but this one works nicely. I liked Nichelle, even when she was making some very rookie sleuth mistakes. Hey, they all have to start somewhere. As always, the lighthouse itself is practically a character and Gates descriptions of its history and the surrounding area are excellent. While we didn't get to meet all of Nichelle's family this go-round, we've been at least introduced and I'm sure it's no accident that she, like Lucy, has twins, albeit grown daughters. It was also subtle but I think we may come to like the new detective, too, although I'm sure Rhonda and Nichelle will butt heads more than a few times in the process although the likable, but retired Sam Watson is still around. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me initially to Lucy and allowing me this early peek at the arrival of Nichelle to take over some of the work load, probably both work and sleuthing. I do hope Lucy will find time for not just get some sleep but to pop in-and-out as the series continues. We do want to get to know Isaac and Lucas, too, hint, hint. Grin. 

Elvis & Romeo and the New Stuffie: Ready-to-Read Level 1 (An Elvis & Romeo Book), by David Soman, Jacky Davis

Publication May 5, 2026

I thought of my own dog's tug-of-wars with her best canine buddy over favorite toys. Let's just say that Neither seemed to grasp the idea of taking it easy, ie being gentle, so I can understand Elvis' reluctance to let his lively friend Romeo play with Bubbles.  Despite this mild quibble, the book does an excellent job of getting its  idea across. While it's certainly okay to play along, it's also okay to share as it can be far more fun to play with others. I liked the fact neither Romeo nor Elvis was was caste in a negative light, another subtle hint that it's okay to do your own thing as well as change your mind. Romeo was also respectful of Elvis' wish to keep Bubbles to himself, another nice hint to respect other's space and not force someone into joining in on play. Good modeling for behavior.

Designed for beginning readers, both the text and illustrations are simple and direct. While you do see other friendly looking dogs in the background at times, the focus remains on Elvis and Romeo. Bubbles is seen, of course, and it shows Elvis' gentle handling of his toy. He even manages to play fetch with himself, something that has always amused me with my own dogs. Ultimately, of course, after initially turning Romeo away, we see Elvis gradually begin to want companionship and to share, showing the natural, slow way children may chose their own way. Nothing is forced and while, yes, the other dogs are seen, they aren't part of the focused action. Boundaries were set and observed, another subtle hint to children. Romeo also learns how to be patient, which I thought was another good behavior to model. 

Bottom line, a cute story that would be fine as both a read aloud to or read alone style book for readers able to tackle the text.  As a dog person, I'd have a blast doing the dogs' voices, that's for sure. Thanks @SimonAndSchusterChildren'sPublishing for introducing me to Romeo and Elvis. I'm always happy to meet another dog or two, even when my own might more genuinely mirror the more energetic Romeo than the thoughtful Elvis. Grin. 

Ode to the Bones, by Carolyn Haines

 

Publication May 26, 2026

If you're not familiar with Bobbie Gentry's song "Ode to Billy Joe", it might be a good idea to give it listen or two before you begin reading. Or, maybe three. It is relevant and sets the rather chilling mood. While the Tallahatchie Bridge of the song burned in 1972, it's story lingers and, who knows, you might just spy a wispy ghost as you pass by even the current bridge. The mystery of what really inspired the song lingers on. As for our main character, Sarah Booth Delaney, the past is definitely eroding into her present in more ways than one.

There is so much going on here. I felt sadness reading of the farmer's plight here as it's reality, not just in the book. Climate change is having an impact on largely agricultural Zinna, Missouri, and the impact is widespread. In some ways, I felt like I could just as easily have read stories of current hardships farmers are facing in the newspaper as within this book. Author Haines has done her homework, that's for sure. She presents the human side of it, too, and not just from the farmers' angle. Sarah's partner Tinkie's husband Oscar is president of the local bank and his natural caring, wanting to help heart is caught between bureaucracy and going the extra step to help his friends and neighbors. Then, an respected young farmer goes missing after Oscar is forced to tell him foreclosure is near. That's when things really take off. And, that's only scratching the surface.

I came to this series late, bad me, but have come to expect and even thoroughly enjoy Sarah's contact with quirky ghost Jitty. Jitty is here in the guise of several 60's folk protest type singers, among them Dylan and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Well, Mary. Sarah doesn't quite understand the "rules" of befriending a ghost and, well, neither do I, but it works for me. This time, however, it's a spooky new ghost that Sarah is seeing. Was that really a wispy ghost in that equally wispy white gown flowing in the wind she saw on the bridge? She's never even shared her secret of Jitty with best friend Tinkie, so she's fearful that saying anything about it will create problems. Oh, but, poor Sarah. Ghostly bridge jumpers are the least of her troubles.

To be honest, as tempting as it is to rattle on endlessly about the goings on here, I don't want to ruin any reader's own experience. I'll simply say, let's see, it involves social and national commentary, secret affairs, buried treasure, drones, robbery, generations of families supporting themselves and neighbors, and there's even a famous model involved. Oh, and I cannot make myself not mention the nasty piece of homewrecker gossip that sticks her nose in everywhere, much to Sarah's dismay. Sarah comes face to face with her own demons and past. Why does she feel like she's always being watched? 

Bottom line, even to this series late comer, maybe not quite knowing all the past details of every book helps put me more into Sarah's sense of unknowing as the story goes along. It's definitely a wow of an ending, that's for sure. I am so looking forward to the next book. Thanks you #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Sarah Booth Delaney and her world and allowing me this early peek. I've grown to feel like I know and care about these people and even find myself smiling when Tinkie has a moment with her daughter and shares it with Sarah. Thank you. #Carolyn Haines for creating such a place and people.

