A Hearse With No Name, by Nicholas George

 

Publication July 7, 2026

This was one of those books that I neither loved nor hated. It just seemed to have a lot going on and at times seemed to get bogged down. I did like the characters, however, especially former rock stars Adam and his wife Shawna. Heck, most of the suspects were relatively likable as the story went along. The only generally unlikable character seemed to be the victim. Let's just say, I'm glad they aren't part of my world. The small town of Cordoba itself is the sort of town one wouldn't expect murder to happen in but, well, Adam's already found himself helping out the local police, one of whom is related, on two cases. 

As for what's going on, let's see. We have flag pole sitting, family drama, retired rock stars, family issues, art, reunions, explosions, collapsing scaffolds and, well, more. Adam becomes involved when he reports the presence of an unmarked hearse with tinted windows parked near his record store. No one is particularly disturbed by it, so it sits around awhile until the police finally come to remove it. That's when the body of the crusty, okay, downright nasty female victim is discovered inside. In the meantime, a local celebrity is staging a flag pole sitting stunt to....oh, I'll leave that for you to discover. I would have liked to have seen Shawna in that outfit, however. In the meantime, Adam and Shawna are contacted and persuaded to take part in a reunion tour of their old band only to have a "not doing so well" band mate show up at their door. One with sticky fingers, no less. All this mixed in with tales of feuding neighbors, hated artwork, and secrets of the past. And, I'm leaving quite a bit out. As noted, lots going on with made for a, to me, relatively slow pace. I was intrigued enough to keep reading, however, and lost track of the number of times I changed my mind about whodunit. 

Bottom line, a relatively quick, easy read that while it didn't blow me away, hence the 3.5 rounded up to a 4 star, was still a fun read. I like the main characters enough that I will definitely be looking for the next in the series, too, so don't let my review put you off. The author does an excellent job fleshing out most of the characters. Thanks #SevernHouse and #NetGalley for the intro to Adam and Shawna and allowing me an early peek at the doings in supposedly sleepy Cordoba. Small towns definitely have their share of secrets and drama. 

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. 

A Delicious Deception (Key West Food Critic Mystery #16), bu Lucy Burdette

 

Publication July 14, 2026

This one might be a good read for someone who is prone to agree to doing favor after favor for others without thinking. Hayley is very pregnant and agrees to do what appears an easy favor for Deputy Darcy Rogers. She winds up finding herself in the middle of not just a child custody issue but murder and an abducted child. Let's just say, while she does acknowledge her limits at times, she ultimately is so exhausted from it all and the daily life of living in the middle of a construction zone in her new home that she forgets about her own baby shower. Yep, that's tired. To add another complication, husband Nathan has to leave home to go to Miami where his father is to undergo surgery and isn't on hand. True, she has good friends Miss Gloria and Annie Dubisson, both also former house boat residents, now living in a small cottage in her backyard. 

And....well, that's just the beginning though I won't spoil the plot any further. Let's just say it involves not just the aforementioned child custody issues, abduction, and murder, but probable drug dealers, lots of family drama and some odd police procedure. Nope, phew, not Nathan. Didn't seem to be as much carefree food talk this go-round as usual, nor do we get as much of a virtual tour of Key West, so hopefully Hayley will be back to her usual food critic/addict new book. She's definitely not going without food, however. After all, she's got that old cliche of an excuse of eating for two. There are food related quotes from various sources at the start of each chapter, though, so you don't have to go cold turkey for food mentions. 

Bottom line, although for some reason I couldn't quite connect to the story line, especially when the murder was sort of shoved into the shadows in favor of finding the missing child, but overall it was an easy, enjoyable read. The ending was a bit abrupt, too, hence a 3.5 star rounded up, although the changes to Hayley and Nathan's life at the end of the book hint of some fun scenes in Key West in the future. Fortunately, they seem to have their usual full support team behind them, probably eager to offer their services for....oops, not saying, though bet you can guess. 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 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. 

 

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. 

The Body at the Windmill (A Georgina Drake Mystery #7), by Kate Hardy

 

Publication Feb. 2, 2026

Two mysteries. Both involving poisoning. One old. One new. And, somehow, right in the middle of both, is photographer Georgina Drake. Who knew simply driving a friend to pick up a child who gets sick on a school field trip could lead to an investigation. Although initially most found it odd an entire group of children would get sick with the same thing at almost exactly the same time, no one thought too much about it. Then the teacher heading that field trip dies. Now it's a murder investigation that sucks Georgina into it in ways she'd just as rather have never happened. 

