The Book Club Murders, by Maggie Allswell , AUDIO BOOK Narrated by Jilly Bond

 

Available May 23, 2026   Both Audio and print/ebook

I fully expected to like this book. I mean, a small town book club focused on murder mysteries, quirky characters of a range of ages, and some budding romance. What's not to like? Much to my surprise, while I certainly didn't dislike the book, I never fully got into it, either. In other words, I didn't much care whodunit. Don't let that reaction detour you from it, however, as there's every chance you'll fully enjoy it. For me, I have decided that I need to be more careful about requesting books with a hoard of characters to keep track of as I had trouble sorting out who was who and how they were all connected. The main characters, Judy and daughter Sarah, of course, were easy, albeit maybe that Sarah has a dog named Gordon had something to do with that. She's also suffered loss, a recurring theme, and Judy worries about her. Sarah created an online site for those who've lost a spouse. Judy, on the other hand, is co-owner/operator of a funeral parlor, not the usual job for even the quirkiest amateur sleuth, I'd say.  In any case, aside from Jack, who I kept wishing someone would put a sock in his mouth given his tendency to complicate questioning by his habit of blurting out things better left unsaid, the others sorta drifted in and out of my mind with me having to refresh my memory of who they were. They were all generally likable, even Jack, but would have liked more character development. 

The mystery was fine, albeit it sorta faded into the background when potential issues with Sarah's new beau popped up. Too good to be true? Maybe, but back to the murder. Who killed seemingly harmless librarian Wendy? Judy is convinced it was murder although the police are calling it suicide. It was fun to read the text chain the book club members utilized, particularly Judy's frequently almost nonsensical texts. Spell check seems to have had no chance with her. That said, her skills in seeing things others miss or misunderstand are excellent. Even though she wouldn't have considered Wendy among her close friends, her observations of the death scene prove helpful. Despite this, her skills and those of the rest of the book club are, at best, feeble. Obviously, reading about solving a case and actually doing so are two very, very different things. 

Bottom line, without revealing much more of the plot, there are several suspects. These range from a mysterious possible romantic interest to others who've had disagreements with her, however minor. Judy is a bit distracted by Sarah's romance, not sure of the prospective son-in-law. There are reasons, as you'll discover as you read. As for the murder, convincing the police that there is evidence that suggest murder, not suicide, might be the first step, though the club members ineptness doesn't help move that along much. I had both the ebook and audio for this, btw, and give kudos to narrator Jilly Bond for her ability to differentiate the multiple characters as well as capture the humor or drama of the moments. Since the plot evolves primarily around the dialogue, even the seemingly mundane, unrelated chatter, having a good narrator was a perk. The audio flowed along nicely and was easy to listen to and, in fact, may have helped me differentiate characters better than the text. Toss in a bit of a twisty ending and while I was never quite fully drawn in, it was still an enjoyable read/listen. Thanks #Bookouture for making this available to me for an early read. Given that ending, I'm leaning toward thinking I'll be ready to give the next book another chance, too. 

Death in the Romance Aisle (Survivors' Book Club Mystery #3), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

First, before I say anything else, I want to declare that Shirley can be my grandmother any time. What a delight to see her sort of break out as a supporting character in this book. But, anyway, back to the mystery....

If there's one thing main character Rarity has learned, it's that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. After her bout with cancer, she's tried to live by that creed, taking chances today, not waiting for life to simply happen to her. That said, she surely didn't expect life to throw her in the path of so many murder investigations. This time it's the murder of her just hired employee Janey. Even worse, her best friend's brother, Marcus, is the primary suspect. This is further complicated as Drew, Sam's boyfriend, is the lead investigator of the crime. Poor Sam. She's having trouble being supportive of Marcus while dealing with the fact its her boyfriend who could put him in jail for the rest of his life. Even Rarity faces the problem of not quite knowing whether he did it, making things tense. Toss in a severed finger, fortunately found to be a fake, being sent to Rarity and issues with her other hire, Caleb, and she has her hands full. 