 

Both Sides Now, by Lydia Corry

 Publication May 19, 2026

It's rather amazing and quite impressive to see Joni Mitchell still creating headlines and performing today. This book takes us back to her beginnings, however, which had their own share of hurdles to cope with. As a long time fan, I was relatively aware of the insights shared here for young readers but it was still a fun read. Born in Canada, she didn't grow up in the spotlight and it is probably safe to say her family couldn't have predicted her fame and worldwide influence. I mean, even though she didn't physically attend Woodstock, her song captured that historic event wonderfully and is still widely heard today. Both Sides Now remains one of my favorite songs, too. Can you imagine the images that must flash through her head when she performs it? It must surely ring differently to her now than it did so many years ago. Not too bad for a young girl who faced down polio as a child.

The graphic illustrations are colorful and capture moments well in a style that reflects Mitchell's own artistry. I have to admit to going online to check out some of her artwork as I read, which I'd suggest would be of interest to those with little awareness of her artistry and sense of style. What she became started in her early days. It was fun to imagine her as a child Influences abounded, human and nature, and even as a she didn't shy away from "doing her own thing" as it might have been called by her generation. Aimed at early elementary readers, this book should also hold the interest of us no longer young. 

Bottom line, I'm trying not to give away too much as those just meeting her deserve to get to know on their own but will say there's a sort of whimsical feel at times that matches the  artwork and colorful feel of her story. Was it a happy, carefree life? Far from it. But, it shaped her, much to our own benefit. My thanks to #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup - #GodwinBooks for this early peek at this lovely overview of the early days of a woman who still earns headlines and media attention today. Music and art are universal and I'm so glad Joni persevered and gave us all a piece of her heart by sharing her multiple talents. 

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop, by Laurie Gilmore

 

Publication May , 2026

This was my first read of this series but I'm hooked. I was lured in initially by the cover and title since my dog's name (and this review blog) was Daisy. That said, I was immediately drawn in from the very start and found myself liking and rooting for Daisy and Elliot. Dream Harbor sounds like one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone's business almost before they do. It's also quirky enough that the town seems to have fallen into believing Daisy's flower shop is cursed due to a dream the town mayor had.  Although I'm only getting introduced to many of the probably usual characters at this point, none of them seem to genuinely dislike Daisy, so that belief was a bit, uh, "out there". It was rather sad to read that in a town that seems to pride itself on knowing everything and then some about residents, however, that Elliot remains a mystery to most. Talk about not being noticed. 

I definitely don't want to ruin the plot for readers so will keep this vague. Fake dating is the trope of the day here and while it isn't necessarily one of my favorites, it's sweet and works. Honestly, I was rooting for Daisy even before Elliot appeared. His quick thinking and ability to follow the upset Daisy's lead on deceiving her former boyfriend and his new girlfriend, who, no lie, she finds herself liking, made me like him immediately. That he's a history buff would have been the deciding factor for this history buff but, well, as noted, I was already rooting for them as a couple. As a new reader, I may have been hearing Daisy's background for the first time but family is obviously important to both and they find themselves caught up in looking at some old photos and digging into their family backgrounds. The idea of the curse is woven into it all and gave the story a bit more meaning to me as one who has spent some time researching my own family's heritage and backgrounds. So, all in all, as noted, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will be looking for future books from author Gilmore as well as catching up on all I've missed. 

Bottom line, a sweet story that had likable characters and a quirky but fun setting made this one a winner for me. I use the word sweet in that their connection was so cautious and was a gentle slow burn with small, usually hesitant steps together with shared looks, hand holding, and getting to know each other without relying on steamy scenes. Thanks #Harper30 for introducing me to this charming couple and the town of Dream Harbor where dreams do make a difference. 

On the Loose in London!: A Star Chapter Book, by Dan Yaccarino, Ethan Long (Illustrator)

 

Publication May 5, 2026

The message here isn't to go to London to fall into the Thames or see a ghost, not to mention get tossed out of Buckingham Palace by the Queen, but to be open to differences and other's ideas and views. Betsy is an organizer, with an orderly, to the minute sight seeing list. Buck? Not so much. He's likely to be the tour group member who always goes missing or gets into mischief. He annoys Betsy to no end. But, as their tour of London goes along, she realizes she not only enjoys his company but that by following his whims, she's seen and done many things she wouldn't have done otherwise. Well, true, I think she'd have preferred not to do some of them but, hey, it was an adventure. 

It was also a fun read, even for this so-called adult. Done in sort of a graphic style storybook fashion, the text is relatively simple and easy to follow. The illustrations add to the fun and share bits of London history and lore as it goes along.  It might just be the early peek I got, but the interior colors are largely muted, shades of tan and off-white dominate. That doesn't distract from the story, however, and even adds to the wonder of Peggy and Buck seeing it all for the first time. True, we'd be unlikely to meet up with jet-packing Londoners but, hey, the view from way up there was amazing. Well, maybe not for Peggy. You'll find out why as you read. 

Part of the Chapter Book Series, each chapter is short and designed to hold children's attention. I'm not familiar with the series, bad me, but it's said each book has 6-8 chapters and is meant to help them transition from lower level books with one basic story into chapter books. That definitely works here and would be great for both independent reading and/or being read aloud. Bottom line, a fun read and it would be a great addition for relevant classrooms and libraries, not to mention simply dog lovers who enjoy a goofy but informative story. It was fun to get a glimpse of Big Ben through Betsy and Buck's eyes.  

My Dog Is Better at This Than Me: Life Lessons from the Couch Cushion Philosopher, by B.K. Larrikin, Cael Morricone (Illustrator)

 

Publication April 14, 2026

Yes, my dog is better at this life thing than me. I wish I had what I call Daisy's zen. She doesn't overthink things, She doesn't keep rehashing old memories with "I should have...."  Me? I tend to overthink. I rehash events of years ago. We humans keep mental spreadsheets of our past and current inadequacies. Dogs? Nope. An oops of a moment ago is forgotten as they move on to the next thing. Nor do they constantly compare their lives in comparison to the lives of other dogs. Nope. They just sniff rear ends and are fine with their own life, plush or sparse. Yep. Dogs just, well, just "dog" without having to figure it out. We humans will be calculating and figuring and over-figuring things on a regular basis. This book tackles the differences between us and our zen dogs with both knowledge and humor, letting us get to know her Rosie (actually a compilation of her dogs) in the process that even includes a trip to the vet after eating a sock. Did Rosie learn anything from that experience? Well, she was trying to eat the vet's shoe laces when she came to after surgery if that tells you anything. Yep. Dogs. Gotta love 'em.

