Little Bookworm: Mystery, by Gabbi Calabrese, Helen Dardik (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 1, 202

As a mystery fan, I was immediately attracted to the cute cover. I think I was expecting some sort of admittedly very basic, basic level mystery, probably dealing with a missing item. It turned out to be more of a tool to introduce the various genre terms to young readers. That aspect was well done, quite nicely defined and shown in the cute illustrations, but would have still loved to have seen it all woven into a story. I know, I know. Making work for an author who is focused on another aspect just to please me. Grin.

That aside, especially as a former teacher, I could still appreciate the organization and witty illustrations that added to the understanding. While I believe this one would better serve as a guided read with an adult, there's plenty for the youngest readers to see and learn. I hesitate to comment on the layout since I was having to read this on my phone at the time, but the illustrations, while colorful, fun, and witty, seemed like they might be difficult for the youngest readers to navigate. That may, of course, not be the case on the actual picture book, so I didn't hold that against the book. The explanations of the terms were well done and the adjoining illustrations did much to extend understanding, such as the one comment I loved about anyone having the ability to be a sleuth. 

Bottom line, how you rate this one will probably depend on not just expectations but the age and interest your young reader has in mysteries.  I was a bit bemused at the use of "babies" in the blurb materials as, well, I'm not sure babies would be an ideal audience for this, even toddlers with some vocabulary to build on. Given the proper presentation and audience, that wasn't my teaching level, the whimsical illustrations can work, however, and the child can come away with an appreciation for mysteries.....Who stole my toy?!!! Grin..... while chuckling at the illustrations. Check out those hats in the various pictures in particular as they are not just witty but frequently show how costume can help define characters. Or maybe have your child practice counting, too. Hey, evidence is evidence and they're all quite playful. Thanks #SourcebooksKids, for giving me this sneak peek. Aside from not quite being sure of the age level, I feel it has a great deal to offer, including smiles and giggles as its read and discussed. Having grown up with Nancy Drew, I'm a good example of how childhood habits can leave a lasting impression. 

A Summertime Murder (The Isle of Wight Killings #5), by Mary Grand

Publication March 9, 2026

Susan lives in a lovely setting where everything appears serene and calm on the surface. Only, it isn't. There are lots of twists and turns and I lost track of how many times I changed my mind about who was the most likely culprit. The prologue sets the mood as we're briefly in a killer's mind, leaving us uneasy as we wait to find out the details. As such, the fact life goes on as usual for awhile, dog walks and ocean swims included, prepares us but not for how many seem to have had a reason for wanting the victim dead. It reminds us that a killer can walk amongst us anytime, their life rarely allowing a glimpse into whatever drove them to kill. 

We meet Susan early on (this was my first read of the series) and while tired of the overbearing heat of a seemingly never ending heat wave, she's going about her life. We even get to meet not just her friends but the eventual victim, a local vet whose clinic was just broken into. There are quite a few characters, too, so it took me a bit to sort them all out, occasionally getting confused about who was with who or married to who or whose dog was which. I did quickly suss out that Susan seems involved in a slowly budding romance with Robert, a retired cop, but he was in France with his daughter for much of the book, There always seemed to something hovering just beneath the surface, albeit you're not sure what it is about. Everyone seemed to have secrets. Heck, even Susan seems to have a secret of sorts that involves Steve, her ex-husband who shows up in town expecting to stay at her place briefly....for work, of course. 

Bottom line, lots of secrets on the Isle of Wright. Who'd have wanted to kill the local vet and why? He was a keeper of secrets, too, of course, from the past and present. Let's say his wife didn't seem enthused about his news of a big break. But, more than enough said. Once you sort out the characters, which may be more the fact this was my first read of the series than not, it's an intriguing mystery with a growing sense of unease always just below the surface. Lots of twists and turns and, as noted, misdirection that have you pointing to one suspect after another as whodunit, some more than once. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this intriguing book and author. While it was maybe a bit out of my usual cozy mystery niche, I found it an interesting read and will definitely be back. It was a plus to me that the story was centered around a small town vet practice, too, animal person that I am. Loved the teaser at the end regarding Susan's future. 

The Harvey Girl, by Dana Stabenow

 

Publication March 3, 2026

I bought my first book by Dana Stabenow in Denali Park, Alaska. I loved it and still have that book, now autographed. Yes, I've met her. As such, I was prepared to love this one from the git go. So, you can imagine my surprise when, after the first chapter, I was rather lost. I actually pondered putting it aside, figuring it was just me too caught up in real life events to allow myself to be sucked in. Fortunately, I kept reading and was glad I did. While I'm not quite sold on it the way I was on that first book set in Alaska, this one in the Wild West of 1890 did eventually pull me in. I've always been a sucker for a western, bring on those cowboys, but Stabenow's usual wonderful job of setting the story in the gritty, frequently violent, rough and barely civilized mining town of Montana Roja and it's quirky cast of characters was well done. Seriously, I could picture that drunk sheriff ignoring lawlessness and the likes of a killer one day showing up at a dance the next and shyly asking heroine Clare Wright to dance, not to mention delight in well-known names like Bat Masterson and Mark Twain popping up. 

