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13 October 2024

The More the Terrier (Andy Carpenter #30), David Rosenfelt 4.33
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is relieved to be headed back to Paterson, New Jersey, after a week-long family vacation in the Adirondacks. He's ready to put the holly jolly season way behind him and settle in at home with his three dogs. But when they finally arrive, there is an extra dog eagerly awaiting them, as well as one anxious dog sitter.

When the dog showed up on the doorstep a few days ago, the sitter knew Andy would know what to do. Indeed, Andy recognizes Murphy, who the Carpenters fostered before the dog went home with BJ Bremer and his mother. BJ wanted to learn all he could about caring for Murphy, which made Andy like him immediately.

When Andy goes to take Murphy back to the Bremers, though, instead of the happy reunion he expects, he finds BJ's mother in tears. It turns out Murphy ran off . . . after BJ was arrested for murder. Andy had hoped for a quiet Christmas vacation, but he likes Murphy’s family and his golden retriever, Tara, likes Murphy, so he can't resist getting involved. The case isn’t as simple as Andy thought it would be, though, with BJ suspected of murdering one of his professors. With nothing to go on but Andy's own conviction in BJ's dog-loving character, proving his innocence would be a Christmas miracle. [from the publisher]

This is my favorite Rosenfelt book yet—it's especially funny for a mystery! Despite the healthy dose of humor, there are also some downright gory bits. As usual, Andy shows great personal care for his animal companions, dogs in general, and his clients. While this is the 30th series installment, an introduction is made to the support team, allowing this to be read as a standalone. The dynamics between Andy and his spouse, Laurie, seem to be fleshed out more in this installment than I remember from the past. Like last year's winter installment, this has no real Christmas connection. Don't let that be a deterrent to reading.

The series continues to be narrated by Grover Gardner, who has grown on me as my experience with the series grows.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected October 15.


10 October 2024

Rockin' Around the Chickadee (Meg Langslow #36), Donna Andrews 3.66
Meg's sister-in-law, Delaney, is pregnant. Since her due date is on or around Christmas Day, this is putting a bit of a damper on the usual holiday festivities. Meg and Michael are NOT hosting the usual house full of relatives and parties. Instead, Meg, along with her mother, her grandmother, her cousin Rose Noire, and her good friend Caroline, are militantly doing everything they can think of to keep Delaney quiet and healthy. All the relatives are farmed out to friends and neighbors; all the parties are being held somewhere else; and while Delaney is bored and mutinous, she's doing well, and they're managing to maintain a serene, peaceful environment for her . . . until a body is found in Meg and Michael's yard.

The body turns out to be an attendee at Presumed Innocent, a nearby conference that Meg’s grandmother has organized. Some of the attendees want to learn how to exonerate a friend or family members who has been unjustly convicted, while the rest are avid true crime aficionados. And since the dead guy has been very vocal about his belief that most actual and would-be exonerees are guilty, guilty, GUILTY!, nearly everyone at the conference dislikes him. But would any of them hate him enough to kill him? And can Meg still keep Delaney calm in the middle of a murder investigation, all while trying to catch the killer? [from the publisher]

This installment of the long-running Meg Langslow series includes interesting tidbits about identical twins (of special interest to me now that I'm the grandparent of a pair), a concert including Christmas and Chanukah music, and a hat-tip to stay-at-home moms. As usual, solving the mystery is a bit of a group project, spread between officials and unsanctioned community members. I'm sure that series devotees wouldn't have it any other way. It's a fine cozy mystery holiday read—fun, easy, and reliable entertainment. Bernadette Dunne continues to provide series narration.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected October 15.


2 October 2024

The Nightmare Before Kissmas, Sara Raasch 3
Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. Until his father, the reigning Santa, turned the holiday into a PR façade. Coal will do anything to escape the spectacle, including getting tangled in a drunken, supremely hot make-out session with a beautiful man behind a seedy bar one night.

But the heir to Christmas is soon commanded to do his duty: he will marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess and his brother’s not-so-secret crush. A situation that has disaster written all over it.

Things go from bad to worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess’s hand . . . and Coal comes face-to-face with his mysterious behind-the-bar hottie: Hex, the Prince of Halloween.

It’s a fake competition between two holiday princes who can’t keep their hands off each other over a marriage of convenience that no one wants. And it all leads to one of the sweetest, sexiest, messiest, most delightfully unforgettable love stories of the year. [from the publisher]

A few snort-worthy banter sessions between the friends—some combination of Coal, Iris, Hex, and Kris (Coal's younger brother)—were fabulous. I was hoping for ever so much more of this, and much less of the holiday politics. I don't mind that the heavier storyline existed—it fueled the plot. Overall, though, the holiday alliances overshadowed the rom-com aspect.