I honestly don't want to go into much detail of the contents as it's a fun, thought provoking read. It's also full of funny moments, both from Rosie and the author. Let's just say, doing a high stakes business meeting with something stuck between your front teeth would surely be a totally different experience for human and canine. The feel is almost conversational, so an easy read. The author offers up stories with real, easy to do "wellness activities". You can do each in a matter of minutes with no special equipment or really preparation. In other words, for the busy person who, unlike our dogs, has trouble focusing for more than a few moments at a time. All this is explained in the early sections of the book, plus the author even adds a section for those who aren't owned by a dog. The author also points out that none of this is a substitute for professional care if needed. It's basically a beginning, I guess we could say. A way of looking at things in a new light. 

The chapter titles are fun, too, such as "The Zen of Zoomies" and "The Church of the Walk". Given Daisy's love of her walks, that one was a must read for me, I assure you. In fact, I read it early, right after the zoomies chapter. While I did go back and read straight through eventually, you can read them in any order you want, another plus. Bottom line, a fun book that I highly recommend to not only dog lovers everywhere but those who, like me, tend to overthink things and have trouble letting negative thoughts go. Thanks #TerrapagePress - #IBPA for allowing me this early peek at this both thoughtful and humorous book. Who knew the most grounded, emotionally steady critter in our lives is our dogs.  

With a Little Help from Their Friends (Audiobook), by Stuart Maconie

 

Available April 7, 2026                      Audio   10 h Narrated by author

How many of us can honestly say we went to a Beatles' concert as a toddler? Author Stuart Maconie can, thanks to his apparently Beatles loving mother who took him there. So, it's true to say that Maconie has been a fan for his entire life. Well, maybe he didn't quite understand the noise level at the show but he certainly seems to have captured the sense of awe that prevailed. It's that awe and longtime sense of admiration for the band that shines through in his narration. Yep, an author narrating his own book. It'd be easy for him to be gushy and such given his longtime admiration but he does an admirable job containing himself and overall the feel is one of admiration, yes, but with a sense of someone who has had a few years to think about what it all means. His focus here on the people who for one reason or the other, big or small, played a role in the rise of the Beatles is intriguing. I did read a digital copy earlier so my main goal here was to get a feel for his voice and listen to the final section again since, admittedly, I was rather rushed when I was reading. 

I'm glad I did opt to review the audio book, too, I must admit. I find myself always picking up on this or that that I missed initially while reading. I won't detail my additions to my Beatles mind stash as that will differ for each individual but one that stands out was early on. For whatever reason I missed that Ivan Vaughn, the then boy who introduced Paul to John, has Parkinson's disease. It's little things like that that add to the humanity of it all for me. Overall, the feel is comfortable, flowing for the most part like a dialogue between friends might. Obviously, just as in real life our minds may drift while friends are talking, yes, you'll probably find yourself zoning out at times only to be brought back by some revelation that you weren't aware of or the context it's mentioned in here. Nothing fancy between chapters/sections, simply stated and then resumes after a short pause. For those who care, the author is British so he's reading with the expected British accent. If you're one of those who likes to speed up audio, I'd suggest you work your way up slowly. I tried to jump in with my usual speed of 1.5 to begin with and found myself having to back off a bit until my American mind adjusted to what I was hearing. After that, no problem.

Bottom line, an enjoyable listen. My original review of the digital copy follows,

ORIGINAL REVIEW

 You've got to respect and author who admits up front that he wrote this because, well, he wanted to write a book about the Beatles. I credit him for not taking the easy way out and doing some repetitive recap of their career. Instead, he takes another angle, taking a look at the people who came into the band members' lives, however long or short, and made a difference. You'll recognize some names and most likely be clueless as to some others but that's part of the charm. Through it all, it's an interesting, if occasionally too brief look at that angle of Beatlemania. I say brief because each gets a chapter, no more, no less, although there is obviously going to be some overlap. Author Stuart Maconie begins with the largely unknown Ivan Vaughn, who was the then young boy who introduced John and Paul way back when. He would later go on to become an academic and had some contact with the band but was not a major figure. It basically concludes that section of the book with a look at Allen Klein who, upfront, Maconie points at as the deciding factor in the band's breakup. Many would agree, I'm sure. 

Perhaps the strength of this book is the author's easy going, rather conversational tone and that you're not being asked to tackle heavy topics. I mean, do you really, really need to know about the then young officer tasked with ending the roof top concert? Maybe not, but it was fun to get some perspective on his unexpected role. That's the fun of it all, seeing how serendipity played into many events and the results. Did they all change the world? Nope. That was up to the four lads from Liverpool. But they did have a role and it was both fun and intriguing to be reminded how many things did work out perfectly as opposed to the negative encounters. 

This book isn't about the Beatles, mind you, but the people around them. Serious, long time fans will probably recognize many of the names or at least the role they played while less intense fans can just enjoy this for what it is, a fun trip to the past. Bottom line, I enjoyed it and hope to give it another read when time permits. Thanks #Abrams for giving me an early "ticket to ride" ("read"? Grin) back to this look at those in the Beatles' crowded past. I give the author kudos, too, for revealing his own personal favorite Beatle upfront as well as his sense of why the band is worth another book or two as the book winds down. Beatles fans, you definitely will want to read this one. 

 

Walter the Woogobee, by Brenda Beckelman

 

Publication May 26, 2026

Although I rarely venture into the sci-fi realm, the premise of this book intrigued me. Well, that and the cover. An alien has landed and, hmm, it looks a lot like a dog. Maybe the aliens have us dog crazy humans figured out? In any case, it's Walter and he's a Woogobee. He's space/time traveled through a vortex, pressing the wrong button on a device given to him by his father. He winds up on planet Earth where he encounters a human boy named Bayon out riding his horse. Needless to say, both are a bit surprised (Did anyone ask the horse?)  but rather than assuming the other is the enemy, take time to talk (book explains how Walter manages this human task) and become friends. Walter tells Bayon his home village is being destroyed. Bayon decides to help Walter. And...that's when the adventure begins. 