I don't want to give away too much more of the plot, it's a good one that'll keep you guessing, but will say it involves greed, family angst, manipulation, small town gossip, a dead rat, and the difficulty newcomers often face while trying to fit into a new place. You'll also get some serious background on windmill operation and the whys of the way things are done to manufacture flour. Lots of bits of history, too, mostly tied to the old murder. That's where Georgina's friend Doris comes into play. She has a talent Georgina doesn't. Doris is a ghost that only Georgina can hear through her hearing aid. She also seems to have the ability to slip in an out of locations not just effortlessly... I mean, would we expect anything less of a ghost .... but find and talk to deceased souls involved. In this case it's Margaret, accused and hanged for murder nearly a century ago. Doris' presence doesn't come across as spooky, just as the way it is, so don't hesitate to read this if you're a ghost skeptic. As you'll discover, some of the characters were/are, too. 

Which brings me to why I keep returning to this series. The characters are well fleshed out and it was particular fun to see Georgina's son Will home and playing a major role in the investigation. Actually, in both investigations. Even daughter Bea makes a brief appearance via a phone call, so it was a bit of a family reunion. Colin, the detective inspector and Georgina's boyfriend, is coming around but I was more impressed to see his open willingness to not just buy into Doris' existence but how he handled dealing with Will's work issues that brought him home. Not pushy, just available to listen if needed. In the process, we all learn a bit about the evolution of arsenic via some past research Will did for schooling. In any case, I liked the characters and how their connections have evolved. And, hey, if you enjoy a dose of Shakespeare and/or literary references, you'll definitely like this book. The mystery is solid, with several suspects and enough red herrings to keep you guessing. Thanks #StormPublishing for initially introducing me to this series and allowing me an early peek at how life is treating Georgina. My own affinity for picking up my camera without thought makes her a bit of a kindred soul for me. 

Life in the Old Girls Yet, by Celia Anderson

 

Publication Jan. 12, 2026

It's never too late to start over could be the theme of this book. No matter one's age, your age doesn't magically make you whole and complete with nary a backward glance. Let's just say, there are lots of looks back in this book. Vee/Venetia Prescott has returned to her childhood home of Dragonfly Cottage in the village of Willowbrook and feels just as confused and insecure as she was in her teens. There's a story there but I'll leave that for readers to discover on their own but it involves family and secrets. Oh, my, there are lots of secrets in this small village. Secrets and family drama, insecurities, and, well, a reputation to live down in Vee's case. 

But, is she the only one that feels that way? Of course not. She's lucky enough to be taken under the wing of the Saga Louts, a group of three older ladies whose zest for life is rather matched by the chaos of life. Beryl Summerfield is probably most prominent in the story but Althea and Winnie have their moments, as does handyman Rick who hopes Vee doesn't remember him. Oh, trust me, there's a story there, too, competing with several other side stories for our attention. I'm probably making the book sound much darker than it is by focusing on the character stories but it's also full of awakenings, self-discovery, revelations of the past and present, humor, friendship, and, oh, yes, an amazing road trip to France. Why France? Well, it's all to help Vee....but, nope. Not saying any more. It's a fun trip, too, so just kick back and enjoy as the characters begin to open up to life and each other rather than dwelling on perceptions. 

Bottom line, while it took me a bit to get the characters straight and the pace seemed to lag in spots, I enjoyed the ride. The descriptions were well done and the characters, with all their pluses and minuses, were likable and easy to come to care about. There are touches of romance, too, note, that's plural, and the mystery of Vee's past and why her return impacts so many will keep you reading. I'd also note that if you've ever had to renovate a long neglected house will relate to the challenge facing Vee and Rick as they try to bring back the home she knew as a child. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the opportunity to meet this interesting group and get an early peek as Vee struggles to reconcile her past and present, not to mention her future. 

Murder from A to Z (Mystery Bookshop #11), by V.M. Burns

 

Publication Jan. 27, 2026

It's obviously been awhile since I've read this series but I felt at home again quickly. I liked the main characters of Samantha/Sam and her lawyer sister Jenna. The supporting cast is rather large, admittedly, but I took notes as needed and found myself able to connect relationships fairly easily. Boyfriend/fiance Frank Patterson seems to be not only a marvelous baker but capable of being scary to suspects, an interesting combo, especially when you toss in Frank's friend and former military buddy, Garrett, a sniper who has done "scary things". I think that means they were super spies or Seals or something akin to national security. The only thing that seems to frighten Garrett is Irma. Nope, not telling you why. You'll just have to read the book.

As for the murder, it begins with secret code being sent via eye blinks. Before any real response can be mustered, however, Alva Tarkington is dead and her family seems to be more interested in when they'll receive their inheritance than showing any sadness over her death. The only one who seems to have cared is Isabella, who plays an important role in the story. I'm not going to detail the plot further but will say it involves family drama, lots of it, art, shady business dealings, senior sleuths, the importance of estate planning, and, oh, yeah, the FBI gets involved. And lots of food. You'll pick up lots of info on art, especially painting, including art theft and forgery from as far back as World War II. Let's just say, Sam has her hands full sorting it all out.

