Naughty Novels (Cozy Corgi #37), by Mildred Abbott

 

A fun mystery that serves two purposes. It not only lets us catch up with Winifred/Fred and her cranky corgi Watson, but serves to introduce us to an upcoming new series featuring fantasy author Maeve Hawthorn and her corgi, Mischief. Fred is the focus of this story, of course, but we do get a good feel for Maeve as it goes along. Needless to say, Watson is charmed by Mischief, a corgi with a tail! Yes, there is a corgi type with a tail. The plot revolves around the murder of Maeve's agent while she's visiting the Cozy Corgi for a book signing afterward. 

I won't detail the plot but it has lots of angst, drama, suspicious minds, writing and publishing woes, secrets, and, yes, lots of doggie antics. There's also a deep dive into past history with attitudes toward, let's say, those who don't conform to norms. Given some of Fred's family members, she has lots of first hand resource information, even if she does have to endure Percival's determination to jazz up her clothing choice in the process. The usual gang seems to largely be accounted for, from family members to Anna and her wild dogs. Only Watson, who has earned the title Sgt. Fleabag from the police chief, seems able to control them and even he has his limits. I did like that Fred, who has suffered tons of trauma during the run of this series, is not only going to therapy sessions but seems to be taking it to heart. True, she's still overthinking it at times, doubting her instincts, but she's definitely in a better place.  

Bottom line, a quick, easy read with its share of tension and humor, the latter usually supplied by the dogs. Enjoyed this excursion into Fred's often quirky world and am looking forward to getting to know Maeve and Mischief .... with that name, you just know there will be doggie antics .... in the new series.

For the Love of Dog: How Dogs Think and the Unbreakable Bond That Connects Us, by Maggie Marton

 Publication Sept. 16, 2025

We really don't deserve dogs.  

The title of the final chapter pretty much sums it up, "Dogs Are Love: Plain and Simple". It's a heartfelt, lovely tribute to our furry friends. Be prepared, however, for both laughter and tears. Every dog in our lives teaches us something and, sadly, that includes about loss.

The focus of the book, however, is what the author learned about herself and, in a sense, human nature in general from her own experience. It details her learning curve with Emmett, with his separation anxiety, Lucas, who was basically afraid of everything, and Scooter, later renamed Cooper, who made the author and her husband failed fosters despite his housebreaking challenges. Trust me, they have a lot of company in that category of people who volunteered to care for a dog until a suitable home is found only to fall in love with the dog and adopt it themselves. Each dog, while ultimately loving, had their own personalities and quirks and it was a at times to work through their issues with them. Kudos for the author for persisting. She learned something about dogs from each encounter, not to mention herself and others. There is quite a bit of easy to digest research and science shared but it was the personal experience and growth of the author that kept me reading.

Although I took pages of notes as I read, I'm opting to simply say that this is a book all dog lovers should read. Trust me, reading this with my own now senior dog at my feet, this wasn't an easy read at times but it was a thoughtful, loving one. The pain of loss is well worth the joy of knowing and sharing their life, however brief in comparison to our own. Dogs live in the moment and don't overthink, they simply live. There's something to be said for that. 

Bottom line, well worth the time it'll take to read. It's actually an easy read but I tended to spread out my sessions with it to both savor the content and think, really think, about what my own dog means to me. Thanks to #PostHillPress for making this early copy available to me. It wasn't always a "fun" read but it was a great read with my own furry friend curled up somewhere beside me. I'm going to check out a few of the references given at the back, too, I think, as time permits. 

O, Deadly Night (Year-Round Christmas Mystery, #8), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication October 14, 2025

This one might be a caution about becoming too much of a snoopy neighbor but, well, since it's Merry's curiosity and caring that leads to the solution, I don't think we're supposed to take that literally. Grin. In any case, this is another favorite series with characters you'll like, even if they do annoy you at times. Kyle, I'm looking at you. Mabel D'Angelo, Merry's landlady, is determined to greet her new neighbors properly, all in being neighborly, of course, not snooping. And, if you believe that, I'm sure the realtor in town has some swamp land they'd like to unload on you. 