I'm not going to detail their adventures and all the quirky and occasionally strange characters they encounter. Walter has other abilities that help, too, although I'll leave those for the reader to discover. The illustrations are fun, colorful, and add to the story. Make sure you spend some time checking out the many things to be found on most pages, not to mention the fun names given to some of the creatures they encounter. The text seems relatively short and easy to read and, as noted, the illustrations help any child struggling with the text to better grasp what is happening. The book's focus is on friendship and helping others, even when it isn't easy, and solving problems together rather than only relying upon oneself. All good messages to young readers. 

Bottom line, a fun, adventurous story that most children will enjoy. Thanks #IndigoRiverPress and #NetGalley for sharing this fun story with me early. I may have to wave aside my usual lack of interest in sci-fi for any future adventures of Walter. Walter can travel through time, after all. Grin.  

 

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

 

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Publication May 5, 2026

Wow. What a champion of women Abigail Adams was. I'm delighted to say she's an ancestor. In fact, it was that tie that lead me to pick up this book originally. I'm so glad I did. I came away wishing I could have known her.

I won't go into detail as I'm seeing many other fine reviews elsewhere that relate more content, but will say it was a fascinating, well written read. The authors obviously did their research for this fictional historic novel and it shows. They also go into detail at the end about what is true, what was shifted in time, and what was their interpretation of events. Much of the dialogue is taken from Abigail's letters to husband John Adams, then serving in France for the wannabe America, and others. It was fun to get to see another side of the usually taciturn presentation of John, giving us a view of his human side. Same with John Quincy, who certainly had his share of adventures, too, with and without his father and family. The rest of the family, especially first daughter Nabby (nickname used throughout) and even some of her romantic ups and downs. She's something of a stoic but finds love but, whoa, wait to you see just how strong and stoic she could be. Of course, like many early American families, the Quincy/Adams family was pulled apart by the war. I'm sure you'll see the same common elements of that time that seem to be reappearing today so I won't say any more about that. The strong emphasis is on Abigail, of course, and it brings home the many sacrifices and hardships the women left behind by those struggling for freedom and then to make a new country from that freedom will keep history buffs reading as familiar name after name pops up. I did get a chuckle out of the confusion many seem to have had between John and Samuel, not to mention mail meant for one going to the other. 

The history buff in me admittedly was interested in it all although it was a war of independence years that really pulled me in. After opening with a quick look at Abigail and John's first meeting and eventual marriage, it seemed like we were suddenly thrust into war. What a shock it had to be to most to find their still new land caught up in conflict and rebellion. This book gives you the human side of it, too, including not just the shock of armed soldiers in the street and neighbor pitted against neighbor, but the sudden shock of British tea becoming scarce to Abigail's distaste for the newfound drink of coffee. Ah, how times change tho' I'm a tea drinker myself. Maybe I'll claim I inherited my taste buds from Abigail? Grin. 

In any case, if you have any interest in history, particularly the era leading up to and following the revolution, including John's term as president and beyond, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. If your interest is more human directed, you'll also find much to ponder here, from family squabbles, hardship, slavery, tenant farmers, travel difficulties, loneliness, and more. Among the names that pop up are Benjamin Franklin, Lafayette, and Thomas Jefferson, I'll note, particularly as it segues into the post revolutionary years. My sincere thanks to #WilliamMorrow and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a book I expect to buy for my own shelves upon release. I have to smile picturing what Abigail Adams would have to say about modern women's rights. 

Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial, by Jessica Fletcher, Barbara Early

 

Publication May 12, 2026

Trivia Question #1: What actress was it announced would be taking on the role as a writer-sleuth in a rebooted television mystery series?  (Answer at end if you somehow don't know)

It's been a while since I've read a book in this series, I must admit. As a result, the book blurb mentions of the characters discussing how various fictional sleuths might approach a case was the draw. After entering and winning a local trivia contest on a whim, Jessica Fletcher and friends find themselves headed to Hollywood to participate in a reality show like trivia contest. They make a good team and are really just planning to have fun visiting Jessica's family there and being on the show. Well, the first part is definitely a go but the contest itself winds up with a murder on set. Anyone surprised which amateur sleuth is drawn into the investigation and actually has met the detective in charge beforehand? Oh, gee, you guessed.

Jessica's family and friends were a lot of fun. It was both fascinating and amusing to see them ponder and discuss answers during the contest, particularly in contrast to some of the other teams. Despite having entered the local pub contest on a whim, each seemed to have their own areas of expertise with some crossover. On the home front, we get the first of the side stories from niece Victoria and actor husband Howard who has appointed himself as chauffeur for their stay. The concern? Well, I won't give away much more of the plot but let's just say their home may or may not be haunted. Has Jessica done much ghost hunting? Who keeps calling Howard? There's also some odd goings on at the studio that, of course, Jessica who rarely misses much, picks up on. And, who has it out for the show host? 

Seriously, bottom line, I enjoyed connecting with Jessica, Doc/Seth, Mort, and Maureen and meeting Jessica's California relatives. While the tour of the mystery related dining spots got a bit too much for my taste, it was still fun to hear all the old celebrity gossip and see some of the back streets of Hollywood that we rarely see. As it turns out, they have an aging star staying with them, a plus for one of the side stories, whose star they come across. It was also fascinating to see what can be pulled off live audio/video tape. Thanks #BerkleyPublishingGroup and #NetGalley for nudging me just enough to get back into this series. Barbara Early seems to have an excellent feel for the television series as well as old time Hollywood. And, oh, back to the opening trivia question I asked. Jamie Leigh Curtis reportedly has been cast as Fletcher, though unsure if she'll be expected to step into the big shoes of the original Jessica or perhaps play a niece or some connection. 