I've really come to enjoy and look forward to each new installment of this series. Author Lynn Cahoon has faced down cancer, so she knows the impact of that fear well and it shows. Rarity has made friends, close friends who circle around her when needed (and occasionally when she'd just as rather they don't). Her relationship with Archer, who operates a hiking tour business, is flourishing although I had to smile when it was noted that he was sleeping on the couch when his guard duty session (nope, not explaining) rolled around. With that subtle clue, Cahoon has revealed much of the characters' character, I felt. He seems the dream boyfriend....he cooks, he cleans, he loves her dog and vice versa, so it'll be interesting to see where this seemingly dream relationship goes. As for Shirley, I felt connected to her early in the series as I, too, have dealt with a family member with dementia. Rather than shrink into the background, she is finding her way. More impressive, her step into the spotlight, so to speak, is winning not just her but Rarity's bookstore some wonderfully positive attention.  And, oh, shh, don't tell but Drew's ex-cop father is writing a book.

So, who killed Janey? Could it be Janey's college stalker? Who had the most to gain? Or, maybe who had the most to lose? Why did someone break into Rarity's bookstore? Heck, why did someone knock her out in the back room of Sam's shop? Was Rarity the target or Sam? Speaking of Sam, will this be the end of her blossoming relationship with Drew? Why... oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Go read the book. You'll like Rarity and her friends, not to mention Killer the dog. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop into Sedona and check out Rarity's bookstore again. Already looking forward to my next visit. 

Read to Death at the Lakeside Library (A Lakeside Library Mystery Book, #3), by Holly Danvers

 

Publication August 8, 2023

Both Rain and Julia seem a bit wiser this go-round than they appeared when I read book one. But, well, being smarter and doing the smart thing aren't necessarily the same thing. While I found myself warming to them more in this book, they still managed to annoy me with their sense of knowing better than even Jace, Julia's brother and Rain's romantic interest, who is with the police. For instance, when they find a note warning them off, the best move would have been to call Jace immediately and turn it over as evidence. Do they do that? Of course not. That's basically their method of operation, to justify their actions by telling themselves they'll turn it over after they've looked into it. They did, however, tuck it safely in a drawer, albeit after handling it, so that's progress.

As for the story itself, I actually found it intriguing, especially with the literary tie-in. Well, not so much Julia and Rain's attempt to reenact the book crime, but it did have its moments. It was particularly nice to get to know other characters a bit better this installment, too. And, hey, Rain has a dog! Benzo. Let's hope she gets a bit more dog owner savvy by the next book. Okay, I'll settle for her learning about dog water bottles for right now. Benzo, with his gorgeous blue eyes, is a husky and tends to overheat, after all. 

Between watching the adventures of being a dog mom with Benzo and the budding romance with Jace, there's lots to look forward to in this series. Even as annoyed as I found myself getting with Rain and Julia at times, I found that I've warmed to them more this book and am looking forward to seeing what they get up to next. Just get that doggie water bottle for Benzo, Rain.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me back to hang out at the little log cabin library with Rain, Julia, and friends. They may not be the best of amateur sleuths but they've obviously matured and learned a few things, so I'm looking forward to coming back.

Paper Cuts, Secret, Book, & Scone Society #6, by Ellery Adams

 

Publication April 25, 2023

These books are a book lover's dream. Not only do you get an intriguing mystery with a depth of character throughout, but you get a bibliography and book list, all of which are mentioned in the story, not to mention a reader's guide. And, oh, yes, romance and deep friendships, too. Heck, we even learn a bit about the meaning behind different flowers often gifted.

Ironically, considering that I was slow to warm up to the series, it has become a regular on my "must read" list. The mysteries, and there are frequently more than one, are intriguing, but it's the depth of character that draws me back. No cookie-cutter types here, ie the always happy, bubbly best friend, the always grumpy relative, the....well, you get my drift. These characters are real people with lives, problems, issues, and emotional triggers. I felt like I could almost reach out through virtual space and feel the air vibrating erratically as Nora melts down when past meets present, so to speak. We feel her panic, sense her need to escape, leading to behavior that has ended is disaster before but, phew, not this time. Even as her friends circle about her, you can sense Nora's heaviness, then feel hope as she eventually grabs control back from her angst and fears. It isn't easy, and though I won't detail the plot, we go through several highs and lows with her. 

Another plus for the book is its inclusion of a neurodivergent child. Like many who are "different", he has a wonderful talent for origami, which Nora helps nurture. Relationships are complicated but I will note that he seems to have landed safely at the end. Hopefully we'll hear more about him as the series goes on. Another intriguing, albeit somewhat distant character is Deputy Hollowell. We don't know much about her yet but I'm sure more is coming given that she works closely with Nora's cop boyfriend, Grant. 