As a history major, the historical aspects of the story were great fun. I'd heard of the Harvey Girls although I don't recall where. Reading Clare's daily routine as she worked undercover for the Pinkerton's to solve a murder made me wonder how she could stand up at the end of the day, let alone do any sleuthing. Those women didn't have it easy, that's for sure. Stabenow includes a Cast of Characters upfront, by the way, which I found helpful. I managed to get about halfway through before I finally had to satisfy my curiosity and skip ahead to the acknowledgements and Stabenow's notes on where the idea for the story came from and what was historically based and/or maybe tweaked just a bit. Sorry, Dana. I was impatient. I also took time to do a quick read up on the history of the Harvey Girls to refresh my memory. Worth your time if you're so inclined. Stabenow provides such a strong sense of the time and place that it makes it all the more real. (And, yes, there's a movie staring Judy Garland.)

So what's the mystery, you ask? Who killed the train conductor and what was he maybe or maybe not involved in? The murder is rather quick but, whoa, the murder itself is enough to remind you that you're reading about a lawless era when violence was often violent and quick. In addition, you'll get a great look at how train cars were hooked up, moved, and transferred from one train to the next while also being provided a mind picture of the setting the train travels through. I won't ruin the plot by saying much more but it was intriguing to see Clare working hard all day and dealing with the restrictions put on women of the era. 

Bottom line, despite the slow-to-me start, I wound up enjoying this probably new series. Given my assumption Stabenow  is setting us up for a continuing series, I was able to overlook the fact that end maybe wasn't tied up for us all nice and pretty, not to mention that this character driven reader chaffed at not knowing more of Clare's background until near the end. Thanks #BloomsburyUSA for giving me this early peek at not just a favorite author (and fellow Alaskan) but letting me hop a virtual time travel machine to drop into an era I've always found fascinating, the still not neat and pretty Wild West. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series. 

Murder Will Out, by Jennifer K. Breedlove

 

Publication Feb. 17, 2026

While this one didn't quite click with me, I can see where many will love it. It has a Gothic and paranormal vibe, ghostly lights and voices, family drama, greed, and more. When Willow Stone arrives back in a small town off the coast of Maine, she doesn't quite know what to expect. It's been years since she visited due to her family suddenly leaving and never returning. You meet the ghostly souls of Cameron House early on before Willow's arrival, however. A nice, spooky but intriguing vibe. Are there really ghosts there or is it the murderer's guilty conscience? It made me want to know more about the house and its inhabitants, living or dead. Willow meets some odd residents almost as soon as she arrives including Geralt, the likely inheritor of Cameron House. The less than welcoming tone when Willow shows up to play the organ for her grandmother's friend Sue's funeral should have been a big hint to her that all was not well, however. In other words, lots going on that newcomers couldn't quite grasp. 

Part of my ho-hum reaction to the book was probably my initial, well, not dislike, but I wasn't really liking Willow, either. I found myself wanting to know more about the ghosts that her. She did grow on me a bit as the book went along but I never felt quite connected. That said, that may be on me as much as the book. Sometimes it's the right book but the wrong time, you know. In any case, people start dying and Willow is pulled into trying to sort things out herself as the police aren't convinced any foul play was involved. And, oh, did I mention that Cameron House is hiding a host of secrets itself?

Bottom line, while not a hit with me, a 3.5 rounded to 4 stars, it was still a pleasant read with mostly interesting characters and, oh, yes, a dog. I can't forget Finn, the corgi, probably why I requested this to review in the first place. Grin. I never really settled on whodunit until the reveal, I have to admit, but the clue were all there, so you can have fun seeing if you can figure it out faster than both Willow and me. Just remember, things aren't always as they seem. Thanks StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early look at Willow's return home and all that it involved. Ghosts and murder. What a combo, huh? 

The Curator's Inheritance, by Sabine Frisch

 

Publication Dec. 20, 202

I was drawn into this one by the mention of the Monuments Men in the blurb. What can I say? This ol' history major is a sucker for anything historical and the whole concept of the work of that group still astonishes and impresses. While I can't say that this was the book for me, I enjoyed the idea behind it. A former member of that Monuments Men team leaves his mansion to Sydney Fisher, a former neighbor and art lover who'd been mentored in a way by him. That isn't all he left. He left behind a bewildering puzzle of clues and art with the reminder that sometimes what you see isn't what's important. It's what has been hidden. Fortunately, he also left behind a superbly trained support team and notes. Now, if only Sydney and Elena Rodriguez, another student, let's say, of Marcus Vale, with the important tie that her grandmother was one of his vital helpers during the wartime recovery efforts, can pull together that team and figure out the message he so cleverly and carefully left for them and it's meaning. Not just to them but the world, especially the art world.

The technology/computer aspects of the story quickly went right over my head, unfortunately. Not quite enough to leave me totally confused, but enough to leave me wondering if I'd fallen into the secrets of the old mansion myself. While I know about the art and the verification of authenticity methods, I was lost with the codes and numbers and coordinates that became such a big part of the story. Oddly enough, this may be where those seriously into technology and computers may be seriously sucked into the story as they try to stay one step ahead of Sydney and Elena, not to mention the shadowy figures who seem to be trying to stop them. You'll definitely learn quite a bit about not just painting but even framing, right down to the connectors holding the frame sides together. It was all rather intriguing. You could definitely see Sydney and Elena growing closer, learning to trust each other, not to mention Sydney's trusty dog Wolfgang, he of the slightly crooked ears and sensitive hearing and distinctive warning barks/sounds. I was definitely glad to see him earn his place on the expanding team as the story goes along.