Bottom line, despite having obviously missed a couple books, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's quite character driven and the regulars are well fleshed out. Nana Jo is definitely a force to be obeyed, that's for sure. And let's not forget Snickers and Oreo, the two now senior cats of the story. Thanks #KensingtonPress for the early peek and reminder to me that I need to catch up on reading. I always enjoy the two-for-one concept as we get Sam's current mystery strewn throughout the current one, a real plus. Rather cool to see a bit of Winston Churchill vs Neville Chamberlain's appeasement approaches. 

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. 

Murder on the Clock (A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 4), by Lucy Connelly

 

Publication Nov. 14, 2025

It took me awhile to get into this one but once I did, I enjoyed it. One of those that while it didn't wow me, it keep me entertained. Twins Lizzy and Mercy McCarthy inherited their grandfather's bookshop and cottage in Ireland and Mercy is trying to find just the right present for Lizzy. She settles on having their mother's old watch, a family keepsake, repaired and takes it to the local Clock & Jewelry store. Next thing you know, the repairman is found dead. Well, while it certainly isn't what Lizzy would have wanted but looks like she's getting a murder investigation for her birthday ... and not one mystery author Mercy wrote ... although Mercy tries mightily to keep it a secret from her that the watch went missing. And, the story is off.

I won't share any more of the plot but will say that despite the to mevslow acceleration of the story, it was nice to get to know the town of Shamrock Cove, Ireland, in the process. It's one of those typical mystery cozy towns where everyone knows each other, often better than some would want. As relative newcomers, Mercy and Lizzie are still feeling their way but have made progress becoming a part of the community. Heck, there even seems to be some s.l.o.w. progress in the relationship between Mercy and Detective Inspector Kiernan. Even better, a potential romance seems to have emerged for Lizzie although that's still a big unknown. Sounds promising, however. Overall, the cast of characters is quirky at times but likable and, hey, let's not forget Mr. Poe, Mercy's canine buddy. The town has secrets and long running feuds but did that lead to murder? Family Dramas? Romance gone wrong? Greed? 

Bottom line, if you like a bit of a slow build, this one will be a hit with you. The rest of us ultimately fell into line, too, as the characters took the spotlight. It's been fun to further differentiate Mercy and Lizzie, Mercy the more introverted writer type, while Lizzie is the more open, caring sort who knows just what to say to others.  It was also rather nice to see people who were willing to take the time and money to have old items repaired rather than simply trash them and buy new. I think I'd have enjoyed that clock shop. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for this virtual trip to Ireland. Looking forward to seeing more on the potential stalker matter next installment. It largely didn't seem to be an element this go-round.

Murder in Venice (An Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery Book 13), by T.A. Williams

 

Publication Nov. 3, 2025

How have I missed this series until now? I'm delighted to add it to my favorites list. Not only is main character Dan Armstrong quite likable and believable, but his dog Oscar's personality shines through, too. Dan, a retired investigator from Scotland Yard, now lives in Italy but is making his first visit to Venice in this installment and does an excellent job in setting the scene. I've never been there, alas, but found his real world assessments made me feel like I was not only tagging along for the trip to movie legend Alice Graceland's luxury villa but enjoying the waterways that serve as roads in most of the area. I liked that the author took a short moment to explain that boat traffic speeds were strictly enforced and why. The speeds are kept to 5 km, about 3 mph, to control not just the heavy boat traffic but to limit wave wear and tear on the buildings that line the canals. You'll be able to visualize the homes alongside and the many bridges that cross the canals. Just don't follow Dan's example of, uh, taking a shortcut, let's say. Oscar followed right along, I might add. 

The various characters were well-fleshed albeit not all were likable. There are plenty of secrets hidden amongst this odd grouping that Alice has brought together for a murder mystery party. Why a murder mystery party? Oh, she has her reasons but, nope, not telling. Although this was my first dive into this series, it worked well as a standalone. We even got to meet Dan's soon to be bride, Anna, and his visiting parents before he sets out on his trip to Venice. Heck, we even spend a few moments with a former collegue, Virgilio, who asks Dan to retrieve a Murano vase for him while in Venice. That's the easy part as he enters a web of past secrets that have raised the atmosphere there to an uncomfortable level. As Dan notes, the only one that seems to be happy to be there is Oscar and that's probably because people by, uh, accident keep dropping tidbits from the table that he gobbles up. Alice is a particular favorite. Dan's least favorite part is the costumes Alice asks her guests to don for the mystery game. Can't say that I blamed him. 

I won't detail the plot further except to say that the atmosphere is already weird when one of the guests is found dead. Who did it? Why this particular victim? Could it have been an accidental overdose? How did the vibe of the mystery game complicate matters? How is this odd group of characters connected and why did Alice invite them in the first place? Will Oscar get his walks despite the complications? Grin. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at a delightful series that I'll not only be looking forward to in the future but playing catch-up reading on asap. Virtual treats, okay, sirloin for Oscar!

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

 

Publication October 21, 2025

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

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

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

 

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

 

Publication October 9, 2025

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

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

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