Finally, and I've just touched the surface of this book, one of the quotes at the beginning of each chapter stayed with me. To paraphrase, it reminds us that anger is more damaging to those who harbor it than to those who receive it. It's a Mark Twain quote. Another comment, this time within the story from Grant, notes that justice isn't always complete. Something to ponder as we read and go through life, I'd say. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress - #KensingtonCozies for simply allowing me to have Nora and her family of friends in my life. This series makes me think. True, not always pleasant thoughts, but thinking is important.

Bookclubbed to Death (Mystery Bookshop #8,) by V.M. Burns

 

Publication Dec. 27, 2022

It all starts with a tornado.

Sam(antha) Washington opens up her bookstore to the Mystery Mavens Book Club after their usual meeting place, the library, is damaged by the tornado. The club leader, Delia Marshall, is anything but friendly, however, and soon has Sam sputtering as Deila exits the first meeting there after threatening to sue her and have her beloved dogs put down for attacking her. Never mind that she kicked one of them first and the other was merely acting to protect. Sam's friends and family rally around her, however, and a phone call from Delia reassures her that all will be well, Delia has bigger fish to fry, so to speak, but she wants the special order Agatha Christie book she ordered delivered immediately if not sooner. Sam drives the book to Delia's home, only to find it empty. Imagine her surprise to later discover Delia's body in her bookshop. Even worse, she's the prime suspect. 

I have to admit, Sam's stunned reaction to events seems much more realistic than some in mysteries. Instead of immediately turning into Miss Marple reborn, her reaction is more human. It pretty much amounted to wanting to just go home, go to bed and pull the covers over her head and go into ignore mode. Somehow, I'm inclined to think that would be more what most readers would do than the transformation into sleuth.

The group of friends about her is amazing. Although I've read another book or two in the series, I was still a bit amazed but confused at who these people are and how they became so adept at working as a team to solve a mystery. Even Sam's sister, Jenna, a first class lawyer, is involved, as is Frank, the restaurant owner boyfriend who seems to have ties to "someone who knows" how to do, well, just about anything. While this didn't stop me from seriously enjoying the book, which included Sam's book-within-the-book set in the time of King George VI, I did think that reading previous books in the series might have kept me from wasting time wondering how this crack investigative team came about. Also, I'll note that given that I'm typing this just as Queen Elizabeth has been laid to rest, that literary setting seemed rather timely, albeit coincidental. I won't detail the plot further except to say don't skip those inserts.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me over to visit Sam's bookshop, browse the bookshelves, and try my hand at figuring out who did it. This one kept me guessing until the end.

Secrets in the Stacks (Survivors' Book Club Mystery #2), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Nov. 1,2022

This book is as much about friendship and being there for each other as it is about solving a murder.

"Secrets in the Stacks" is about a group of women who come together as strangers in Rarity's book club and bond together as friends. What sets this book apart from others following this same idea is that these women are almost all cancer survivors. They've faced that silent enemy and survived, They've shared a common enemy. They are now there for each other

When book club member Darby's beloved grandmother is murdered, they close ranks immediately and step forward to both physically and emotionally support Darby. The characters have grown immensely since book one and their back stories are slowly beginning to emerge as they share their united strength. It also doesn't hurt having detective Drew and Rarity's boyfriend, Archer on hand, but the women are the core. And, oh, Rarity's darling dog Killer, who we met in the first book. All have roles to play, which is a real plus.

I won't detail the plot as the book blurb does an excellent job. I'll simply say that secrets kept can lead to devastating results. Let's face it, we all have secrets. Even the most beloved characters have secrets, secrets even those closest to them don't know about. What secrets are being harbored in Sedona? Who are those strangers who keep popping up and unnerving Rarity? Heck, even Killer barks at them. Are there secrets hidden in the library study? What gives with Darby's parents? Will Drew even ask Sam out? Her patience is growing thin, after all. What role does Drew's father play in this whole mess? What drives someone to murder? Okay. Enough teasers. Read this one. Author Cahoon is a cancer survivor herself and has created a wonderful fictional family of friends for us to share without cancer being a prominent theme of the story. It's a winner.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to visit with Rarity and her extended book club family again. We should all be lucky enough to have such a wonderful, positive group of supporting friends.