Bottom line, while slow paced not quite pulling me in, many will find this an intriguing story. I did wish a bit more space had been given to the goals and workmanship of the Monuments Men early on although this takes it a step beyond, into the much more technical, modern world. A world where secrets abound and you're not quite sure who to trust. Thanks to #BookSirens and the author for allowing me this early look at a book that pulled together, however haphazardly, my love of history and intrigue. The quote that stuck with me was something to the extent of the search for the right ending to an old story. That's an apt description.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She Doesn't Have a Clue, by Jenny Elder Moke

 

Publication Jan. 21, 2025

Kate should be delighted to find herself sharing an isolated private island with long-time crush Jake. Well, maybe if she she wasn't being accused of being a murderer. A mystery author herself, Kate also notes a strange similarity to her own mystery novels. The fact she's a klutz and seems to always manage to react in exactly the wrong way to events doesn't help. I was confused initially when the point of view seemed to be flashing between Kate and someone named Loretta who seemed to have a handle on such things far, far better than Kate. As it turns out, Loretta is Kate's fictional creation, one she tends to hide behind. Heck, she even uses Loretta to facilitate her fantasies about Jake, who she's also made into a character in her book series. She uses Loretta as a bit of a shield, so to speak, trying to imagine how Loretta would handle finding a body and being stuck on an island in the middle of a savage storm amidst a feuding family, spooky manor house with countless confusing hallways and hidden passages, countless animal trophies, both heads and full bodies, hidden rooms, an eccentric hostess, and, oh, yeah, a wedding party. Ah, complications and locked room mystery vibes mixed with rom-com vibes.

I won't detail the plot but will say to buckle your seat belt. It tends to zig-zag and twist and turn, all while we're bouncing back and forth in Kate and Kate As Loretta's minds, so to speak. Heck, I haven't even mentioned the Deer Shredder, who handiwork we encounter early on. Toss in a dead body or two and, well, there's lots going on. There are even some steamy scenes when Kate does let down her guard against Jake. Maybe because he keeps rescuing her? Usually just in time for her to be accused of something else, of course. Wait until you see the fixes she keeps getting into. Lots going on, most mirroring Kate's own fictional works. Who'd be so diabolical? I actually wound up liking Jake far more than Kate, mostly because he seemed more open and honest upfront. Kate is hiding behind Loretta, using her to try to make sense of everything. All this, remember, while a storm is raging, winds are blowing out windows, and mysterious fires break out, not to mention fingers being pointed at Kate for much of the misery.

Have I confused you yet? There really is a rational ending, albeit one that may make your heart race before all is said and done. I'm not sure this was a book for me but, as noted, I came to understand Kate far more as the book drew to a close. It's far easier to hide behind the mask of Loretta for her than to face messy reality, bottom line. Loretta has all the answers while Kate has, well, none. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to be an early fly on the wall while Kate struggles to make sense of not just the mystery but own life. Not quite the book for me but I can imagine others will love the rush of adventure, romance, and spooky intrigue.

The Petectives: The Grilled Cheese Caper

 

This was a cute, goofy read that will keep young readers guessing. As both a mystery fan and dog person, I was drawn to this one by the whimsical cover showing the two Petectives, Purrlock and Marlowe. Purrlock is a hoot, seemingly equal parts obsessed with supposed nemesis Meowierty and food. The illustrations are fun and help share some of the backstory, including Purrlock’s role on the football team. Marlowe sorts it all out while reminding Purrlock that his obsession with Meowierty isn’t quite what he remembers. Readers will have fun following this pair around.

Note: I have no clue when or even if this one will be available. The original publication date was March 2025 but has been changed to 2080. Yes, '80. As a result, I'm posting no names here of publisher until I receive some clarification. 

Death at the Dinner Party (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #3), by Ellie Alexander

 Publication Sept. 30, 2024

Absolutely love this series. It's been a delight to watch Annie's growth as a sleuth while getting to know her and the side characters better. Liam Donovan is definitely a keeper...at least if Annie doesn't give him a heart attack with some of the situations she finds herself in. I also love best friend Pri(ya) Kapoor, whose sense of humor seems to shine through even during some seriously tense situations. I'm so glad she and Double Americano, her original nickname for now romantic partner Penny Shurr, have found each other, too. 

Even though it didn't go according to the script Annie had penned, I loved the vibe of the Clue styled dinner party. The addition of a torrential rain with lightning storm, not to mention the power outage and flickering lights and candles in the rumored cursed Wentworth farm, the setting of the crime, was perfect. It didn't hurt that chef Liam was on hand to distract Annie from only thoughts of murder, either.

Of course, the real murder quickly is on everyone's mind. One of Ophelia's acting troupe, Jeff, is a suspect. But, why would he have killed Curtis Wright? It soon becomes apparent that Jeff isn't the only one on the suspect list. Nope, not going to detail the plot, that's what blurbs are for, but will say it includes not just thunder and lightning but mysterious footprints, locked doors, hidden treasure, hidden passageways, spiders, condescending males, missing items, money worries, bookish references, and, well, lots more explosive events, including romance. It's interesting being inside Annie's head as she pulls up bits of crime solving tidbits, such as don't act on impulse. Needless to say, Annie doesn't always follow her own (and Dr. Caldwell's) advice. Impulsive, thou name is Annie.