Murder in Rome, by T A Williams

 

Publication May 2, 2026

Ah, Rome. The Eternal City. What a delight to be seeing it through the eyes of private detective Dan Armstrong, not to mention his trusty black lab, Oscar. Never mind a murder gets in the way of virtual sightseeing. You just know Dan and Oscar will have it under control soon. In the meantime enjoy the unexpected hidden tunnel in a castle even Dan finds a bit forbidding and, oh, the talk of a ghostly knight.  

Seriously, I've come to thoroughly enjoy this series. Dan is a keen observer and quite likable. True, he leaves his wife of about a week behind to take the assignment in Rome but, well, she okays it. You'll get to spend some time with her, btw. Oscar is, of course, probably my favorite character. He's pure dog with an instinct for who'll be soft touch for treats as well as for protecting his human. As a dog person, I definitely approve of Dan's ability to give him his regular walks. Not only does Oscar get some needed exercise to work off whatever treats he's been able to con out of the humans surrounding him but we get to see the area through Dan's eyes and the descriptions are well done and make you feel like you're right there. Although I came to this series late, I've also noticed there seems to be a side case of Dan doing some sort of seemingly benign errand for friends wherever he winds up, which gives us a better feel of his relationships with them. The characters, including suspects, are relatively well-fleshed out and you will be able to differentiate them quickly. Will you be able to discern whodunit? Well, maybe, though I wasn't sure until the end. 

Bottom line, a fun case of who killed client Tamsin Goodfaith's Uncle Phil or, to be more accurate, if it was even murder, and, whoa, why do bodies keep turning up. The plot moves along nicely without being slowed by the descriptive excursions, one of which turns out to be sorta spooky. Ghosts, anyone? Why does Oscar keep staring at that rusted suit of armor? What does he know that Dan doesn't? And, oh, much more fun to be had while trying to finger a killer. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dan and Oscar and the early peek and virtual tour of an old castle and parts of, ah, Rome. It works well as a standalone and includes humor amidst the darker moments, so a fun read with intriguing characters. 

 

Chasing the Clouds Away, by Debbie Macomber

 

Publication April 28, 2026

Ah, a Debbie Macomber book. It somehow always makes me feel like it's time to cozy up in my most comfy PJs and curl up in the recliner under a nice warm blanket to settle in for what I just know will be a sweet read. While an opposites attract type, it rather morphs into a read emphasizing not just family but the dynamics of family that shape us. Both Maisy and Chase have faced dark days in their past so while it's fair to say they're opposites, you'll also discover that they have common ground.

That's good as, quite frankly, their not exactly meet cute doesn't showcase Chase well.  He's brusque and short tempered. Even worse, poor guy. He's going to have to fly commercial rather than in a private jet. Well, at least he gets a seat in first class, expecting never to see the woman who called him on his behavior. It's obvious from the beginning that Chase is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. Maisy is apprehensive his misplaced anger may endanger her friend's job but maintains her calm. She's been taught from an early age that anger is often a cover for deeper feelings, hence she gives Chase the benefit of the doubt. She's absolutely delighted to be upgraded to first class where, you guessed it, she discovers her seatmate is none other than the rude guy from the airport. Chase is also less than excited to find the troubling woman there and pretty much tries to short circuit her tendency to engage in friendly chatter early on. Much to his surprise, after discovering the flight delay lead to his rental car not being held, Maisy offers him a ride. He's doubly shocked when she refused payment, simply telling him to pass it on. Let's just say, for someone used to money being able to get almost everything, that's a foreign policy to him.

I'm not going to detail the plot but that's pretty much where the story takes off. Chase is practically engaged but to his annoyance finds Maisy intriguing. As you'll discover, family dynamics have impacted both. The story moves along smoothly, albeit with the expected bumps along the way. I mean, Chase is practically engaged to the "perfect wife" for success. Maisy is just busy trying to help her family after giving up her dream of being a nurse. The chapters essentially alternate between them, giving us a good idea of their thoughts and past, which adds to the understanding as the story goes along. 

Bottom line, this was exactly the feel good story I was hoping for. In a sense, it was a reassurance that life can be full of joy if we only learn to get out of our own way. I mean, there is a difference between being proud and too proud, which you'll come to understand as you read. I found myself liking the main characters. Heck, even Chase's almost "perfect wife" turned out to be someone I think I'd have liked, not to mention Patrick, the baseball nut from Maisy's family was a fun character, too. I also noted that Macomber's early mention of a homeless vet outside the area of Chase's offices wasn't just there for word count. Nope. Not telling what I mean by that. You'll just have to read the book. Thanks #Ballantine for the early peek at this heartwarming, feel good romance. The epilogue was an extra nice touch.

A Midsummer Murder, by by Kate Wells

 

Publication April 18, 2026

Despite what seemed to me a slow start, I ultimately enjoyed this tale of the odd combo of a wellness retreat and murder. To be honest, given the almost cult like wellness retreat vibes, I wasn't expecting to find the story as intriguing. True, it took it a bit to evolve and pull me in but overall the mystery was clever with lots of viable suspects, all with equally viable reasons to want wellness guru Inigo Sage dead. It was also a good reminder that what happens in the past can haunt you for a lifetime. Secrets have a way of finding their way to the surface. 

Main character Jude Gray seems to be an oasis of calm in the midst of chaos for most of this book. I have to admit to initially not particularly liking either friend George or Kerry, the originators of the wellness retreat, as both came across as maybe not helpless but downright needy at times. Or was that Jude's belief? We find out that Jude seems to have a need to try to make everything right for everyone, even when she's being pulled in multiple directions. I was glad to see artist boyfriend Marco there for her, offering a strong shoulder for her to lean on, although I'd have loved to have spent a bit more time with her quirky, personable animals. I have to admit to smiling when Rodney Trotter, the tiny Shetland pony, and Wonky the donkey made an appearance. Yeah, I know. I can be easily amused, especially when I wasn't finding many humans to be sympathetic too much of the time aside from Granny Margot and her newfound internet expertise. 