The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club (Audiobook), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Audiobook Review (plus original ebook review at end)

Narrator C.S.E. Cooney Tantor Audio, 7 hour duration

I thoroughly enjoyed the e-book version of this book and was delighted to see an audio version available. The story's focus on a group of soon-to-be friends who are brought together by them having survived cancer could be a downer but the book was more a story of friendship, new beginnings, and inner strength than cancer. Kudos to author Lynn Cahoon for handling this potentially tricky subject matter (Cahoon is a survivor, too) and making it work. And, all this circles about a murder that the book club members are determined to look into, even after being cautioned not to do so by the town detective, Drew. It's an intriguing mystery, highlighted by the growing friendship of the group. See the original review below my thoughts on the audio version for more insight.

As for the audio version, although I was having trouble keeping which voice was which straight initially, I realized at some point that I'd nailed it and just automatically knew who was speaking when the narrator spoke as the book progressed. This was done through both subtle changes of pace, emphasis, accent and inflection as well forcefulness, if that makes sense. In other words, you quickly could pinpoint the more confident, forceful personalities of the group. As for Rarity, the main character, the narrator's voice seemed perfect, showcasing her kindness and concern for all. The voice made me feel that Rarity was someone I'd like and trust.

One of the things that came through to me much more forcefully in this audio version was how much Rarity adored the dog she unexpected found herself with. Hearing it, I realized how often the dog was the topic of conversation or interest, not to mention that Rarity talked to it frequently, just as most of us owned by dogs do. In addition, besides these frequent mentions the author also gets in subtle bits of info on dog care and all involved with owning a dog, including the importance of vet care, the need to tag and identify your pets, and the need for proper nourishment and such items as dog beds, toys, leashes, and, well, the list can be endless as any dog owner knows. I honestly didn't really notice this via simply reading. The chapter changes were simply a stated "Chapter__" whatever with no disruption to the flow.

Bottom line, a fine addition to the editions available. Thanks to #NetGalley and #TantorAudio as well as publisher #KensingtonBooks for making this audio version available. I should note that my own little dog listened as I did and says Killer deserves extra treats.

ORIGINAL REVIEW OF eBOOK:
I've become a huge fan of Lynn Cahoon. This book only made me more of a fan. Skillfully centered about a cancer survivor book group, Cahoon deftly weaves in introductions to new characters and new mysteries without either making cancer the central theme or ignoring it. As someone who was a bit wary of reading this book given my own family's losses from the disease, I have to admit to almost passing it up. I'm glad I didn't. Yes, cancer survival isn't hidden in some dark corner in the book but it is more the thing that brought this intriguing cast on new characters together. With nods to the worries and concerns that all survivors have, Cahoon, who has survived her own cancer journey, doesn't try to pretend the disease doesn't exist. Instead, she uses it to pull people together, form and strengthen friendships, and, oh, yes, solve the murder of a group member. I had no real clue who the murderer was until the reveal, so it definitely will keep you guessing.

The characters were likeable and it was interesting to see the dynamics of friendship and, hmm, maybe romantic relationships developing. I was actually sorta meh on Archer until the end, maybe because it didn't seem like we got to know him as well as we did Drew the detective, but he won me over when he showed up with flowers after Rarity's regular cancer checkup. This was in sharp contrast to her last boyfriend who pretty much ignored than left her while she was ill. Her best friend Sam, who it took me a moment initially to figure out was probably a Samantha, not male, has always had her back and despite a brief flair of jealousy on Sam's part, still had Rarity's back. We all need friends like that who will tamper down their own emotions to support us. Drew, of course, seemed like a winner from the time he told Rarity about the now owner-less dog, Killer. Dog lover that I am, I had to admire Rarity for agreeing to take in Killer even when she was most likely envisioning a large, scary dog. It didn't take Killer long to worm his way into her heart, however.

I liked the characters and how well the medical issues surrounding potentially fatal illness was worked smoothly into the story. This included doctors who may or may not be real doctors pushing miracle cures, treatments, and pushing their products on the most vulnerable. Grr, but enough said on that topic, The key theme here isn't medical. It's friendship. It's good to have friends and Rarity is slowly but surely finding friends and making her own place in Sedona, New Mexico. I'm looking forward to following this series.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #LyricalPress for introducing me to Rarity and the rest of her growing circle of friends, not to mention Killer. Treats for Killer!