Coal and Hex were hot for each other from the outset; there is no real rivalry between them; there is negligible relationship growth; and, boom, they are magically in love. It seemed sort of flat to me. There is gay and bi representation.

Ellis Evans—a new-to-me narrator—did an excellent job. I was fully immersed in the story, without being distracted or alarmed by his performance.

Content notes: If you are sensitive to swearing, this may not be the book for you. The romance is fairly steamy, but not fully explicit for most of the book. There are a couple of explicit sex scenes late in the book.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected October 8.


26 September 2024

The Merriest Misters, Timothy Janovsky 3.66
Patrick Hargrave and Quinn Muller have been married for less than a year, but their passionate romance is cracking under the pressures of domestic life and a cumbersome mortgage. That’s until Christmas Eve when Patrick wakes Quinn up with: “I think I’ve killed a man.”

Quinn realizes the “burglar” Patrick knocked out is none other than Mr. Claus himself. Instructed by a harried elf to don the red suit and take the reins of the reindeer-guided sleigh up on the roof, Quinn and Patrick work together to save Christmas.

But as the sun rises on Christmas morning, the sleigh brings them back to the North Pole instead of New Jersey, and they’re in for a massive shock. The couple must assume the roles of Santa Claus and the first ever Merriest Mister or Christmas will be canceled . . . permanently.

With Christmas—and their marriage—on the line, Patrick and Quinn agree to stay together for one year. But can running a toy shop together save their relationship, or will Patrick and Quinn be stuffing coal in each other’s stockings come next Christmas? [from the publisher]

The winter holiday reading season has officially begun! I was expecting a totally fluffy holiday romance. I got some of that . . . and more depth.

I wasn't a fan of the frequent flashbacks on top of the alternating points of view between chapters. While there is a great deal of humor—of which I always seek more and appreciate greatly—it's not all smooth sailing for Patrick (an architect) and Quinn (a teacher), who have a lot of growing and maturing to do, individually and collectively. [They are in their late twenties.] I loved the couple's professions—what they are, and how they feel about them. Both are dedicated and are trying to find their way to the best application of their talents and skills. Quinn helps a young elf gain confidence and develop. Patrick's family (especially his parents) provide some tension to the storyline.

There is gay, lesbian, and asexual representation. This is especially powerful in the ways that Patrick's and Quinn’s successes influence rules revisions for the current Santa Claus and partner, as well as for the North Pole community.

Bonus points are always awarded for a character named Milo—in this case, a shelter dog. [Background for those who are new to my party: I proposed the name for our babies and was denied. So, years later I named my animal companion—an adorable and fun ball python—after the main character in The Phantom Tollbooth.]

Janovsky is a new-to-me author. I'm definitely open to reading more of his work. Narrators Mark Sanderlin and Zach Barela did a great job of bringing all the characters to life.

Overall, The Merriest Misters was a fun, light Christmas romance/fantasy read!

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected October 1.


20 September 2024

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, Michelle Chouinard 4
Welcome to San Francisco, a city with killer charm.

The chill of a San Francisco summer can be deadly. No one knows this better than Capri Sanzio, who makes her living giving serial killer tours of the city. Capri has been interested in the topic since she was a kid, when she discovered she’s the granddaughter of serial killer William “Overkill Bill” Sanzio. She’s always believed in his innocence, though she's never taken the leap to fully dive into the case.

But now an Overkill Bill copycat has struck in San Francisco. And Capri’s former mother-in-law, Sylvia, just cut off Capri’s daughter’s tuition payments. Needing cash, Capri wonders if this is the time to exonerate her grandfather. The case is back in the news and the police will be looking to understand the past to catch a present-day killer. Capri could finally uncover the truth about Overkill Bill—documenting the process with a podcast and a book—and hopefully earn some money.

Before Capri can get very far, the cops discover the copycat’s latest victim: Sylvia. Capri soon finds herself at the heart of the police’s investigation for an entirely different reason. She and her daughter are prime suspects. [from the publisher]

I didn't know exactly what to expect from The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco. If it had focused on the crime podcast aspect, it would have been a completely different story—a lesser one, in my opinion. Instead, it was a good mix of Capri's tour business, her family of origin's history, her ex-in-laws' present story, her life as a single mother of a young adult and a small business owner, and her pulling together all the pieces (the process of which is frustrating to the actual detective on the case). I was thoroughly entertained. If there is to be a sequel or series, I will gladly continue reading.