Merry is annoyed when Mrs. D'Angelo's, who was supposed to be helping with the shop's float in the annual Christmas parade, is a no show. Crazy busy as Merry is, however, she doesn't think much beyond wondering who's moved in across the street. Then a couple days later a mutual friend mentions Mrs. D'Angelo is missing and isn't answering her phone. That's very unlike her. Merry and BFF Vicky decide to check up on her. 

That's where the story really takes off. Merry's good deed winds up with her not only rescuing Mrs. D'Angelo from a frightening situation but finding a dead body. One that turns out to have ties to the quaint town of Rudolph, NY, where Christmas is celebrated all year. Merry's sister Eve, an actress home for the holiday, recalls the victim being a mean girl in high school. I won't detail the plot much further but will note it involves online scams, illegal activities, greed, a family's drama, unrequited love, well, infatuation, and, oh, yeah, a dog gets skunked. And that's just hitting the high(low?)lights. Mrs. D'Angelo plays a pivotal role here and the regulars seem to largely be on hand, including Merry's father who might as well be Santa Claus as well as just portraying him. Her mother is an opera singer. How's that for an odd couple? Vicky is, as always, there when Merry most needs an assist, even reminding Merry not to be TSTL (too stupid to live) at one critical point.  

Bottom line, this was a fun read. The characters are easy to relate to and like and, well, who wouldn't like to at least try spending some time in a town where it's Christmas every day. There's even a horse-drawn sleigh! Watching the way Merry's St. Bernard Maddy adores the police detective is a hoot, too. The side-stories show Santa, er, Merry's dad, isn't just caring when dressed as Santa, either, and even Merry sometimes wonders about his Santa connections. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for this early chance to celebrate Christmas virtually in Rudolph. We do have a North Pole here in in Alaska, so I feel a kinship with those townspeople. 

Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine (Mrs. Claus Mysteries Book 6), by Liz Ireland

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

I adore this quirky series. To be honest, while the mystery is always intriguing, I'm there as much to lose myself in the fantasy world of SantaLand as for the mystery. I mean, cranky flying reindeer feuding over Flouncy, a flirtatious female reindeer from the Vixen herd, naturally. A stuffed up, talking snowman. A police station jail cell that is more hotel room than cell. Flying sleighs, with or without reindeer power, note. I mean, the are quite up-to-date there. Cut throat candy competitions. And, oh, so many other fun, quirky bits of this North Pole that don't quite match up with the long time traditional image. Heck, Santa is even not only young but hot. Sorry, ladies, he's married. April Claus is an amateur sleuth who always seems to find herself in the middle of some wrong doing, even murder.

That's the case here. Who killed elf fireman Sterling Redwinkle just as he seemed about to pop the question to his elf girlfriend Juniper? With a poisoned rose, no less. That's just the beginning. April is on the case but also caught up in preparations for BFF Claire's upcoming wedding to private detective Jake Frost. Yes, related to Jack Frost.  Even better (well, maybe....you'll see) she's to be married at Castle Kringle, home of the extended Claus Family. Current Santa Nick is simply holding down the job while waiting for his nephew Christopher to reach adulthood but has proven a caring, wise Santa. April often wishes she had his way with words. Well, when she isn't fretting that the romance is fading this go-round. She even resorts to taking one of those generic magazine quizzes to determine if he's drifting away from her. Yes, they read those magazines in SantaLand, too, it seems. In any case, given her busy schedule, which involves lots of chocolate (a woman after my own heart) and snooping, er, looking into the murder, she barely has time to focus on anything else. She's even desperate enough investigating to descend into Hades. Nope. Not explaining that one. You'll just have to read. Honest, it isn't what you're thinking. Grin.

Bottom line,  as noted, I thoroughly enjoy this series and the various novellas that pop up periodically. The characters, many of which are elves or.....nah, not telling, are quirky and have personalities all their own. the Dowager Mrs. Claus is a force in her own right and harbors no nonsense but, well, we get to see another side of her here, too. Claire has a surprise for April, too, not to mention Jake. Yikes, is the wedding off? Murder does have a way of dousing one's enthusiasm. In any case, if you're looking for a fun mystery with quirky characters, even if it involves talking reindeer and snowmen, this one is for you. Heck, I normally don't read stuff in the fantasy realm, either, but this one has me hooked. Thanks #KensigntonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me to time travel and have this early peek at how SantaLand celebrates Valentine's Day. I'm already waiting impatiently for the next chance to drop in on April Claus and the whole crew. Hope she doesn't eat all the chocolate before I get there. 