Bottom line. loving this relatively young series and thoroughly enjoyed this episode, even if I did fret about Pri's status briefly as Annie is caught up in her knight in shining armor's actions once again. Author Alexander is also top-notch at not just giving us well fleshed out characters that are interesting in their own right but describing the town of Redwood Grove and the buildings involved themselves. It sounds like a delightful place and I'm looking forward to more time with bookshop owner Hall Christie and Annie's coworker Fletcher, too. Thanks #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for allowing me an early entry into Annie's world. It's definitely never a dull one.

Summers at the Saint, by Mary Kay Andrews

 

Publication May 7, 2024

First, an admission. I clicked on the "request to review" button for this one based on two things, the summer at the beach type cover and an expectation of a fun romance from an author I've loved for years. Well, I got what I expected but, wow, way more. As it turned out, given my current leaning toward mysteries, this one was the perfect combo of romance, summer sun and fun, and, oh, my, murder and suspense.

There is a lot going on at the beginning, with characters seeming to come and go rapidly, so it did take me awhile to get my bearings. What appears to be a simple story line at first, Traci Eddings' efforts to save the venerable "Saint", ie St. Cecelia hotel/resort, quickly evolves into multiple story lines and characters you'll love. Well, most of them. Others, um, not so much. We meet Traci herself as a child of 6-7 when she gets her first glimpse of the Saint from her grandfather's simple fishing boat. It's quickly established that they, Traci and her family aren't wealthy enough to vacation here. But, she can work there. To cut to the chase, ah, romance. Traci and Hoke, the heir, meet, fall in love, and marry. All is right in their world...until it isn't. Hoke dies and Traci, barely accepted by his upper class family, struggles. Then odd things start happening, including a mysterious death.

That is where the plot takes off and, oh, my, buckle your seat belt. I won't detail the plot further, I'm sure others have done a far better job, but will say that I found what I was expecting and then some. Yes, there is romance. There's also family dynamics, most difficult, and social divides, not to mention that pesky murder. The ending is action and emotion packed, not to mention with more than a bit of romance tossed in, too, so fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress for this fun, romantic, and suspenseful early peek at the goings on at the Saint.

Canine Detective Chris, Vol. 1: The Shiba Inu Detective Tracks Down the Stolen Jewels!, by Tomoko Tabe, KeG (Artist)

 

Publication Dec. 12,2023

I hesitated briefly before deciding to ask to review this book. I knew going into it that it was in a style I wasn't particularly familiar with or drawn to but, well, how could I resist that smiling Shiba Inu face grinning out at me on the cover. I'm glad I didn't turn away. While I did stumble over the Japanese names, I enjoyed the story and found the artwork interesting. The fact I could identify with the young, fifth-grade Hinata's shyness and uncertainty made it all the easier. Yep, I was the shy kid. His friend Mayuka is anything but shy, however, and would have left me exhausted. She's wonderfully caring but, oh, my, so very impulsive, not to mention she has this habit of speaking without thinking. That's surely not a good trait for even a kid detective to have.

They do have a secret weapon, however. Hinata is given a retired police dog with the not-even-close-to-Japanese sounding name of Chris. Chris' career as a police dog was cut short, however, due to developing a phobia to insects after a painful sting to his sensitive nose. As a result, he comes to live with Hinata, whose parents run the local vet clinic. There's a side-story to that development but I'll leave it to readers to find on their own. Let's just say, it does tie into the story involving largely Hinata, Mayuka, and Chris. 

I won't give away any more of the plot as it's obvious from the title that it's connected to a jewelry robbery. How the hesitant, thoughtful Hinata and Mayuka work together, utilizing Chris's specially trained skills is fun to read. True, they're "kid detectives", but somehow their strengths seem to mesh well, even if I did want to yank Mayuka back somehow through the pages more than once. That said, it made it all the more fun watching the opposites combine forces with Chris' adept skills of tracking and, let's call it, dog sense. Thanks #NetGalley and #YenPress - JY for introducing me to them. Much to my surprise given my reluctance going into the story, I'm looking forward to their next adventure.

The Christmas Stranger: A Short Story, by Leslie Budewitz

 

Available Nov. 14, 2023

We'd all like to imagine a benevolent angel or being hovering about to help in our direst times. In this case, think "It's a Wonderful Life" and you've captured the sense of wonder and hope Budewitz offers in this short story. Erin Murphy is kind to an unknown stranger. Her efforts to, first, find the mysterious stranger and, second, return the marvelous gift and thank him, lead her into a bit of a mystery: Who is he and why does he keep disappearing? Even angels, if the stranger is such, can't save everyone but we can take away the idea that kindness, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, is felt in many ways. We can all make a difference.

I don't want to detail the story further, it's quite short as it is, but will say it made me smile. It left me feeling warm and snug and, well, wishing the story were longer to prolong that feeling. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for sharing this wonderful moment of caring and hope with us all. Sometimes we all need a reminder that life is full of wondrous things, both big and small, and to make our lives a gift to others, too.  Now I think I'm going to go find my copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" and sit it aside for later viewing.

The K Team, by David Rosenfelt

 I'm pretty sure I've reviewed this on here but, anyway, from August 2020.  Any Rosenfelt book is worth resharing. This was from a Facebook post.

What's everyone reading? Haven't asked for a bit

I just started David Rosenfelt's "The K Team". A spin off of sorts from his Andy Carpenter series as Andy and Laurie and, of course, their wonderful dogs are in it. Marcus, too. So far, quite intriguing, tho' I've loved about everything Rosenfelt has written, so no surprise there. Main character seems to be a retired cop named Corey and his also retired K-9, no lie, Simon Garfunkel. The connecting tie here is that in a previous book Andy was the lawyer that got the police department to let Simon retire with Corey rather than be turned over to a new human handler. In any case, the K Team doesn't include Andy tho' he has popped into the story. Case is just starting to be investigated, so looking forward to picking the book back up and continuing reading.

