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. 

Life as a Dog: One dog, two lives and adventures that live forever, by L.A. Davenport

 

Publication Nov. 13, 2025

Dog people, you need this book. 

I absolutely loved this. It spoke to me as a human owned by a dog in so many ways. Seriously, I could easily see myself in many of the situations and circumstances described, from walking the dog to talking to it, to all the highs and lows that come with being owned by a pet. While the author's setting is far more urban than my town in Alaska, the people and dogs are the same. I felt the author's panic when he talks about a dog coming at them on a walk clearly meaning harm because, well, been there, done that. Hope to never do it again. And, and, and....so many moments, both wondrous and difficult. 

Time permitting, I'll perhaps add a few more specifics later but for now, well, my own four legged friend is demanding my attention. Seriously, if she could figure out the logistics, I'm pretty sure Daisy would have long since buried this laptop. Bottom line, loved it and highly recommend it to not just dog owners but those who've been loved by any animal. So much of the behavior and the moments in this book could easily be converted to just about any animal. My sincere thanks to #P-WavePress and #NetGalley for making this charming book available to me early. Virtual treats for all those pets out there! 

I could go on endlessly but will simply say this is an easy read, rather like sitting in the living room with our dogs sprawled across our laps soaking up the scratches and attention. You know, kinda like friends talking. 

Where the Bodies Are Berried, by Peg Cochran

 

Publication November 11, 2025

Love the Christmas-y cover. It's Christmas at Sassamanash Farms and Monica is busy hosting the local animal shelter's fund raiser. Since having one's picture taken with your pet and Santa is a staple around here, I was surprised to discover it apparently isn't that widely used. There are even some live reindeer on hand. Yep, things are beginning to look a lot like Christmas....wait, I've heard that line somewhere. Grin. In any case, all is going well until, in an effort to recapture a piece of money blowing away in the wind, Monica almost stumbles over a dead body in a snow drift. Uh, oh, he's one of the shelter's biggest donors. Is there a connection?

I won't detail the plot, but will say that as mother to a month old, Teddy, Monica already has her hands full. That doesn't stop her from sleuthing, of course.  There were quite a few characters coming and going, some quirky and memorable, others seemingly just passing through. I put it on myself that I had a tough time sorting them out and, as a result, found the plot rather slow. Monica also isn't the best at seeking information via otherwise informal conversations, either, even managing to further distress the victim's wife early on. In front of friends, no less. I liked her relationship with husband and shop owner Greg but found myself not really caring what happened to her despite curiosity over the usual whodunit. The side stories were intriguing and did add to the story, some of those characters showing promise for future installments. 

So, bottom line, while I wasn't loving it, I wasn't pulled into the story, either. As noted, I'll lay some of that blame on myself and feel many will fully enjoy this one. You will learn a bit about cranberry salsa, btw, and farm life on a cranberry farm in general. Toss in little touches like needing to set up the monitor in baby Teddy's room while speaking to visitors and there is a homey feeling to the story. As for whodunit, I didn't really know until the end, so figuring that out was fun, even if the logic behind it was rather saddening. Past events do have a way of haunting our lives today. Thanks #BeyondThePage for the early visit to Cranberry Cove. Despite not quite being lured in fully this go-round, it's a place I'll happily revisit. 

Five Golden Wings: A Meg Langslow Mystery, by Donna Andrews, Bernadette Dunne (Narrator)

 

Publication Oct. 14, 2025      Audio version  9h 26m 25s

This is one of my favorite series. If you like your cozy mysteries with humor and well-developed characters, this one should be on your list. Meg Langslow is smart, super organized, maybe because of her little book that tells her what she's supposed to be doing at any given time, and never seems to lose her cool even when surrounded by a quirky group of family and friends that keep her busy. It's been fun to watch her develop and see her interact with not just husband Michael and their two sons, but the likes of her nephew Kevin, the computer hacker, er, geek, er, wiz, who seems to spend more time hidden away in his computer heavy area in the family home than out and about but is now working with the police. The same police who, when things get a bit crazy in the town of Caerphilly, seem to always depend on Meg to take care of things they can't find the time to deal with. In the process, she's turned into a superb solver of crimes, particularly murder. 