As it turns out, of course, all of the regulars seem to have a lot going on in their own lives, so I did ultimately see the "why" of their behaviors. Young Sebbie, of course, Jude's nephew, remains a whirl of motion and enthusiasm for, well, almost everything, especially his toy plane and helping Marco. As for the wellness retreat participants, well, the overnight guests weren't very likable, with various degrees of belief in Inigo Sage's teachings. Do I need to tell you where the list of suspects came from? Grin.

Bottom line,I did ultimately realize that I had become invested in finding out whodunit. That's a good sign that I'd finally been pulled into the flow of the plot. 3.5 rounded up. It was actually rather intriguing to see how George and Kerry's concepts differed from the vibe that Inigo brought to the retreat. I liked the concept of not only the, let's call it, written note of regret being written and set free on a body of water in the form of a paper boat right down to both the paper and writing instrument being soluble and quick to dissolve. Both the symbolism and reality of the effort not to defile nature made sense and was touching. I also enjoyed Jude and detective Binnie's relationship and mutual trust. Jude's trips back to the farm where she did typical, to her everyday type farm chores helped set the story in reality. Lucy's story is a fun, one, too. So, slow start or not, I did enjoy the read. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for letting me drop in early on Jude's life to see what she's been up to. Loved the ending, too. Can't wait to see how that works out. 

A Summertime Murder, by Kate Grand

 

A Death in the Dark (A Novel Detectives Mystery Book 2), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication April 21, 2026

I’ve got to had it to Annie and Fletcher. When a seemingly confused potential client shows up not only agitated but covered with blood, they don’t even flinch. Instead, they sit him down and start asking questions to gather timely information while trying to calm him. Could Josh have killed his fellow high school track coach and blanked it out of his mind? 

While I'll admit to not being too fond of Annie when the original series began, she quickly won me over. Let's face it. She had a lot to work through. She found her niche at the Secret Bookcase and has blossomed into not just a first class bookshop owner but a licensed private detective with Fletcher, he of all things Sherlock, with both still managing to run the bookshop and their Novel Detective practice. The book segues from the tense encounter with the bloody client-to-be to cozy moments in the bookshop and with friends, giving it an interesting vibe. Annie's romance with Liam has also blossomed and, of course, she can't resist popping in and out of friend Pri's coffee shop frequently. I enjoy the regulars, including relative newbie hires at the bookshop, making this a likable, character driven read for me. 

Bottom line, this is a fun read with ups and downs and, yes, even lots of bookshop talk in the midst of an investigation. I don't want to reveal much more of the plot and ruin your sleuthing other than to say the suspect list quickly widens. Could seemingly low-key English teacher Josh have actually killed Rob? And, speaking of schools, what is going on there? You'll learn a bit about track events, by the way, ranging from the choice of running shoes to how events are timed. Yet, in the midst of normal, every day life, things are not copacetic, a word Fletcher throws out at Annie. Too bad she didn't listen to him when he also made the suggestion that at the very least she should carry pepper spray. Yep, you guessed it. Annie once again finds herself in danger. And, oh, for long time readers, the side story of Hal's quest to prove his heritage also moves along with some intriguing revelations. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie and allowing me early peeks into how her life as a bookshop owner/private investigator is going. 

The Book of Sprout: A Magical Adzventure of Growth and Discovery, by Karen Norheim

 Publication March 10, 2026

Delightfully thought provoking and fun.

A bit of a cross between a magical journey and a young boy discovering the true meaning of life being a series of blank pages upon which he can write his story.  Sprout lived happily with his parents at the edge of a forest. They give him a blank book on his birthday with the explanation that it's up to him to create the story that will be within. Thus begins Sprout's journey to start collecting adventures to both experience and write about. And what a journey it is (and this is just one day in his young life). I won't detail the plot but will say we meet the probably expected encounters with a fire breathing (and itchy) dragon, a knight and a damsel in distress, not to mention a wizard and talking toad. 

The overall feel of the story is not just whimsical but descriptive.... you'll be easily able to visualize that maddeningly vague sign Sprout finds as he tries to find his way home. Of course, it leads to another adventure that tests his kindness and willingness to take risks as he tries to find the right path, both physical and otherwise. He also learns patience, sharing, and the joy of helping others, even if he isn't always the most adept. There are some lovely illustrations that capture the mood nicely, too, as well as both a glossary (for bold face words as you read) and study guide by chapters at the end. I liked that the study guide questions didn't ask for a single, right answer but encourage thought and imagination, too. 

The overall themes of the book, curiosity, whimsy, and the ability to learn as you grow while keeping your imagination strong, all come together well. Heck, there's even a section dealing with knowledge and the role of libraries. I particularly liked the author's section at the end where she tells how she came to rework her Uncle Richard Gleason's story and update if for a more modern reader. Like the book itself, the tale of his family's involvement in the recreation was heartwarming and I thoroughly enjoyed the bio of him provided at the end. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the photo of the statue of Sprout which I'm guessing was the cover inspiration. Thanks #RiverGroveBooks for the early peek and the reminder that life, like books, is what we experience and hopefully learn and grow from as we write out own stories.

A Very Irish Mystery (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #25), by Verity Bright

 

Publication April 10, 2026

As usual, it's the characters who keep drawing me back to this series over and over again. From the curious and unstoppable Lady Eleanor Swift, who wasn't raised to be a lady, to husband Hugh and butler/friend/master of....whatever is needed Clifford, they are a delight to spend time with. And, of course, I can't forget Gladstone, Eleanor's trusty canine. The frequently humorous give-and-take between Eleanor and Clifford has always been a highlight of the historical fiction series for me, so it was great to see it front and center. Hugh, as the Scotland Yard officer, has always seemed a bit left out of that fun but he seems to be slowly settling into his retired cop, now detective role and showing a bit more of his human side this go-round. As he notes at one point, probably a bit bemused, as a cop he used to be the one chasing the culprit but now seems to be running from the law as often as not in partnership with the often impulsive Eleanor and Clifford who always seems to have her back and know what she needs or wants before she does. Definitely an interesting trio of detectives.