Good Dog, Bad Cop, The K Team #4, by David Rosenfelt AUDIOBOOK

 

Available March 14,2023   Narrated by Fred Berman    7 hours

Early in the book, main character Corey Douglas notes that while he'll follow the facts, he's hardly impartial. I feel the same way reading, or in this case listening to one of David Rosenfelt's books. I'll set everything else aside that I'm reading for one of them. Even while some of the crimes boggle my mind, it's always been worth every minute of reading or listening.

I'm always intrigued, in particular, when I listen to a book I've already read as an ebook to discover things I've missed. In this case, Fred Berman's narration does an excellent job of reinforcing the worn, often gravelly sounding voice of Corey Douglas, a retired cop, now investigator, who has seen horrible things. It also shows a subtle change when he speaks of Simon, his also retired canine police dog, and girlfriend Dani. I was definitely impressed by how well Berman handled the female voices in the story, at one point being just sure they'd brought in a woman to edit in for Laurie and Dani. Nope, all Berman. Kudos, Fred Berman.

I'll add my original review of the book at the end rather than ramble on about the plot here. Heck, anyone familiar with Rosenfelt's crime depictions knows they almost defy being briefly summarized anyway. Think the world is in danger and only Corey, or Andy Carpenter in that series, stands in the way of total chaos and destruction. Somehow, it all makes sense at the end, usually when it's explained how they figured everything out.

Another thing listening reminded me of is, as much as I enjoy the humor of these books, it's the characters that keep me coming back. Corey is emerging as a strong force in his own right, with his own smart a$$ humor and issues. Girlfriend Dani, as emphasized at the end, is behind him all the way, sweetly asking at the end what "their" next case is, which I'd also glossed over while reading. In other words, if you're like me, listening to an audio of a book you've already read simply adds to the experience. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for allowing me to get to know Corey, Dani, and, of course, Simon better with each book. 

My review of the ebook version follows below...

I've been a fan of David Rosenfelt's books ever since I picked up the first one with a photo of a beautiful dog on the cover. That love affair continues with his K-Team series. A spin-off from the Andy Carpenter series, it features many of the same characters but with the focus on retired cop Corey Douglas and his also retired police dog Simon, no, make that Simon Garfunkel. Simon is a star in his own right. 

While Corey doesn't have the same rapid fire, often in your face humor as Andy, his own humor is just as smart a$$ at times. That's very evident as the book nears its end and he confronts not just the bad guys but the government guys called in to cart away the guilty. Actually, we get to know Corey better and better with each book and it was fun to see the human side as well as the smart investigator determined to right wrongs. His relationship with girlfriend Dani is evolving and although he is determined not to rock the boat, the "M" word as he keeps calling it in his mind seems to be occupying more and more space. Just as Andy tends to talk things out with his beloved Golden Retriever Tara, Corey has lengthy discussions with Simon but, like Tara, Simon is one of those good listeners who offer no advice. True, he probably thinks his human is the slowest thing ever when Corey decides to take up running with Simon, but since Corey, so to speak, controls the treats, Simon tolerates him. So does Dani, who is easy to like. 

Bottom line, although Rosenfelt always seems to toss in some complicated scheme that they wind up investigating, often involving national consequences and the Feds, for me it's always the characters that draw me back, both human and canine. Well, that and team member and surely Superman in disguise Marcus' amazing feats. Sam's a wizard at the computer (think master hacker disguised as mild-mannered accountant) and Laurie, team member and Andy's wife, is no slouch with a gun, as she demonstrates in this book, but they all marvel at Marcus. 

Like dogs? Like action packed thrillers? Humor?  Like interesting characters that will grow on you? Curious about how investigators work? Ever wanted to save the world? This one is for you. Lots of thrills and fun along the way, not to mention solutions that will make you wonder how the heck author David Rosenfelt comes up with this stuff. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #MinotaurBooks for letting me rub elbows with this amazing team (and their dogs) again. 5 stars from me and four paws up and a tail wag from my own furry wonder, Daisy.

The Murder Garden, by Alice Castle

 

Publication Nov. 15,2022

Wow, what a page-turner. And all because Beth wanted a shed, er, office built in the backyard. I mean, no one expected to find bones, human bones.

To be honest, although Beth does seem to go off on tangents, trying to make her primary suspect fit, so to speak, she also operates on hunches. Hunches that frequently prove right. True, her thinking is a bit convoluted at times, revolving around vague things and gossip. She's also prone to go off on thinking tangents not related to the crime, blurting out questions that put off even one of her best friends, not to mention putting herself into danger....repeatedly.... despite all of her detective boyfriend's cautions. She even takes senior dog Colin along on an info gathering visit, endangering not just herself but her beloved old dog in the process when a ferocious watchdog greets them. Whoa, Beth, leave the dog out of it. 

Yet, despite all this, I find myself liking Beth, all the while wondering once again how the heck she keeps her job. She's both careless and caring, loving and likely to forget things like paying the bills, but loves her son and wants the best for him. He's on the age 12/13 cusp now, an age where he'll soon be fighting for some independence from motherly supervision, so that will be interesting to watch as the series continues. Harry seems to genuinely dote on Beth, too, despite her frequent feelings of being shunted into the background and having to fight for his attention. You know, she's a great deal like most of us. She questions herself regularly, unsure of herself, yet doing what she can and hoping, grasping for the best. I think that aspect of her character is what draws me to her so strongly. She's real, even if I'd never, ever, ever admit to being quite so spacey. 