It's when she's faced with more mundane tasks, such as keeping her warring cousins who are getting married on the same day in the same place from open warfare. Actually, she's only partially successful at keeping the open warfare in check before the cousins strangle each other. What no one expected was to find the wedding photographer dead. I'm not going to share more of the plot other than to say Meg is front and center and that one wonders why the Caerphilly police haven't set up a working office space at the house, too. By now surely Kevin has a camera on everything although we do learn how sheer luck comes into play against the best of modern technology. Lots of suspects, even the almost-grooms, and you'll get a bit of an education on eagles, ie the "golden wings" of the title. Just keep Rob from singing, okay. 

Bottom line, this is a fun lead up to Christmas with a reminder of how hectic it can be, even without dueling weddings. You'll also perhaps learn a few things about what not to do if you're having a blog worthy wedding. Thanks #MacmillanAudio for allowing me this early listen. As always, narrator Bernadette Dunne does an excellent job bringing not just Meg but the entire community of Caerphilly to life in this offering. I'm already antsy for the next installment. 

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

 

Publication Sept. 3, 2025

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

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

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

Animals of the National Parks: An Alphabet Book, by Fifty-Nine Parks

 

Publication May 5, 2025

The child in me still gravitates to alphabet books. Give me one featuring animals and I'm a happy camper. I'm always curious to see how the creators will differentiate their book from the multitude of others out there, not to mention how they'll find a way to represent some of the lesser used letters. This one does both well. 

To be honest, there was a part of me interested to see not just what Alaskan animals make the cut but how they'd handle those tricky letters like "X". Well, first, they cleverly used descriptive adjectives such as zigzag salamander, but outdid themselves for that "X". They not only came up with an Alaskan critter but one whose name I didn't recognize. As it turned out, I've even seen that animal, nope, not telling, but just didn't now its official name. See, even us big kids can learn a thing or two from these alphabet books. Needless to say, being Alaskan with access to not just Denali National Park but wild animals occasionally roaming about, I was delighted to discover how many I had seen. Young readers should appreciate the chart provided at the end where they can write down not just the animals they've observed but things like who they were with at the time and even sounds heard. A nice touch.

The illustrations were realistic but fun in a slightly whimsical way. I mean, it doesn't look like those bears might want to eat us for dinner. Grin. Each subject gets a full color illustrations and short, easy to digest description on the next as well as what parks they might be found at. Another nice teaching touch is that each alphabet letter is presented in both upper and lower case, not always common. There's a lively color map at the end that shows where each park is located as well as showing small versions of the animals scattered about. There's also a list to make it even clearer. Then the chart I mentioned earlier. All in all, nicely done and would make not only a fun gift for animal crazy kids but a nice addition to your school or classroom libraries. Thanks #ClarksonPotter - #TenSpeedPress for gifting me this early copy. It made me crave another trip to Denali National Park. Ironically enough, although moose are common sights here in Alaska...in fact, one visited my yard just a few days ago....that's the one critter I've yet to spy while visiting the park, go figure.

Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves, by Janice E Collins

 

Just like children, dogs are often frightened of the unknown. They may try to appear brave but, well, aren't. This book does a lovely, subtle job of showing young readers that it's okay to be afraid, asking for help isn't a weakness, and, finally, that working together to solve problems is the best approach. It does this via the story of Sydney, the Labrador Retriever, and her unexpected new little Labrador sister, Bean. Sydney does her best to accept Bean but isn't happy about it, even when Bean swears to be the best little sister ever. Much to Sydney's surprise, comforting Bean seems to also comfort her and she manages to sleep through a storm. Then, uh-oh, mother's beautiful pearl gloves have gone missing. It seems Sydney has had a problem with shredding and burying such items when scared, so she's the natural suspect. 