Death of a Tom Turkey, by Lee Hollis

 

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

Bar Harbor is holding the annual Thanksgiving turkey shoot celebration and Hayley even wins a turkey. Things grind to a halt, however, when local Tom Farley is shot. Not with the specially created non-lethal bullets used in the competition but by a real bullet. Given Tom's cantankerous reputation and behavior, there's a long list of suspects. Fortunately, however, he survives. Well, sorta. Guess who is the dead body late discovered by Hayley and husband when they visit his turkey farm? And, this not long after the hospital staff was discovered having a celebration of sorts after his very alive discharge. Let's just say, he wasn't the best of patients. I don't want to give away much more of the story but will say that resident squabbles over land and a blocked land deal, family squabbles, and more play a role. Maybe it was just the timing, but I wasn't as taken with this one as I'd expected. Most likely just me. The usual gang is there and there are some downright hilarious scenes to visualize (a pig sty is involved in one), but it just seemed like the pluses and minuses equaled out for me. My biggest eye rolls were over not just the mishandling of evidence, likely making it inadmissible in any court, but the rush by the police to arrest a suspect without verifying the evidence as part of the crime. Seemed very out of character for police chief Sergio. That said, I did enjoy the humor and banter between the usual cast of characters, so while I wasn't loving the book, I didn't dislike it, either. Mona's on again, off again relationship with Sergeant Earl was fun, And there's a new young couple in town. They should be a fun addition, well, if they aren't murderers. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for this early peek at Hayley's Thanksgiving. Hopefully I'll be in the right frame of mind for the next one as I really do enjoy the characters and occasionally zany events.

You Are Brotherly Love A Book for the Littlest Kelce Brothers Fans, by Emma Carlson Berne and Narrated by Zach Barela

 

Available Oct. 14, 2025            Audio Book   c5m

Although my avid football fan days are behind me, I became a fan of the Kelce brothers when their two football teams opposed each other in the Super Bowl. Actually, it may have been their even keeled mother who most impressed me given her position, but I admired their humor and obvious respect for each other even then. Now, of course, given Travis' relationship with Taylor Swift, we see more of him than the retired Jason. As a result, I was curious to see how this book played out, weak pun intended. 

It took me a couple listens to sort this one out, I have to admit. The physical book is surely heavy on pictures and, unfortunately, we're asked to use out imagination upfront. Once I sorted out that the pace indicated that the narrator was moving through illustrations of the Kelce's life/career, helped along by the subtle sound effects utilized, it all made sense to me. As a teacher, I can see an opportunity to use the audio to promote children to imagine what they're seeing if you don't happen to have a hard copy of the book on hand. It'd also be fun to have them draw pictures fitting the sound/words from their own lives, I'd think. Anyway, that's the first section and it flew right along quickly. Very quickly.

The second section is more detailed, giving more biographical detail. Details range from their birth, love of sports, and attending the same college. You'll also find out the reason behind Travis' choice of jersey number. That was cool and something I'd missed knowing. In any case, while the narration sticks to the brothers, not bringing in any romantic issues, it seems relatively up-to-date, mentioning that Jason had retired but the brothers were doing a podcast together. 

Bottom line, once I sorted out my confusion over the briefness of the audio, it was an interesting, fun read. That said, while it could be made to stand alone, I tend to think it'd work best accompanying a read of the actual book. I'm actually curious to check out what the actual book looks like, I must admit. Thanks #MacmillanAudio for this early listen to a book dealing with a couple men that seem genuine good guys and are worthy of being offered as models for young fans. It's a positive message we can all relate to, one setting an excellent example for young people. 

Epilogue to a Christmas Murder, by Lauren Elliott

 Publication Sept. 30, 2025

Addie's back in Greyborne Harbor but is no longer sure she fits there. Life seems to have passed her by while she was away in England. Then a surprise arrives from England that sends her mind spinning. And, oh, there's that rather odd robbery and then, double oh, a dead body. All this while she's busy trying to find her footing once again and help friend Paige have the wedding of her dreams. No pressure, right? Grin.