Bottom line, this installment of the Beth Haldane mystery series is a winner. I'm still trying to go to grips with the crime and criminal, however. It packs quite a punch. Nope, not telling, you're going to have to read the book to watch Beth balance her need to know with delicate friendships, family needs, Jake's growing up, and her relationship with Harry (and his massive book collection). And, oh, maybe find time to go into work at least occasionally? 

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me drop into Dulwich again. I look forward to not just Beth's next adventure but poor Katie's progress with wild child Teddy the dog.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Deluxe Edition, Agatha Christie

 

Deluxe Edition available Oct. 25, 2022

What a pleasure to be reminded why Agatha Christie is the once and forever Queen of Mystery. It's been years since I first read this one but it was one of the books that started my mystery reading craze. Even knowing "whodunit", it was a delight to renew my acquaintance with Roger Ackroyd. I still found myself fully engrossed in looking for clues that I surely missed my first time reading, appreciating the adroit cleverness of the red herrings and, of course, Hercule Poirot's "little grey cells" as he steadily, expertly identified the killer. Maybe it's time I re-read the classics, huh?

I'm certainly not going to rehash the plot details here. If you haven't read the book or have simply forgotten who was guilty, the joy of this classic is in experiencing it as it unfolds to the startling conclusion. Given the volumes that have been written about not just this book alone but Agatha Christie, let's face it, there's little new I can add other than to echo that it deserves the accolades it has received and to be read and reread and enjoyed over and over. After all, it set the standard, especially for locked room mysteries. 

Kudos to #PushkinPress - #PushkinVertigo for reissuing this deluxe, hard covered edition. It'll make the perfect gift for your mystery loving friends or, well, yourself. Thanks #NetGalley for letting me know about it.

Santa's Little Yelpers (Andy Carpenter #26) by David Rosenfelt AUDIO BOOK

 

Available Oct. 11, 2022

This was the perfect way to end my day, curled up on the couch with my own dog while listening to award winning narrator Grover Gardner read David Rosenfelt's 26th Andy Carpenter mystery to me. I've loved each and every Andy Carpenter book in the series and Gardner, the long-time narrator, is perfect. He has Andy's personality down. Running time 6h, 41m.  

Having read the print version previously, you'd think I'd be bored listening to it again but you'd be wrong. You pick up things via the audio versions that you might otherwise miss while reading. I should probably note here that Gardner makes no attempt to imitate/differentiate voices, he simply reads. It works with Rosenfelt's writing style. As for the story, a summation of my initial review of the print version follows:

While the dogs of the tale are certainly a huge draw, David Rosenfelt always weaves a story full of not just dogs and humor but deep dives into organized crime, corruption, and how investigations might be done. Heck, he even makes the legal process understandable. And, Andy Carpenter never loses his self-deprecating humor and smart-mouth approach. 

I must also admit, I am a biased witness, er, reviewer. As soon as this book was approved for me to review, I immediately set aside what I was then reading and dived into the world of wannabe-retired lawyer Andy, who does some of his best thinking while out walking his dogs. Sebastian never fails to draw a grin from me, btw, for his lack of enthusiasm for said walks. Tara, of course, is the world's best dog. Just ask Andy. He may also have the best investigative team ever, too, and Sam, hacker extraordinary, gets out of the office to spend some time checking out a site in person for a change. True, at that point Andy figures it's a relatively safe bet that Sam won't encounter any problems on this seemingly barely connected town visit. Oh, but even Andy can be wrong sometimes. Sam's encounter with some shady characters sets the stage for the rest of the story, one that ultimately involves diamonds and organized crime. There's something in there about a trip to Disney, too, but Andy assures us he won't be wearing mouse ears.

If the above confuses me, don't despair. I've long since learned to just sit back, buckle up and enjoy the roller coaster ride that is an Andy Carpenter story. Even though I could have used a few more doses of Marcus, wife Laurie, as always, has Andy's back. There's even a new lawyer to oppose Andy this go-round and he sounds like a promising foe, albeit one we may wind up liking.

Bottom line, excellent pacing which moves right along, main characters you'll like, lovely dogs with personality,  and worthy opponents. You'll have to read it to find out what the big hole in the ground is and why people keep winding up dead. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress -  #MinotaurBooks - #MacmillanAudio for letting me spend some time with Andy, Laurie, Ricky, Tara, Corey, and, oh, yes, Marcus, not to mention some adorable Golden Retriever puppies.  Readers will love the ending and I'm hoping to see lawyer and dog-lover Chris Myers perhaps pop in occasionally in the future.

Bake Offed (A Five-Ingredient Mystery #8), by Maya Corrigan

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

This one had me hooked from the beginning with its nod to Agatha Christy's use of a list of characters at the beginning of the story. Toss in regular references to not just Christie, particularly "Murder on the Orient Express", Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Marple, and it was fun from the start. Val Deniston and her grandfather, Don, are attending the Maryland Mystery Fan Fest and find themselves involved in a real murder: Who killed Cynthia Sweet? 