That's when the story really takes off. Bean knows Sydney didn't do it as Sydney slept right there beside her all night. Bean vows to help Sydney find the gloves. Unfortunately, Bean is naive and soon falls pry to the wily neighborhood cat. It's never quite clear why Monty the junkyard cat sets out to trap Bean but the motive of bullies isn't usually really known, either. Sydney recruits help as she searches for Bean, help that includes Sgt. Riley the retired police K-9. Again, the idea that having help when you most need it isn't a weakness but a strength. Wait till you find out why a ferret is part of the group. Heck, even some squirrels and birds get involved. Love the sweet nod to a baby's first tooth via the baby bird's first lost feather. In any case, while I'm not sure how Monty managed to trap Bean, it's fun to see the group come together and work to save her. 

Bottom line, a cute, fun read, though would have probably targeted a bit older audience although it'd work as a read-aloud, too. The illustrations were well done, showing personality, and add to the feel. The teacher in me liked the subtle use of the dogs to show how young children may feel and act, not to mention work together towards a common goal, in this case saving Bean. And, oh, let's not forget the bonus benefit that helps Sydney when they finally return home. Thanks #AtmospherePress for sharing this sweet introduction to Sydney and Bean, not to mention all their friends and, okay, even Monty. That junkyard cat is surely not done playing with the doggie's minds.

Swine and Swindle: A Cozy Animal Mystery, by Max Parrott

 

Publication Feb. 5, 2025

Getting tampled by a hyped up pig was the least of Angela Anderson's problems. Someone killed Bram Cole and the more she digs, the more complicated the case gets. Well, no one said being a private detective would be easy. And, oh, her car!

Fortunately, boyfriend David and her trusty dog Ruff have her back. Actually, she more or less self-appointed herself the case as she was on the scene at the rodeo event at the time screams rang out. Seems Angela's pig Petunia was one of the entries in the pig show competition. Petunia's up against some tough competition, one of whom becomes a suspect when the perennial winner Bram is found dead. There are suspects galore, however, some event related and some from his past. Seems there are lots of secrets buried in Hummings Hollow. There are lots of, well, true characters amongst the town people.

I won't detail the plot further other than to say it was a fun, reasonably quick read. The author's descriptions of the sights, sounds, and scents floating about the rodeo grounds will have you suddenly craving pop corn or a corn dog or maybe even some cotton candy. In other words, you'll feel like you're right there with Angela trying to decide which of those tantalizing teasers to sate first. The recurring cast, which includes Angela's parents (her mother's early onset dementia always makes me sad), police Chief Helbar and Kim, as well as newspaper editor/reporter Michelle, as always, add a sense of family/friends to the mix. Thanks #BookSirens for this early peek at the goings on in Hummings Hollow. And, oh, loved that ending and am looking forward to the next book.

Gingerbread Danger, by by Amanda Flower

 

Publication October 20, 2024

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

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

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

The Holiday Cottage, by Sarah Morgan

 Publication September 24, 2024

On the surface, Imogene would seem to have it all. A great job, co-workers who are warm and friendly, a caring, forgiving boss, a great family, adorable boyfriend and dog, and....oh, wait, the last three don't exist. Imogene made up to hide her real self from the world. You'll learn why as you read so I don't want to give too much away but, well, let's just say mother issues are at the root of it. Despite the stress of living a lie, she's juggling her fake reality well until, well, no spoilers, but until she can no longer juggle it all. That's when she winds up being invited to spend the Christmas holidays with Dorothy and her family (and her animal menagerie) in picturesque Cotswolds and her life changes. Of course there will be bumps in the road and, hey, this being a Christmas story, a possible romance as she finds the real Imogene. 

That's all I'm saying about the plot. As always Morgan does the usual job of intertwining the worlds of three different women, all connecting at some point in time and place. The build up did seem slower than usual but, hey, maybe because that was rain falling outside my window, not snowflakes. I've got to admit, too, that while I've grown accustomed to having a multi-character viewpoint, it does take me awhile to fall into the rhythm and connect, so that may all be on me. In any case, all the holiday and family feels are there, not to mention family drama, and romance. There were some twists that I wasn't expecting, so it most definitely held my interest. The gorgeous, snow-globe worthy setting didn't hurt, either. You'll get to know the characters and Cotswold well as Morgan is a master at writing characters and places you'll feel you know or, at the very least, wish you knew. 

