The Key to a Killer (The Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries, #3), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication Oct. 20, 2026

It's the odd couple relationship still being forged between Ruby Young and the still new to her ghostly existence Cordelia Graves that draws me to this series as much as, maybe more than the mystery itself. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with the mysteries. They're fine being a character driven reader, I find the contrast between the two main characters particularly intriguing as we watch the learning cure for a ghost with all its possibilities and "can't do" actions so unique and seemingly ever changing. That's in comparison to other works that feature ghosts with far more latitude and abilities. Here, Cordelia's tendency to blow up modern technology, too, helps keep the focus on good ol' brain power and the non-computerized aspects of finding clues and evidence. While certainly not entirely ignored, that element adds another layer of interest.

Personal connections and relationships aren't cut and dried, either. The chapters alternate between the two main characters, so we get to spend quite a bit of time with each, frequently seeing their different reactions to the same events. Ruby seems to have adapted fairly well to having a ghost as a roommate while Cordelia is still often seen flailing about trying to make sense of what really happened to her and what all this being a ghost is about. I mean, how you you react finding yourself as a ghost and having no memory of what or who killed you? Despite the still rudimentary, awkward communications between Ruby and Cordelia, Ruby finally makes it clear that she thinks it is time they focus on trying to sort it all out. And, yes, you'll gradually come to learn more of the story and events leading to Cordelia's death. In the process, we get to know more about reporter Penny, a sorta friend to Ruby, and the one who found Cordelia's body, an act that there is far more to than was known. You'll also get to spend more time with Ian, Cordelia's brother. Gotta admit, his lock picking skills may come in handy.

Bottom line, while I won't detail the plot and I'm still not quite sure that as fascinated as I find the situation that I even like the living and dead duo, I find the whole scenario intriguing. Two more unlikely friends I cannot imagine. I was honestly expecting more of an explosive finale as we learn who Cordelia's killer was but, when I thought about it, it was all somehow fitting. One sweet moment comes when Ruby gets a glimpse at an old photo of Cordelia and Ian as children, the first true image she's had of her ghostly friend. And what do all the burglaries have to do with anything? Let's face it, Boston's best face isn't visible much in this series. There's even a tying up of the goings on at Cordelia's old job, now Ruby's, so lots of ground is covered. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to this unusual but intriguing odd pair and allowing me an early look at this, oh, so personal glimpse into the ongoing, ever changing relationship between Ruby and Cordelia. 

Alaskan Humble Pie, by Natasha Von Imhof

 

Publication Aug. 2, 2026

As an Alaskan, I'm always delighted to find a good read set in Alaska. In this case, it's set in my general neighborhood in nearby Palmer, Alaska. Also, by sheer chance, it has an episode set at the Alaska State Fair which is going on as I type. Even better, it has interesting characters with equally interesting side stories. As it turned out, too, while I don't know her personally, I correctly had the sense that I knew the author's name. All this should explain why I found myself finishing this one up in one day.

There is a mystic, an aura about Alaska that the author captures well. City boy Ryder is far more comfortable on stage with his band before thousands of screaming fans than doing farm work but, well, due to circumstances finds himself needing to disappear for a while. You'll find out why early on, don't worry. Also, don't immediately assume he didn't help create his own frightening situation. There's a double meaning to that title. Lucky for Ryder, Joe, his manager, has a sister who lives in Palmer, Alaska, and sends him there under a new name and, gasp, without a cell phone. Again, you'll find out why and it's all quite a wild story, including shady hit men. While all that drama is going on in the headlines due to his disappearance and threats being tossed around, Ryder finds himself learning how to be a farmer. Jolene, manager Joe's sister, is a strong, no-nonsense kind of woman with problems of her own but takes Ryder in and does all she can to protect her. 

And, yes, this is a romance and you'll meet Allison, the female half of the romantic duo to be, early on but, well, let's just say she isn't impressed by him. In fact, I'd say she's suspicious even with no real cause to be.  Oh, okay, Ryder is initially a spoiled jerk but, well, Allison, a medical student, has her own traumas and issues to deal with so it was actually a plus to have such a lengthy time to get to know the varied, unique characters that inhabit Ryder's new reality. Each character gets an opportunity to share thoughts, hence you'll get several points of view, even from the few who are genuinely unlikable. Oh, and romance blooms elsewhere, too, besides between Ryder and Allison when an old friend more or less literally drops from the sky onto Jolene's property. Let's just say, you'll learn a bit about bush pilots and planes, a common mode of travel here in Alaska, from that angle.

I genuinely liked the characters and felt like I should be able to zip over to the currently running State Fair and find them to hang out with. The author does a wonderful job building complex characters and respecting all that Alaska's mystic and realities can offer up. I grinned when she even used well known street names, another sign of an author who knows what she's talking about. The multiple stories and complex personalities we're introduced make for an intriguing look at not just Alaska and the sense of community but, well, even DC gets it's share of the story. As does Big Lake, another location quite familiar to me. The plot moves along smoothly but also doesn't seem to, if that makes sense, as there seems to always be one thing or the other happening with one or the other of the inter-connected characters. 

Seriously, you'll feel like you know them well by the time you finish and, as noted, think they're surely sprawled out on a porch or around a campfire playing their instruments and singing everything from old time songs to the latest. John Denver gets a lovely mention or two, I'll note, and you will find out why. My sincere thanks to #AtmospherePress and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a book that felt like it might as well have been set in my own neighborhood. Close knit communities and the seemingly endless hours of daylight in the summer here are all part of the magic that helps the troubled Ryder find his way back to his love of music and, hmm, Allison. Love the idea presented at the end that combines her medical side with music, that's for sure. 