Needless to say, surrounded by mystery buffs, the theories and suspects are many. In fact, many in the crowd seem determined to believe the murder and appearance of the police, not to mention the collapse of another attendee in the bar, are all part of the show. Toss in that the hotel was the site of another unsolved mystery a year ago and it's all just too exciting for many to believe reality has intruded again. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Val and Grandpa Don, both of whom are smart and able to think things through. For Don, however, he is a tad distracted by the disappearance of his Nero Wolfe inspired boxed book of recipes. Is that disappearance somehow connected? Cynthia had been accused of stealing others' ideas before, so why not a genuine, valuable keepsake. And, what does a tea kettle have to do with anything? Why were some attendees going to such extremes to disguise themselves? Poison rings? Inheritances? What would drive someone to murder?

Bottom line, this one grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the surprising end. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to this so to speak, mystery fest gathering. Looking forward to spending more time with Val and her grandfather soon. Maybe he'll share more recipes!

The Game Is a Footnote (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #8), by Vicki Delany

 

Jan. 10, 2023

Rumors are flying about paranormal activity at a local museum, Scarlet House. Gemma Doyle has reluctantly agreed to spend a night there to try to discover what is going on. Friend Jayne and her soon-to-be-husband will be there, too, although Gemma has deliberately avoided involving Ryan, her detective boyfriend. Quite frankly, Gemma isn't expecting anything out of the ordinary. 

She was wrong. Strange noises, animals in the barn in turmoil, and items out of place. If this spook, spectral or not, expected Gemma to run away in terror, however, they picked the wrong person. Gemma doesn't believe in ghosts and her plan, much like Sherlock Holmes, is to eliminate the impossible and investigate whatever is left. Do you believe in ghosts? Tell me after you finish this one.

Unfortunately, finding a dead body, David, wasn't part of the impossible and adds to Gemma's incentive to get to the bottom of things. She's distracted, however, by the sudden disappearance of her dependable worker, Ashleigh. Never fear, however, Gemma is definitely capable of handling more than one puzzle at a time. Toss in the sudden visit of her sister Pippa from England and things only get more interesting....and complicated. 

I won't detail the plot, discovering it all piece by piece as you sort through the multitude of red herrings is, well, part of the fun. The characters we've gotten to know over the series are there, not to mention the critters. Moriarity the cat still hisses at Gemma, btw, but manages to provide an unwanted, scary distraction at one point.

Why is Scarlet House suddenly seemingly haunted? Who killed David? How does one lock oneself in a barn? Are hungry pigs dangerous? Why is Pippa really there? Is Gemma the least bit sorry for waking up Ryan at 3a.m.? That's debatable. That whole scene of the police trying to secure the scene of the crime in the rain, including a pig sty, creates a hilarious image in one's mind, must admit, so Ryan had to be exhausted. What does an aging pop star have to do with anything? What secrets are the various players in this drama keeping? Why....why don't I stop with the teasers now and just say, read this one. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me drop in on Gemma and friends again. I'm always up for a bit of Sherlock sleuthing even if Gemma's tendency to get so caught up in her whirling mind means that she forgets we're there at times.

The Murder Museum (A Beth Haldane Mystery Book 2), by Alice Castle

 

Previously published as The Girl in the Gallery.  

Beth Haldane is someone you can root for. She isn't perfect, which she acknowledges to herself rather frequently, but she cares about people and wants justice done where there is injustice. This brings her into contact and frequent conflict with Harry, the Detective Inspector. What I particularly liked about this story is that we get to spend time in not just Beth's head, but Harry's, giving us insight into who he is as a human being, too. Heck, we get to visit quite a few different minds in this installment of the series, including that of pouty, self-centered, and, oh, so spoiled and neglected schoolgirl Sophia. Even her drug wasted "boyfriend" gets a turn and, quite frankly, I hope he doesn't pop up again. Let's just say, bad news.

 The mystery begins benignly enough. Beth, playing a childhood game in her head of "Which work of art would you save in a fire?" is making a quick visit to the upscale school museum where she works. Instead of a fun, relaxing visit, however, she finds a body. Well, not quite a body. The mystery girl is still alive but in what appears to be a coma. She's wearing a flowing white dress and has her hands folded against her chest, recalling several works of art that Beth is familiar with. It's the folded hands that won't allow Beth to let the image go and next thing we know, she's off on her own investigation. Her budding friendship with Harry is already shaky but this time it takes off on a roller coaster of a ride as he alternately shoves her away and allows her into his world as the investigation goes along. 

The case is baffling. How did the comatose girl get into the mausoleum? Who arranged her so picturesquely? More importantly, who is she? Why haven't her parents reported her as missing? Why is she comatose? Drugs? Why is the upper crust school so shaken? How does a parent make the horrendous decision of life or death for the child they carried within them? What does the Blue Whales challenge have to do with anything? Is social media to blame? How powerful does being a known influencer make a teenage girl feel? Do we blame society? Busy, distracted parents? Seriously, what sort of nasty secrets are lurking under the veneer of upper crust Dulwich? I know I didn't see the ending coming, that's for sure. It was at once satisfying and saddening. Author Alice Castle made me care about her characters, even the ones we only meet in passing, and I was fully, intently invested until the end. And, hey, what about that ending?