Bottom line, if you're looking for a feel good holiday story that focuses on characters and watching them grow as we read, you'll enjoy this book. In fact, grab some hot chocolate, sweet treats, and a cozy sweater to curl up on the couch with as you read. Even better if you have a fireplace to curl up in front of but, hey, you can always use your imagination. Just don't try to build your whole life on it as Imogene did. Thanks author #SarahMorgan and #HarlequinTradePublishing - #CanaryStreetPress for this early dip into Christmas. I'm suddenly feeling the urge for a gingerbread cookie.

Counting Winter, by Nancy White Carlstrom, Claudia McGehee (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 24, 2024

As is my usual custom, I flipped through the book initially to get a feel for the illustrations. I was impressed. As I skimmed through again, this time for the words, I was doubly impressed. My immediate take was that the author and illustrator just had to be from my chosen home of Alaska or, at the very least, places north. As it turned out, I was basically right. While the illustrator lives in Iowa City and has visited Alaska, the author is a former resident of Alaska and still has family there. Whether you've ever lived or visited Alaska, of course, if you live where there is snow, many of these scenes will look familiar. And, before you ask why no bears, it's winter. Bears hibernate, thus they're unlikely sightings in winter. Not impossible but rare. Even Alaska's moose don't get a page for themselves albeit can be spotted on, say, the chickadee page.

In any case, by now I'm sure you've figured out that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only do you get to help your child learn to count via illustrations but they will learn a bit about the wildlife pictured, too. The lyrical test for each is short but manage to convey both a bit about the animal pictured and how they may react to the arrival of winter. There's a chart at the end with each of the animals the child will meet with more information, too, an added bonus. 

There's a great deal to look for in the illustrations, too, which are described as sketchbook art. While quite realistic, there's just enough whimsy involved to add a touch of magic and fun. My favorite was the musk ox illustration. Nope. Not telling you why except to say it'll probably draw a smile from even the most serious minded child. Also, although I was reading on my phone and didn't try to check, but my hunch is that each individual snowflake that appears is exactly that, individual in design, just like real snowflakes. In other words, this book seems to have been done with love and care and it shows. It'd make a great gift, too, and just looking at the pictures should inspire the child to make up their own stories at times. Thanks #NetGalley and #Wm.B.EerdmansPublishingCompany for sharing this delightful work of winter reality and magic with me. I love it!

Little Wolf's Howl: A Story of Getting Lost, only to Find One's Voice, by Nelly Buchet, Mathias Ball (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 17, 2024

Living in Alaska, wolves are, while maybe not a common sight, something Alaskans are accustomed to seeing. I especially loved this tale of Little Wolf learning to howl, knowing that if my corgi mix, albeit from the northern realms of Alaska could do it, so could Little Wolf. While Daisy came off as, well, cute, there is nothing quite like a wolf's distant howl against a night sky to grab ones attention. Delightfully illustrated with colors that call to mind cooler nights and fall, we follow Little Wolf on a journey to find herself only after losing herself in the wilderness. No, don't worry. Not scary. 

In fact, she makes lots of new friends along the way, ultimately following Whale's advice to follow the brightest star in the north. Bear even teachers her to catch a salmon, quite relevant right now as many tune into the internet to watch bears fishing along Alaskan streams and, yes, the occasional wolf is spotted. Along the way Little Wolf learns new skills and ultimately finds her way to a high place and that northern star glistening in the night sky. She feels both hope and loneliness, illustrated by the, whoa, echoing howl that somehow comes from her depths. She's not only found her howl, she also finds that it brings her home to her family. All in all, a sweet, sparsely told story made all the more magical by the illustrations. I swear, you'll swear some of them are swirling. 

Children will delight in this tale, surely enjoying not just the scenes laid out before them but identifying the various creatures Little Wolf encounters. The word choices are simple yet effective, with the pictures drawing you in. Thanks #NetGalley and #MarblePress for allowing me to check in on Little Wolf early. I liked the feel of the book, quite true to a wolf's nature habitat in the north and imagine children will enjoy this sweet tale of learning as you grow and, yes, make mistakes.