In this go-round, they find themselves in Dublin. They're planning to connect with a man who claims to be able to tell her something about how long missing parents. Eleanor has never quite solved the one mystery of a personal nature, why her parents abandoned her the night of their disappearance two decades ago. Well, they do ultimately meet him but there's a whole other matter that draws them before, the murder of brewery owner Fergal Finnegan. Eleanor discovers the body, no shock to long time readers, but, oh, my, what a place to find it. Nope, not telling. You're going to have to read the book. It goes without saying that they become absorbed with this case after being hired by the brewery's suddenly new manager but, in the meantime, we meet up with suffragettes, tour some of the backstreets of the Dublin of the day, find out Hugh isn't much of a sailor, and learn a bit about, uh, the oldest profession. Again, nope, not telling, you'll just have to read the book. And what's with all the rival breweries? Could one of them have killed Finnegan? How about the women, yes, plural, in his life? Oh, what a twisted web our trio has to unravel. All while, of course, awaiting the delayed arrival of the mystery man who may know something about Eleanor's parent's fate. Let's just say, that wasn't how they expected that discussion to go.

But, more than enough teasers. Obviously, I adore this series. I like the characters and they seem to wind up in some of the most fascinating places. We also learn lots about the setting of each adventure, not to mention a great deal of the history of the time. Do be sure to read the Historical Notes at the end. they touch of that subject, adding more to the story.  Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for letting me time travel backwards once again for an early peek at all that is going on in Lady Eleanor's life. I did miss "the ladies" this go round but, hey, one can't be unhappy with a cozy mystery that manages to work in a Machiavelli quote seamlessly. 

Topped Chef (Key West Food Critic Mystery #3), by Lucy Burdette

Another oldie that's been languishing on my overflowing bookshelf. Having read the more recent books in the series, it was sort of fun to go back and see how Hayley Snow functioned in the earlier days of the series. As luck would have it, I actually have the newest book on my official review list, so it'll be fun to compare how things changed.

Hayley is more or less volunteered to be a judge of the Key West Topped Chef reality show contest.  As food critic for the local paper, that's probably not surprising. What is surprising is that one of the other judges is the one Hayley had just filed a negative review about. That made things tense but that's not the worst of it. He winds up being murdered. That winds up ruining Hayley's more or less first real date with Nathan, the local detective. Long time readers, it was a hoot to be reminded that love isn't always smooth going, let's just say. As this is an oldie, published in 2013, I won't detail the plot much further except to say Hayley finds herself playing amateur sleuth, not to mention uncomfortable in front of the cameras. Hayley isn't the most cautious of sleuths, I must admit, so I'm sure it won't surprise anyone that she winds up being in danger. I must also admit that I didn't figure out whodunit and, in fact, pretty much didn't like any of the suspects as the one. So much for my sleuthing skills. Anyway, a light read and, hey, one more off my extensive TBR list. 

Arlo Needs Your Help, by Cortney Cino , Olga Sall (Illustrator)

 

Publication May , 202

It's always fun and an ego boost to have an author ask you to review their book, even more so when they aren't aware of a connection you have with the topic. At the last school I taught at before retirement, a self-contained class created and maintained a butterfly garden that, lucky me, was right outside my classroom door. As a result, I got to see some of the processes detailed here with my own eyes. That said, even I learned a thing or two here, so don't hesitate thinking you surely know all this.

We first meet Arlo when he's stuck in the container we see on the cover. The children who put him there were well meaning but it put him in danger. What kind of danger? To be simplistic, of not being able to go through metamorphosis to become a majestic monarch butterfly. Colorfully illustrated the colors and settings suggesting spring and the time of growth and rebirth, the drawings will pull you in as you enjoy the flowers and colors.  I absolutely loved that rather than just reading about Arlo, children are urged to take part in several interactive tasks, pulling them in as actual participants of the story. I found myself grinning as I imagined the books being turned upside down and shaken and the stomping and clapping the readers would so enjoy taking part in. The text is easy to read and doesn't talk down to readers, instead making them an active participant in Arlo's transformation. 

Important facts are subtly shared, such as why Arlo's initial rescue really wasn't a rescue and how to help not just Arlo but butterflies thrive. Illustrator Olga Sall did an excellent job showing us the steps, including the eventual chrysalis in different types of weather and even when, yikes, threatened by things like birds and a praying mantis. You'll also see the special kind of plant/flower caterpillar's need to gain the strength for their eventual change. It was fun to see the chrysalis being formed in different stages then follow it through the about 14 days needed for Arlo to reemerge but, oh, my, with a lovely new look. This is where the stomping and clapping come into play, btw, as children help keep Arlo safe from predators. Knowing how impatient even adults can be, I definitely appreciated the reminder that this was something Arlo needed to do on his own, so don't try to help him with his new wings. 

Bottom line, a fun guide to one of the things most of us have heard of but really not seen that manages to engage both the children's attention and participation. This would make a wonderful gift for a science teacher or anyone with an interest in such things. It's never too soon to engage children in not just being fascinated by nature but showing them how to focus that interesst. As such, kudos to the author for including a "Did you know...." type list at the end regarding the butterfly's role in our ecosystem. I didn't get the actual book, alas, just a digital copy, but there's a lovely bonus poster included with the book that shows the various stage of metamorphosis. And, yes, the milkweed flower gets lots of space for reasons you'll learn. Thank you author #CortneyCino and #WhimspireBooks for thinking of giving me this early peek at a lovely book that actually brought back some delightful ol' memories of walking through my school's butterfly garden and marveling at the love and care the children invested in it and the butterfly.

 

A Blue Ribbon Murder (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries Book 6), by T. C. LoTempio

 

Publication March 311, 2026

Where were you when the lights went out? Hopefully not with Shell McMillan. Why? Because when they came back on she was staring at a dead body. Who killed the cat show organizer? And, why?