If you like multi-layer mysteries with well-defined characters and suspects, you will surely love this one. Go into it with an open mind and be prepared to think, "Whoa!", sit back and think periodically. There's a great deal to this book and this is just an overview of all that is tackled. The world we live in is a complicated one and one never really knows what is going on behind closed doors, be they at home, school, or elsewhere. This one made me think, reflect, and as a former teacher, feel the pangs of knowing I can't gather all my students under my wings and protect them from real life. Kudos to Alice Castle. This series has me hooked.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me back to Dulwich. It was an uneasy trip occasionally but I adored the moments when the prose flowed and we saw the world through Beth's whimsical, romantic eyes. I'll be diving into book three asap.

Holy Chow (Andy Carpenter #25), by David Rosenfelt, Grover Gardner (Narrator) AUDIO BOOK

 

Audio book, Macmillan Audio    6h, 2m, 15s

It's always a delight to spend time with Andy and the gang, especially the dogs. Never mind that people seem to always be trying to kill him. Thankfully Marcus and Laurie have his back because Andy's strength is walking the dogs and legal matters, not self-defense. I read the ebook earlier, that review will follow the audio review, and enjoyed the book, so wasn't surprised to equally enjoy this audio version. As always, Grover Gardner does an excellent job capturing the personality and humor of wannabe-retiree defense lawyer Andy Carpenter. 

 Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series tends to follow the same pattern. You begin the book with a crime, usually murder, being committed. At that point you have no clue how it will connect to the rest of the story but you know it will eventually make sense. You then move to meet Andy, often as he's walking his dogs or chatting with Laurie. In this case, we meet him at a ball game. Son Ricky is playing. Not long after, Andy gets the phone call that sets the plot into motion. A woman who adopted a dog through his Tara Foundation, Lion, the chow of the title, had called to make sure that should something happen to her that Andy will ensure that Lion is cared for properly. She mentions a visiting step-son, one she hopes might take to Lion, but after Andy assures her that Lion will be properly cared for in case she no longer can care for him, the matter is dropped and pretty much forgotten. Then, a few weeks later, another phone call, this one from another lawyer. Rachel Morehouse, Lion's human, has passed away and Andy is invited to the reading of the will. Surprised, since he neither knew of Rachel's death nor that he'd have any connection to her will, Andy agrees. There he meets the step-son prior to the will reading. Just as they begin, the police enter and everyone except the step-son, Tony, is asked to step out. When the attendees return to the room, the only one missing is Tony. Seems the police have arrested him for the murder of his step-mother. It also turns out that Rachel was worth billions, probably the inciting reason for the arrest of a potential heir. And, thus begins the winding trail of how Andy reluctantly becomes involved in the case which, of course, turns out to be far more complicated than a simple murder. Luckily, Marcus has his back.

Narrator Grover Gardner perfectly captures Andy's humor, snark, and complex personality. The pacing is steady, seemingly increasing in pace as Andy finds himself in tense situations. Gardner makes no real effort to impersonate the various characters, ie changing his male voice to a more female sounding one, but it somehow works. There is never any doubt who is speaking. Gardner does this simply through slight changes of tone and speed, for lack of a better description. Chapter changes are not announced. Instead, there is a subtle pause between both chapters and changing scenes. All in all, it works well, from the initial set-up to the usually cliff-hanging conclusion....with Marcus managing to save Andy's life repeatedly at times, not to mention increasingly showing more of his own personality and background. I find myself looking forward to the next revelation about Marcus almost as much as I do seeing how Andy manages to get himself into and out of what appears a legal quagmire. "Holy Chow" is a winner, especially with the assist of narrator Grover Gardner.

Thanks #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the chance to hang out with Andy and the dogs. It's always an adventure, with lots of both laughs and tension. One of my favorite, not-to-miss series.

ORIGINAL REVIEW OF EBOOK VERSION:

As usual, once I started reading, I couldn't stop until I finished. This is the 25th book in the Andy Carpenter series and I'd say that has pretty much held true for all of them. Now, true, I had to delay starting because, well, I needed to take my own dog for a walk. Andy would understand. I was drawn to the series because of the dog connection but have stayed for the self-deprecating humor, witty dialogue, and well-defined characters. Hey, we even learn a bit more about Marcus who, to be honest, I'm about half convinced is Superman in disguise.

As usual, the plot initially sounds simple. Andy's Tara Foundation adopted out Lion, a senior Chow, to Rachel Morehouse. Rachel calls him out of the blue one day to ask him to be sure Lion is cared for if something happens to her and her stepson can't take Lion. Andy thinks nothing more about it until he's notified Rachel has died and he should show up at the reading of her will. He goes, mostly thinking he's there to pick up the dog. He finds out there that Rachel was extremely rich and left $2M to the Tara Foundation. Then, her stepson, Tony, who actually adores the dog, is arrested for her murder just as the reading of the will is about to start.

That's when it gets complicated. Andy has been trying for years to retire, winds up as Tony's lawyer. Who killed Rachel Morehouse? Why? That's the big question Andy must answer to successfully defend his client. Speaking of his client, why was Tony estranged from the family? How is the family business connected? What does Sam discover while hacking his way through records? Do we really need to know exactly how late a plane lands each flight? What could that have to do with Rachel's murder? Dirty money? Drugs? How many times has Marcus saved Andy's life over the lifespan of this series? I don't know. The question just struck me. How do all these things connect? And, oh, there's more but you're going to have to read the book to find the answers to these and other questions.

Thank you #NetGalley and #SMB, #StMartinsBooks, for inviting me to drop in on Andy, Laurie, and the dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, well, aside from that really scary moment but, well, Marcus was there. He'd have saved me, too.