On the violence/gore spectrum, this book falls neither on the cozy end nor the no-holds-barred trigger-warnings-galore end.

A couple of word choices leapt out and tweaked my nose. At one point, a character is described as “still hisspering.” [I don't know if it's written with one “s” or two.] I've never heard this before—and couldn't find any evidence that it's A Thing—but it really painted the picture for me. I like it—I'm going to keep hisspering in my lexicon! I know this is A Thing, but I can't remember where I first read or heard “you've got another think coming”—the original usage, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Narrator Stephanie Németh-Parker is versatile in voicing characters across age, gender, and cultural ranges. This is at least the second book I've read that she has narrated (and the second this year alone).

Under the name M.M. Chouinard, the author has written nine previous books, eight of which comprise a female detective mystery series. I might explore her backlist when I'm in the mood for a grittier read.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected September 24.


18 September 2024

Showmance, Chad Beguelin 3.66
Noah Adams’s career as a playwright is circling the drain, thanks to a scorching review of his first Broadway musical. So when a family emergency sends him back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, he figures he’ll hide out for a bit. But to Noah’s horror, his agent has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur version of the career-ruining musical at the local community theater.

As if trying to work with a bunch of artless amateurs wasn’t enough, Noah runs into Luke, the jerk from his high school years, everywhere he goes. Luke somehow grew up to be beloved by everyone in town . . . and undeniably gorgeous. As rehearsals begin, Noah is surprised by his cast’s insights, the warmth of the town he’d dismissed, and the reality of what happened with Luke all those years ago. Just how much has Noah misjudged? [from the publisher]

There are relationships galore in this M/M rom-com! I especially liked Noah's female best friends—Kiara in New York City (his adult ride-or-die), and Melissa in Plainview, Illinois (a high school bestie). [Insignificant aside: Plainview, Illinois, is four-plus hours south of me. I don't recollect ever visiting the town, but I've visited several other small Illinois towns, so it was fun envisioning Plainview.] Noah's mom, of course, plays a big part. I appreciate that Luke and Noah's first kiss happens at around the halfway mark—I do like a slow burn. Beyond the obvious main relationships, there is a great deal of character development and background for various of the Plainview players, and some of these intertwine. I was invested in the side stories, as well.

While there is evidence of decades of trauma—for Noah, including his distant relationship with his dad, high school bullying, career disappointments, and more; but also for other characters—there is even more humor. If you like sassy characters and repartee, there's plenty of both to be found here. Much of the humor is snarky, as one might expect from a gay theatre nerd and his people; but some is self-deprecating, especially as Noah's perspective grows during his time in his hometown.

Extra touches that greatly amused me include reference to a Theremin (how often do you see that?!) and use of the exclamation “boy howdy” (which I, inexplicably, have picked up in recent years).

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Penguin Books. Publication is expected October 1.


6 September 2024

Kwame Crashes the Underworld, Craig Kofi Farmer 3.66
Twelve-year-old Kwame Powell isn't ready to deal with losing his grandmother, even as he and his family head to Ghana for her celebration of life ceremony.

He's definitely not ready when he's sucked into a magical whirlpool that leads straight to Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld. There, he comes face to face with his grandmother, who is very much alive, and somehow still . . . a kid? Together with his best friend, Autumn, and a talkative aboatia named Woo, Kwame must battle angry nature gods, and stop the underworld from destroying the land of the living.

But there's an even bigger problem: Only living souls can leave Asamando. In order to save the mortal world and return home, Kwame will need to find the courage to do the bravest thing of all—learn how to say goodbye. [from the publisher]

I enjoyed this middle school fantasy/mythology debut. The main character attends the school at which his mom is the principal. His dad is an undefeated lawyer. Of course, Kwame's parents have high expectations for his character and performance. Kwame's best friend, Autumn, is a Black and Korean girl who is hard of hearing. The best friends communicate with each other mainly with American Sign Language.

With the bulk of the book taking place in the Ghanaian underworld, Kwame and Autumn are mightily tested—physically, emotionally, and intellectually. They have to use their critical thinking skills to decide how best to answer these challenges. Sometimes they act alone; often they work together, along with Kwame's grandmother and others.

The climax is exciting; the ending is sweet. As the book progresses, Kwame gains perspective and matures.