A Very Woodsy Murder, by Ellen Byron

 Publication July 23, 2024

Excellent start to a new series. It did take me a bit to warm-up to Dee Stern but I came to like her spunk, for lack of a better word. She's been floundering in her role as a TV script writer and wants a change. True, she needs to work on her self-control and rein in her impulses, especially her mouth. It does seem to operate faster than her brain at times but that's half the fun and I did notice that she was making progress as the story went along. Of course, it was that impulsive decision to buy a run down, rustic motel that ultimately put her and ex-husband, now BFF Jeff, on a murder suspect list. Let's face it. Having their first guest murdered was not in their plans. 

Who killed annoying, deceitful script writer Michael Adam Baker who, as it turns out, isn't only rather a celebrated celebrity "son" in Foundgold but someone Dee once worked with. Unhappily, I might add. I'll leave that story for readers to discover, however. Who knew so many Hollywood types hung out in rural, rustic towns? It's a fun story, full of twists and turns and, oh, my, what a cast of quirky characters. Dee also inherits, so to speak, an ol' dog named Nugget who belonged to the late past owner and even a bear named Stoney. I think the bear by the cabin on the cover is what drew me initially to the book as I live in Alaska where bears in your yard aren't necessarily a oddity. The story takes place in the foothills of the Sierras, however. There's a neighboring town seemingly trapped in the gold rush era, with residents dressing appropriately to help sell the image. Even the local law officers. Wyatt Earp, anyone?

Watching Dee fumble her way through her first efforts at investigating is both hilarious and painful. As noted earlier, she doesn't always know when to rein in her impulsive mouth. With most of the residents already suspicious of Dee and Jeff as newbies, her efforts do little to appease their concerns. The cast, as noted, is definitely quirky but each stands out as an individual and most are quite likable, even the ones that initially frighten city-girl Dee. The setting sounds lovely and I could easily envision the views and, yes, the abundance of wildlife, even the artwork described. The humor and jokes flowed, too, both good and not, and, of course, given the setting, the Donner Party gets a mention....or two. Everything seems to make Dee think of a potential series pitch given her background, so it will be interesting to see if she's really done with that or finds time between cleaning guest rooms and changing sheets to get involved again. Maybe she can make Stoney a star? The rather sketchy look at her relationship with her voice actor father intrigues me, too, allowing us another glimpse into the behind-the-scenes goings on in the entertainment industry. 

And...and so much more. Seriously, as much fun as getting a glimpse of Hollywood writers and the business, it's a fun story primarily character driven. Despite being a bit taken aback by Dee's personality initially, I gradually warmed to her, if not all her jokes. Grin. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for introducing me to Foundgold and it's intriguing residents. I'm looking forward to finding out what's in store for Dee and Jeff, wondering where Dee's drive and imagination will take them. Hopefully not onto another suspect list.

Squirrels! This is Not a Book about Dinosaurs, by Mélina Schoenborn (author); Felipe Arriagada-Nunez (illustrator)

 

Publication June 4, 2024

Given that I've dubbed the local squirrel Nemesis in honor of its ability to annoy my dog simply by living, this book simply seemed to be begging me to read it. I'm glad I did as it was a quick, fun read. The artwork is very basic, almost childlike in nature much of the time though more detailed at times (such as when the human appears). While chuckling at the competition between the know-it-all squirrel and the big green dinosaur, you'll even learn a few things.

And, who better to tell us about squirrels than the leading expert on squirrels, a squirrel. While the book doesn't delve into detailed scientific matter, well, aside from that one time....er, never mind. It's presented in a simple, straightforward matter, some of it as if it's even an afterthought by the squirrel such as the number of teeth (22), which the dinosaur immediately one-ups. Even an acorn gets into the squabble. In other words, while reading or being read to, the child is drawn in by the personable characters. I mean, did you know about the giant squirrel of Asia that is the size of a small dog? Wow, glad my dog doesn't have to deal with one of those as a nemesis. 

Bottom line, a fun, informative read with lots of humor. Thanks #NetGalley and #Helvetiq for allowing me this peek at the book which, btw, was translated by Jeffrey K Butt from Canadian French. In other words, if you're bilingual, it's available in other versions.