 

 

Murder at Christmas, by T A Williams

 

Publication Aug. , 2026

I've grown to really enjoy my virtual visits with Private Investigator Dan Armstrong and his canine buddy Oscar. Even better this go-round, we get to spend a bit more time with his professor wife Anna. They're already planned to spend some quality time with their children over Christmas when a former client of sorts asks them to come to the luxurious Alpine resort she's staying at. Seems the man who invited her there to talk business is in fear of his life. They didn't hesitate long, especially when Oscar was also invited along. I won't detail the plot but needless to say there is a murder and Dan investigates. Heck, besides Oscar, even Anna gets into the action far more than I recall in any of the previous books. They make quite a team.

Since, despite Selena's concerns, it isn't quickly obvious who the victim will be, I'll leave it with "victim"  and just say there is an uneasiness in the air and quite a few suspects, some family members. We're introduced to them more or less as Dan is, so it was relatively easy to sort out who was who and who was connected and how, so I didn't suffer my frequent frustration of keeping track of a fairly large cast. Much of the info shared is simply revealed in casual "getting to know you" style conversation between Dan and the rest, too, so it happens in a low key way with us learning about them as Dan does. Oscar, in the meantime, has found not just a new canine buddy but has sorted out who among them all will be soft touches for treats. The descriptions of the scenery and resort are well done, making you feel like you are right there taking it all in with Dan. Seriously, if I could conjure up the perfect tour guide for not just Italy but just about anywhere, he'd be the result. You feel as if you're sitting on the couch chatting with him or riding along or walking with him (and Oscar). 

It's telling that Selena introduces Dan as a writer, not a private investigator. She obviously suspects foul play to come but doesn't seem to be able to pinpoint any one suspect. Without going into specifics of why our victim meets his death. let's just say there is a flood of family dynamics and drama going on, suspicious minds, mistrust, greed, and a sense of isolation that adds to the atmosphere. Not that there isn't lots to distract you, from food, oh, the food, and wine, lots of wine, gorgeous scenery, and don't forget that winding road Dan and Anna must navigate just to get there. There's even talk of how best to preserve the environment and wildlife, something that is a wedge between family members, I will note. 

Bottom line, another thoroughly enjoyable adventure with Dan and Oscar. Oscar does have the knack of somehow knowing just when to insert himself into the action. Even some of the seemingly unlikable characters show grace and growth at the end, a plus to the story. And, as noted, liked seeing not just a bit more of Anna but her being in on the big reveal, so to speak. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dan Armstrong and the very intuitive Oscar. I'm already looking forward to taking my next virtual jaunt with them, no matter where it leads. Kinda nice to be able to be an armchair traveler in foreign to me lands. 

A Murder at the Mansion (A Novel Detectives Mystery, 3), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication July 21, 2026

Annie and Fletcher tackle what is surely their most high profile case yet. An elderly, reclusive heiress, Bernadette Garst, has gone missing and Detective Caldwell asks for their help. The story jumps right into the mystery, so you're pulled in immediately. Time is, of course, of the essence, although it's the one thing they don't have in abundance. Fletcher is now not only working as a detective while maintaining his bookshop job but is also immersed in college classes. Annie is happy to have hired some solid help but feels bad simply leaving them and, hey, maybe more importantly, her romance with Liam is getting serious and they are having some serious discussions about moving in together. Never mind, though, as everything else is now secondary, well, other than Fletcher's college demands, and they're on the case. I rather wonder when he sleeps. 

I won't detail the plot much as encountering the clues as Annie does is part of the fun. I found myself wondering about a few, only to have the author answer that question for me soon thereafter, so you may have the same experience with your questions.  Helps us wannabe sleuths sort out the meaningful clues from distractions. One distraction is the family's seeming disconnect and Bernadette's missing lawyer. The only one who seems to be the least bit genuine is teen Preston, who even that super hyped/trained up poodle seems to like. I decided I'd probably be giving it a wide berth, too, though I loved its name, Dorothy Barker. Dog person that I am, I was delighted to see dogs play a role in this go-round. Where is the lawyer? Who would have taken or, gulp, killed the elderly Bernadette? That mystery lingers awhile but, double gulp, the missing lawyer's body is found in a boat shed by the pond. So now Annie has two mysteries to solve. Detective Caldwell, known to Annie still as Dr. Caldwell due to her having been one of Annie's most admired college professors, is good about being on call but Annie does have a knack for stumbling into places she might want to leave for the police to investigate. What secrets are the family members hiding? Why? Could Paula really fly the dog to a doggie spa for grooming and pampering on Bernadette's dime? (Answer, yes. Read the author's notes at the end.) 

Bottom line, I fully enjoy this series and fell into this one immediately. The quick start of the action was a real plus. The characters are well fleshed out and their connections shared early on even as Annie begins the investigation. I still have to marvel at how unlikable I found Annie way back when as opposed to how much I've grown to like and admire the character over the course of the books that feature her. The fact the characters are there for each other and have their own lives is a plus, too. It was fun to catch up with Annie's best friend, too, although she played a minor role. Liam is, as usual, a rock for Annie. Finally, the side mystery involving Hal and his belief in his connection to Agatha Christie has been a continuing story, so looking forward to seeing how that plays out. I'm leaving out lots but, well, want you to enjoy the discoveries as they happen and see how life is progressing for all of them. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie originally and providing the early peeks into life in Redwood Grove as the dynamics between the characters play out. Loved the ending and what it meant for Fletcher in particular and all that may happen as a result. Nope, not telling. Read the book. If you enjoy cozies, you'll like this one. Heck, you'll even pick up some sleuthing hints. Grin. .