I wasn't a superfan of the audiobook narrator, Joshua Quinn. He did well with Kwame's voice, but many of the other characters' accents sounded vaguely Asian, which was mostly wrong. Worse, some of the animal, gods, and paranormal characters' voices were a shrieky assault. I won’t hold a single performance against him.

It is unclear to me whether there might be a sequel planned. If there is, I would definitely consider reading it.

You might enjoy this book if you like to read middle grade fantasies that are exciting and thoughtful, without being gory.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners. Publication is expected September 10.


2 September 2024

Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda, Randy Rainbow 3.66
Randy Rainbow has a few things on his mind that he wants to talk about. As a savvy social commentator tuned into the public discourse, his unfailing intuition tells him that the perspective everyone in America is clamoring for is that of a privileged white male complaining about a bunch of shit. While writing his New York Times bestseller Playing With Myself, Randy saw an America in crisis. He knew that what the country needed to get back on its high heels was a hard-hitting gay agenda and here it is—Low-Hanging Fruit—a book filled with sparkling whines, a few flutes of champagne problems and a Birkin bag of the most pressing issues facing the US, from dancing TikTok grandmas, to Elon Musk, the GOP, and Donald Jessica Trump.

On the down low, Randy dishes up some sex talk about life on the dating apps, Craigslist hookups and more. (“Gurl, wait till you hear the story about the fireman and the goggles. . . .”) Randy’s longtime companion, the glamorous Chinchilla Silver Persian cat Tippi, makes an appearance as she dishes about her life Chez Randy. And, in the most highly anticipated sequel since Top Gun: Maverick, Randy continues the conversation with his mother, Gwen, because who knows better than the Jewish mother of a gay man about how to solve America’s problems? Randy Rainbow’s Low-Hanging Fruit—a bold manifesto for a nation desperately in need of a makeover. [from the publisher]

Randy Rainbow is back in print with a second memoir/essay collection every bit as funny, sassy, irreverent, and personal as the first!

As in any collection, not every chapter is going to be a hit. I didn't especially care for Chapter 5: My Name Is “a.” On the other hand, I found Chapter 7: RIP, My Attention Span especially good—funny and true!

Randy makes lying about his age a running gag, to great effect. In general, he is somehow able to be snarky and self-deprecating in the same breath—it's hard to be insulted.

In his first memoir, Randy mentioned that his favorite ice-cream flavor is coffee. In my review for that book, I included that as one of the many ways in which he and I are kindred spirits. In this book, he changes his favorite to mint chocolate chip, which is my other favorite ice-cream flavor. It's a mood thing for me—they're both my favorite, but only one at a time. Truth be told, I have something in common with his precious cat, too, but I won't share that detail with you for fear of crossing the TMI line. Randy doesn't shy away from crossing that line in this book, which is, of course, up to him. You've been warned . . . though we might have differing opinions about where that line sits.

I've seen Randy Rainbow live twice now. The second time, I absolutely loved his nail color, and would have asked him for the brand and color during the VIP Q&A had someone else not beaten me to it. Great minds think alike! I ordered Essie's “get it girl” right away, wearing it two manis in a row for a tropical vacation soon after . . . and once this summer. Randy mentions audience reactions to his nails in the book—my reaction doesn't fit my geography.

Another piece of advice I've taken from Randy is the proper way to safely slice a bagel. I've damaged myself once or twice using someone else's advice. While my experience with Randy's method is short-lived, I am cautiously optimistic that I will not have future bagel-slicing emergencies.

All in all, Low-Hanging Fruit provided a welcome dose of levity, commentary, and practical tips. Who could ask for anything more?

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—St. Martin's Press. Publication is expected October 8.


19 August 2024

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust (Flavia de Luce #11), Alan Bradley 3.66
Flavia de Luce has taken on the mentorship of her odious moon-faced cousin Undine, who has come to live at Buckshaw following the death of her mother. Undine’s main talent, aside from cultivating disgusting habits, seems to be raising Flavia’s hackles, although in her best moments she shows potential for trespassing, trickery, and other assorted mayhem.

When Major Greyleigh, a local recluse and former hangman, is found dead after a breakfast of poisonous mushrooms, suspicion falls on the de Luce family’s longtime cook, Mrs. Mullet. After all, wasn’t it she who’d picked the mushrooms, cooked the omelet, and served it to Greyleigh moments before his death? “I have to admit,” says Flavia, an expert in the chemical nature of poisons, “that I’d been praying to God for a jolly good old-fashioned mushroom poisoning. Not that I wanted anyone to die, but why give a girl a gift such as mine without giving her the opportunity to use it?”