As it turns out, there are any number of likely suspects, including the stepson. Shell, a former co-star of a popular detective show, just can't seem to help herself. She launches into a real life investigation almost immediately. Fortunately, given the tight schedule she's on at the cat show between being a vendor and showing her own Siamese cat, Kahlua, she has the help of her former co-star, Gary Presser. Nope, no romance there. Shell's boyfriend is the local police detective. There are quite a few characters coming and going, too, and since this is my first read of this series, I wasn't quite sure how many were regular characters. I did enjoy meeting most. Shell was easy to like although I did question how she managed to find time to sleuth here and there given everything else going on, including her one-eyed cat at home. Seems even her non-papered but probably Maine Coon is even entered in what is essentially a pet category, She also didn't seem to hesitate confronting suspects alone albeit Gary did manage to have her back whenever possible. As it was, many of the clues and info obtained were more a matter of being at the right place at the right time.  

Despite Shell's rashness at times, I liked her and the probably regulars. The mystery itself was intriguing with Shell practically being on the spot at the time it occurred. The suspects all seemed to have viable reasons for being on the list, too, so that was a realistic note, as was the seemingly long-suffering sheriff's sighs discovering Shell at the site of another body. While I won't detail the plot further, the background stories include everything from the family dynamics of the victim's family to cat show antics and jealousies, artists, secrets, deep secrets at that, and even rumors of forgery. Toss in Shell's trio of cats, one one-eyed, and it was an interesting read once I sorted out the characters. It obviously worked as a standalone although I think I'd have zeroed in on who was new and who was a regular faster had I read previous books. In the grand scheme of things, however, it worked well. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for introducing me to Shell and the world of Fox Hollow. The cat show antics were fun for this admitted dog person and loved her cats' personalities. Hey, I've always says I'm character driven. It isn't always the human characters that pull you in, you know. Grin. 

Deadly Patterns, by Melissa Bourbonlow

 

Published 2012

Even with already crammed bookshelves, I can't resist the local library's monthly used book sale.Picked this up awhile back but only now got around to reading it. It's a mix of mystery, magic, family connections, heritage, and romance. More on the magic in a bit. Main character Harlow has moved back to the small town of Bliss, Texas, after leaving a big city design and dress shop. The magic comes in with her great grandmother, Loretta Mae Cassidy, who is ghost. They don't seem to be able to communicate well but Loretta does have a way of making her presence known. And, oh, the Cassidy name? Seems Harlow is related to Butch Cassidy. Yes, that Butch Cassidy. The one of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In any case, that heritage seems to give descendants a bit of magic. In Harlow's case it's that the outfits she designs for them creates happiness of one sort or the other. There are bunches of townspeople related to Harlow and I wish I'd have known there was a basic family tree included at the end. It would have helped me keep it straight who was who and how all were connected much faster. 

That aside, it was a quirky, fun read. It begins when Harlow goes to the historic Denison mansion to do a fitting on the town's Santa Claus for the town's Christmas event. The mystery begins when Dan, the volunteer Santa, mysteriously falls to his death from the widow's walk of the old mansion. Harlow discovers the body in a way I'm sure she'd just as rather not repeat.  Seems fake Santa Dan, wasn't as beloved as the real thing. Who'd have killed him? How? As it turns out, there are lots of suspects and Harlow finds herself unable to resist doing her own investigation, never mind there's romance blooming, or trying to bloom, with Will. 

I won't detail more of the plot as I'm sure this one is readily available at your library, but lots of twists and turns and red herrings seem designed to ruin Christmas for not just Harlow but Bliss. Bottom line, I think I may be looking for the rest of this series soon. While it was all a tad confusing jumping in on the third book with multiple characters and bits of magic scattered about the town, I liked Harlow and the seeming regulars. It's always fun to find you're stumbled across something that grabs you from the opening page. Must be part of the Cassidy magic, huh?

Murder at Sea (A Miss Underhay Mystery #23), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication Feb.23, 2026

It's 1938 in Devon, England. As the story opens, to set the scene firmly in history's timetable, Kitty and those about her are hearing news reports of the Nazi government stripped of citizenship in Romania. A problem closer to home quickly developed, however, as Kitty's cousin Hattie bursts in in tears, saying she's been robbed. Even worse, by her gentleman friend who seems to have taken her jewelry, including a treasured keepsake, and vanished. A quick investigation later, Kitty and Matt find themselves boarding the ship Bonaventure to New York. It seems the gentleman friend may be none other than the elusive Redvers that Matt has been trying to track down for far longer than he likes. Much to their shock, they find him. Dead. That's just the beginning, of course, with lots of international intrigue quickly becoming apparent. 

That's about all I'm going to share of the plot as it's a fun one, full of everything from a young girl's starry eyed romance to secret plans (military?) that relate to the war creeping every closer to them in England. On, and stolen identities and, sigh, class differences and, well, even Kitty's father in NYC, who takes them in for their brief stay, plays a role. This has become a favorite series and I find that I like the regulars and am always eager to find out what they've been up to since my last virtual visit. There are quite a few side characters to keep up with, too, I admit, but they pretty quickly differentiate themselves and showed unique personalities and backgrounds. I did miss Bertie, Kitty's trusty spaniel, but he wouldn't have enjoyed cruising most likely. Kitty's father's quick thinking was a plus, too, so his quick appearance was definitely a plus. And, hey, the Statue of Liberty gets a mention, too, a definitely perk of their unexpected trip to America.

Bottom line, if you enjoy historical fiction/mysteries, give this one a try. It works well as a standalone although past readers will grasp certain aspects far more quickly than newbies. Dixon does a great job setting the scene, both in the sense of time and aboard the ship with the increasingly anxious captain and involved characters.  The plot moves along nicely and you'll enjoy meeting most of the side characters, even while suspecting them of murder most likely. Having cruised myself, it was interesting to compare Matt and Kitty's shipboard happenings and how passengers were assigned rooms, not to mention the slightly different lifeboat routines. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to this delightful couple of sleuths and giving me this early peek at their life and adventures.