Turkey Trot Trouble: A Cozy Animal Mystery (Ruff McPaw Mysteries #8), by Max Parrott

 

Publication Feb. 8, 2024

Who knew being in a cooking show could be murder?

As much as I enjoy the mysteries in this series, the thing that keeps bringing me back is the human, family side of Angela. Her mother has early onset dementia and although it's sort of a lurking beneath the surface aspect of the story, it showcases the love and togetherness of Angela's family, which now seems to largely include teacher boyfriend David. Having dealt with dementia in the family, it makes Angela seem not just all the more real but anchors the story in reality. Yes, there are adorable, personable critters, most notably Ruff, the border collie sidekick who hates wearing his service animal vest, but Angela would drop everything in a heartbeat to be with family and it's a lovely trait to have. She also works closely with the police, not always true in cozy mysteries, even when the main character is romantically involved with a detective or police officer. In other words, Angela and her family are characters we can all relate to as humans, not just virtual characters we drop in on each new book. 

As for the mystery, yikes. A star chef is murdered on camera....sorta. Who'd want to kill hometown guy made good? As it turns out, there are several different suspects. There are also family issues that arise and, huh, missing/stolen cookbooks? Fortunately, besides David, also a huge help with the critters, and family, Angela has very human backup, a reporter/editor friend who is as good as, if not better than Angela at computer searches. I was a bit disappointed to see Ruff, with his very human thoughts throughout, rather sidelined this go-round but I'm sure he'll be back in action next book. Hey, someone has to stay home and keep an eye on Eggatha and her escape artist chick, now grown, Indy, named after Indiana Jones. Now, if someone could just teach Angela to make a good pie.

Bottom line, a fun, easy read that I pretty much devoured in one day. I'm trying hard not to get hung up on taking notes, so I'm sure I've left out stuff but, hey, you'll find out all about the cooking contest, wayward turkeys, close knit family, and, hey, even some growing romance. Lots to enjoy and I always find myself wondering what Angela will manage to do to wind up in the hospital next time. Thanks #BookSirens and author #MaxParrott for letting me have this sneak peek into Angela's world again. My dog Daisy sends Ruff a tail wag.

Rewild the World at Bedtime: Hopeful Stories from Mother Nature, by Emily Hawkins , Ella Beech (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 5, 2024

A wonderful collection of stories from around the world. Each is designed to showcase ways diverse places and humans have learned to work with nature, not against. Beautifully illustrated, I imagine each story leading to discussion and appreciation. Heck, while aimed at children, this book is a great read for anyone who cares about our world and nature. Rather than made up, fantastical stories to entertain, these use reality to both entertain and inform. The illustrations are lovely, well thought out, and each story is illustrated with fascinating artwork, some of it along the edges (all with labels) as well as full scenes as the story closes. In other words, lots to see and hear and there's even a glossary and index.

I won't even try to pick a favorite story although I'm partial to wolves, so that one piqued my interest. So, too, did the info on the water buffalo project in Ukraine as I couldn't help but wonder how the war may be impacting these efforts. That's one probably unintentional way of reminding us that nature and man's efforts are always in flux and we need to pay attention. I should add that each story is short, 4-6 pages, with most in the four page range. All are positive and generally uplifting, maybe even inspiring as the world's resilience is again and again showcased. This would make a lovely gift for both child or adult, quite frankly. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #WideEyedEditions for sharing this with me. The cover is beautiful.

All Aboard the Alaska Train, by Brooke Hartman , John Joseph (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 5, 2024

As an Alaskan who has ridden the Alaskan train, known here as the Alaskan Railroad, I found this book a delight. Now, true, I feel the need to remind people that critters really don't join with passengers on trains since, well, as soon as they learn I live here, I've been asked several times by tourists "Can I pet the moose?" or "When do they turn on the Northern Lights?" and such. Which, reminds me, lovely illustration of the Lights in this book. "Aaaah and Oooooh" is definitely the perfect description. 