Not revealing much much more of the plot as it's a fun one to follow not knowing much more than Addie. We spend a lot of time in her head this go-round rather than connecting well with the others and, oh, my, Addie's brain seems caught in a perpetual spin. Determined to help Paige navigate the perils of her Momzilla where wedding planning is concerned, Addie seems caught in a cycle of what ifs? With her own romantic life in limbo again, her seeing the happiness of long time friends now wed isn't helping. She's wondering if she'll ever find her own happily ever after and questioning a big decision made in England. For better or worse, she is caught up in helping solve a rather strange robbery that, no lie, she unknowingly helped assist....in the middle of a major snowstorm at that. Only the next day does she hear about the body discovered nearby by a passerby. Are the two crimes connected? As it turns out, when the body is identified it hits way too close to home.

Bottom line, I keep returning to this series because I've grown quite fond of the characters. Addie, even with her brain on spin, is smart and level-headed (for the most part) and her friends and associates are now well fleshed out characters. True, I rather liked the English setting, hence was extra glad (not a spoiler as it's in the book's official blurb) to see the quite British Detective Inspector Noah Parker show up at her shop. Oh, and did I mention quite handsome, at that? Although we met him in an earlier book, his character is fleshed out more here and he emerges as a strong, caring man who has faced tragedy in his own life. Given Addie's romance record, of course, she's the biggest obstacle he may face winning her over, so that kept me reading until the very end. Let's just say, while I found my eyes periodically rolling at her, oh, not sure what word to use, so let's go with indecision and fluctuating behavior at times, being inside her brain does give you insight into what makes her tick, too. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me this early eek into Addie's mind during a time of such impending decisions. Readers who enjoy character driven stories will enjoy this one and the entire series.

 

Down with Lime Books! A Story About Book Banning, by Jan Zauzmer

 

Publication Sept. 23,2025

Don't let the lively, colorful illustrations and bouncy rhythm fool you. This book carries a powerful punch. It not only introduces young children to what book banning is but offers them examples of how to fight back against it. You just know when you see the scowling face of a woman peeking in the library window that something is about to happen and, well, it does. It follows the now usual pattern of one person deciding they're offended, then getting vocal and drawing in curious, often clueless support. In this case it's lime colored books being used for books accused of being offensive for a variety of reasons or, for that matter, none that make sense. 

Seeing one child being brave enough to speak out and therefore rally opposition to censorship is a message we all need to take to heart. While remaining silent and above the fray may be easier, it doesn't accomplish anything other than allowing those who'd take books out of our hands to seem even more powerful. This example of taking action, especially when scowling adults are the opponents, could offer support to other youngsters who feel voiceless. The illustrations of smiling readers before the lime books were targeted and the more somber, sad expressions after were well done. There's humor to be found here, too, especially in the spread depicting the protest signs sported by the two factions. Quite creative and pointed and, yes, both sides are shown. I bet you can guess which ones showed thought.

Bottom line, while targeting  very young children, meaning adults will have to read this to them, this one should work with slightly older students, too. I'd nudge parents to read along with them, however, no matter the age, as there will surely be questions. No, you don't need to use the word metaphor but it would surely be helpful for younger children so see the connection between banned books because of content and this one simply using lime colored books symbolically. Thanks #Familius and #NetGalley for giving me this early peek at a very deserving book. I'll be sharing the info with many.

What Goes on inside a Wolf Pack: Follow the Adventures of a Wolf Family in Yellowstone National Park, by Kathleen Yale, International Wolf Center (afterword), Carrie Shryock (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 23, 2025

While I've never been to Yellowstone, I have visited Alaska's Denali Park and can testify that the artist perfectly captured the vastness and grandeur of our wild places. You feel small in such places and, quite frankly, I'm not sure it isn't a reminder we occasionally need of how tiny we are in the grand scope of nature. Toss in that wolves do roam freely in my general area and this book was a natural for me. It follows a pack of wolves from basically the birth of a litter until they're grown and moving out on their own. Even better, we're also introduced to the flora and fauna as well as the other animals that surround the wolves' range.