John Joseph's illustrations are a lovely touch, cute and humorous while capturing the essence of that page's focus. They're colorful and relatively realistic, I might note, in a cartoon-style manner. Brooke Hartman's mom was a tour guide on the train according to the info page, so it's obvious she comes by her interest and respect for the train journey naturally. The lyrical text is fun as it introduces the various animals and sights.  It flows. (Yes, I read it aloud to the dog.) Each is introduced with the repetitive line "Chugga-chugga, clickety clack," helping children hearing the story mentally switch gears each time. Make sure you take some time to fully look at each illustration, too, as there are some neat little things to be appreciated. Definitely allow time at the end to look at the arrival at the Fairbanks station drawing. The moose on roller skates is just one of the amusing things you'll find. 

Obviously, I fully enjoyed the book and may be adding it to my own guest room's Alaska Shelf. That's where I shelve books my non-Alaskan guests may find interesting. They'll appreciate the end material, too, which offers up a bit about the railroad's history and, say, use of blue and gold colors. There's also an illustrated guide to the various parts of a train, a fun add. Thanks #NetGalley and #RedCometPress for giving me this sneak peek. I especially like the use of the train climbing the mountain, seemingly to the sky, on the thank you page. Good use of the theme throughout.

Five Furry Familiars (Kitchen Witch Mysteries #5), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Feb. 20, 2024

What image do you conjure up when you hear the term "hellhound"? If you're like me, it's a rabid, snarling dog the size of a pony, foam dripping from its mouth and, gasp, is that blood dripping from its teeth? Demonic looking. Fierce. Think Cerberus. So, oh, boy, wait till you get a look at the hellhound the Goddess has gifted Mia's boyfriend Trent with. Be prepared, in other words.

But, wait, "Goddess?" you say? Yep, there's a whole town of magical beings mixed with the regular humans in Magic Springs, including, yep, you guessed, main character Mia. She's a kitchen witch and spells for good, not to mention creates delicious meals and goodies to share with both her human and witchy friends. And, oh, yeah, she helps solve murders in her spare time. 

Lately, there hasn't been much of that as she's taken on a job at the upscale Lodge where, quite frankly, she expects to be fired every day by the cranky, difficult boss. She's lucky enough to have her best friend Christina as her right-hand co-worker. Then, after Christina's former boyfriend returns to town expecting her to swoon and agree to marry him almost immediately, Christina has the misfortune to find him dead. Did I mention both the victim and Christina come from money? Her mother, complete with enough guilt trips to share with one and all, swoops in and even tries to set up the very settled Mia with Christina's brother....again. Like there weren't already enough complications, such as hellhounds and ex partners, male and female, showing up and creating jealousy. Oh, and there's the young ghost in the library, and the cat, Mr. Darcy, that seems to harbor a lost soul mistakenly zapped into the cat's body by a poorly thought out spell. And, then there's the police chief's wife who has, sigh, neglected to tell him she's a witch, too. Minor detail, right? And, there's more than a bit of humor throughout.

And, then, oh, never mind. Enough teasers. I loved this boo. Such fun. I could go on rather endlessly with the complications and twists and turns here, not to mention the magic that is simply accepted as the status quo, but, lucky you, I won't. I'll simply say, set aside reality for awhile, pick up this book, and enjoy the fun ride with Mia, hellhounds, kittens and dogs, drunks, cranky bosses, friends under suspicion of being murders and simply enjoy this fun story. If you're like me, you won't quite grasp all the nuances of the coven's ways but, well, it isn't necessary. Just accept and hang on to the roller coaster that seems to be Mia's life at times. And, oh, I can't forget. Mia's a kitchen witch, so there are recipes.

Cluckin' Clutch Commotion: A Cozy Animal Mystery (Ruff McPaw Mysteries Book 7), by Max Parrott

 

Between the somewhat bemused looking dog and the humor of the cover, it was impossible to resist this one. It's become a favorite series, I must admit. The chemistry between Angela and Ruff, her dog, is great and I liked the "thoughts" injected in places from Ruff. No, no talking dogs here. Just what one might surmise he's thinking. I've done the same with my own dog, must admit, and truth be told, I'm not sure I'd really want to know some of her thoughts about my human frailties and slowness to figure out what her eyes and expressions are telling me. Angela does make the mistake of overlooking some clues found by Ruff, of course, being a mere human. She's getting better, though.

As for the rest of the humans, there's Angela's boyfriend David who seems like a gem. Not only does Ruff approve of him but he's so nice the goats want to eat him. Honest. Well, his shirt. Some cute scenes with Angela's farm critters, that's for sure, including Eggatha the opinionated hen and Indiana, one of her adventurous chicks. Angela's family is also one many of us would adopt as our own easily, not to mention her father is a retired cop. Her mother's dementia, which I've noted in previous book reviews, is mentioned in this installment but only briefly. Her sister is largely uninvolved and brother William primarily as the employer of the victim of a murderer. Poor Seth. He actually sounded like a nice guy, helpful to all, and a wiz at auto mechanics. How could he not have noticed the problems with his vehicle? Why would someone want to kill him?

As for the murder, which it is deemed to be, it was interesting to watch Angela put the clues together to make sense of it all. True, she runs into problems and winds up on crutches but barely allows herself time to heal before she presses on. One aspect that I definitely liked near the end was her basically admission to her father that, sadly, solving a murder isn't always as satisfying as one might expect. Since she's always appeared a bit excited at getting another case and working with the police, that was a nice bit of growth for her to acknowledge. The growth of her relationship with Dave is also great to see after all the hesitations of past books. I must admit, as a retired teacher, I also like that he's a teacher, even if it keeps him ridiculously busy at times. 

Although it was nicely woven into the plot, I did hesitate briefly before giving into my need to keep up with Angela's life when I saw that part of the story line involved community animals getting sick. No one seems to know why, although many are suspicious of a new animal food. Needless to say, although I was relieved Ruff wasn't getting that brand, the animal lover in me was glad to see Angela get to the bottom of that mystery, too. Bottom line, a fun, quick read (I pretty much read it in one evening) with just the right mix of strong characters, critters, and whodunit. Thanks #BookSirens and #MaxParrott for allowing me to spend time with Angela, Ruff, Dave, and everyone involved again. I always enjoy my sneak peek visits.

Demolition Daredevil: A Cozy Animal Mystery, by Max Parrott

 

 

What could a gerbil have to do with two deaths and an explosion? 

This series continues to grow on me as I play catch up on reading. In this installment, Angela and Ruff are caught up in the investigation of one troubling death and find themselves investigating two deaths, not to mention the seemingly unrelated explosion of a local pesticide company. The only survivor of the explosion is a gerbil but, well, it can't talk. Angela is determined not only to help solve the weird string of coincidences occurring but save the little critter's life. She's also dealing with the slow moving relationship with Dave, a visit from her lawyer sister, her own farm critters' care, as well as her mother's dementia. You know, just a typical day in a PI's life, right?

I won't detail the plot except to say that although it starts with a fatal car wreck, there are just too many coincidences for Angela and the local Police Chief to ignore. It is definitely a nice break to see the police giving Angela respect, too, not always being the case in cozy mysteries. It all ties together in the end, however, as Angela, Police Chief Helbar, and her family all work toward justice being done. And, Speaking of family, as one who has dealt with dementia in a family member, I felt the pain Angela's family felt given her mother's increasing memory lapses but admire the author for including this aspect as part of the series' threads.

Bottom line, while the mystery was top-notch with twists and turns and red herrings, it was the characters that kept me reading. Angela's entire family sounds like they could be described as a warm hug, while new boyfriend Dave sounds like a winner, too. Their relationship is slow moving, yes, but one is reminded that at times slow and steady is the perfect pace. Even the suspects are fleshed out as we learn a bit about their backgrounds. And, no, I didn't figure it out until near the end. As for Ruff the dog, I adored Ruff who pouts like a child at being left home alone, his personality shining through. All in all, a fun, satisfying read with characters I like and am already looking forward to visiting again. Thanks #BookSirens for allowing me to get better acquainted with Angela and Ruff. Looking forward to spending more time with her family and friends.