It's a beautifully done, well thought out book. The artist has painted the vast beauty of the wolves' home largely in soft pastels, some of which almost seem to glow. Based on the many photos and books of Yellowstone that I've seen, it seems to realistically capture the area as well as the playfulness of the pups. I liked that rather then simply black print on white, the information is nicely arranged in various colorful graphs, boxes, and sidebars throughout. It makes it easy to follow, which simply going straight through the account or randomly flipping about and stopping when something catches your eye and, trust me, there's a lot to see. Readers can enjoy trying to spy whatever other things they can see, ranging from bears to lovely flowers and birds.I also appreciated that rather than toss in a plea not to litter, the author went with "a picture is worth a thousand words" mantra, showing wolf pups playing with a plastic bottle, for instance, with items that have been observed as "wolf toys" ranging from plastic water bottles and cans to human clothing items. I should also note that while it's made clear wolves eat prey, it's handled nicely, without dwelling on it. In fact, it uses that moment to subtly show competition among other animals for food and mentions why bears are such voracious eaters. 

Although aimed at independent reading aged children, adults should find this book equally interesting and informative. It would definitely make a lovely gift for animal lovers and a great addition to many teachers' reading/research shelves. The fact that it shows us the full picture, so to speak, covering nearly a year and encompassing other life in the area should make it applicable in different areas. There are some color photos at the end, I should also note, identified with the names rangers/researchers have given that particular wolf and more info on both wolves and ways children can help protect them. There's a map that identifies wolves' general ranges, too. Thanks #StoreyPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a lovely book focused on an animal that fills me with awe. That said, I had to chuckle this afternoon when, while walking, my not-so-wolfish (though she had a cute howl as a pup) corgi mix demonstrated scent marking for me. Grin. 

Murder Pays a Call, by Nancy J. Cohen

Publication Sept. 9. 2025

Oh, goodie. A new series from a long time favorite author.  Keri Sullivan is a personal concierge. What is a personal concierge, you ask? What's the difference between a personal assistant and concierge? To be simplistic, while a personal assistant usually works for one person, a personal concierge may have many clients. I didn't think to keep track of how many clients Keri and her A Friend in Need Agency have but, well, let's just say a lot, ranging from corporate type groups to senior citizens. Fiona Sullivan is one of her favorite clients, however, one whose contacts have often helped Keri expand her customer list. Keri considers her a friend and mentor. Sadly, while delivering some items to Fiona, whose 80 th birthday party Keri had been hired to plan, she finds her dead. As if that wasn't bad enough, it's soon confirmed that she was murdered. 

That's where the story really takes off. Keri is rather shocked to discover that Fiona wasn't universally liked by all, which includes her family. I won't detail the plot but will say it was fun to see a new sleuth learning as she went along trying to figure out whodunit. Needless to say, she's pushy and not real subtle in her questioning/investigation, and finds herself frequently being told that perhaps she should leave it to the police to solve. I noted that while Detective Jeff Saunders was one of ones most frequently telling her this that he continues to treat her with respect...even when some of her methods were, uh, not exactly on the right side of the legal line. She also involves a couple of her friends, which I found normal in the cozy mystery world although she never once seemed to think about their safety while snooping. True, she was quite protective of Lora, her unexpected house guest with the scary boyfriend, but her meddling there wasn't necessarily helpful, either. I did like Lora who, given her tendency to clean and organize, I rather wished could show up on my own doorstep, and Pam the reporter was rather gutsy, too. And, yes, there are some potential romances drifting about although not with the one most readers might guess. While I'm sure we'll learn more about the regulars as the series continues, the author did a nice job of fleshing them out for us in this initial introduction. 

Bottom line, I enjoyed the story despite rolling my eyes at Keri's rookie sleuth behavior. As her office staff and friends  often told her, she really, really needed to take her own advice and carve out some care time for herself. She's so busy running all over investigating as it is that she even manages to irritate at least one client. True, there were some solid possibilities as suspects but Keri does frequently barge in first and think later. The side story about the naturalist remedies didn't hold my attention and I'm not too sure Keri focused on it much, either. She did discover something most of us will or have discovered, the fact that people aren't always who we think they are. Thanks #NetGalley and #OrangeGrovePress for this early intro to Keri and her team, one I hope to learn more about in future books. Sunny Grove, Florida, sure has its share of secrets, that's for sure. As a former Floridian, this was a bit of a virtual trip home to turf I'm quite familiar with.