But Flavia knows the beloved Mrs. Mullet is innocent. Together with Dogger, estate gardener and partner-in-crime, and the obnoxious Undine, Flavia sets out to find the real killer and clear Mrs. Mullet’s good name. Little does she know that following the case’s twists and turns will lead her to a most surprising discovery—one with the power to upend her entire life. [from the publisher]

Five-plus years ago, it seemed that book 10 was to be the series finale. When the announcement came that there would be two more books, this Flavia de Luce fan rejoiced (and I don't think I was alone). For those of you who are unfamiliar (the horror!), the series can be classified as cozy mystery with a touch of historical fiction. The debut—The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (published in 2009)—takes place in the summer of 1950, when Flavia is an 11-year-old amateur sleuth with a penchant for chemistry. She lives with her widowed father and two older sisters. Because the series follows the de Luce family over time and pivotal events, I strongly recommend that folks new to the series start at the beginning and read their way through. This installment, certainly, cannot be considered a stand-alone read. Starting at the top shouldn't be a hardship, though—the series is a consistent pleaser. While I've especially liked some of the installments, I've never been disappointed.

By the time we reached book 10, Flavia had only aged one year. If her age (or the year) is revealed in book 11, I didn't make note of it. Neither did a search of the e-book ARC yield an answer. In any event, one of Flavia's sisters has married and left the nest (actually at the end of the previous installment), and the second is planning an imminent departure, as well. I missed Flavia's older sisters—who barely get a passing mention—in book 11. I don't like the cousin Undine character, though having a younger cousin underfoot allows a power shift for Flavia. Some of their interchanges—and Flavia's inner monologue about Undine—are, admittedly, hilarious. Luckily, Dogger, Mrs. Mullet, and Inspector Hewitt are among the series regulars who lend continuity to book 11.

I anticipated a major plot point quite early. I'm not mad—Flavia has to figure things out for herself, and I have a lot of years of experience over her. The book contains a great deal of dark humor, which has been a characteristic of the entire series and no small part of my delight in the books. If you are a cozy mystery fan—especially if you appreciate a precocious, smart, clever kid—this series might delight you, too!

I have not yet had the opportunity to read the audiobook. I have great news, though, for those who prefer or require to read with their ears: Jayne Entwistle is the narrator, as she has been for the entire series. [I started reading the series with my eyes, and don't remember which installments I've read with my ears. Even when I read the series with my eyes, as with this installment, I now read in Entwistle's voice.] Additional great news: Flavia de Luce #12 has been announced for autumn 2025.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Random House Publishing Group—Ballantine/Bantam. Publication is expected September 3.


5 August 2024

The Dark Wives (Vera Stanhope #11), Ann Cleeves 3.66
The man’s body is found in the early morning light by a local dog walker in the park outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens in the coastal village of Longwater. The victim is Josh, a staff member, who was due to work the previous night but never showed up.

DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, with her only clue being the disappearance of one of the home’s residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.

Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie Bell, are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth, and the dark secrets in their community that may be far more dangerous than she could have ever believed possible. [from the publisher]

The Dark Wives is only the second Cleeves book I've read—the first was part of the Detective Matthew Venn series. I have watched a few Vera television episodes; but my greatest exposure has been to her Shetland BBC television series. The Shetland Island book series is high on my TBR list as I wait impatiently for the next television season.

I didn't tag many passages. I was sufficiently immersed in the storyline and didn't want to interrupt the flow. I like how Vera and the team recognize that each member contributes different skills to solving a case. Vera tries to improve her management of a new team member because she feels responsible for the departure of the predecessor. The contrast between male and female and older and younger team member styles and perspectives is interesting.

The audiobook is narrated by Janine Birkett, who is new to me, but has been narrating this series starting with the sixth book, among other narration credits.

This book can be read as a standalone, and might appeal to any mystery or police procedural reader.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected August 27.


4 August 2024

The Break-Up Pact, Emma Lord 3
June and Levi were best friends as teenagers—until the day they weren’t. Now June is struggling to make rent on her beachside tea shop, Levi is living a New York cliché as a disillusioned hedge fund manager and failed novelist, and they've barely spoken in years.

But after they both experience public, humiliating break-ups with their exes that spread like wildfire across TikTok rabbit holes and daytime talk shows alike, they accidentally make some juicy gossip of their own—a photo of them together has the internet convinced they're a couple. With so many people rooting for them, they decide to put aside their rocky past and make a pact to fuel the fire. Pretending to date will help June’s shop get back on its feet and make Levi’s ex realize that she made a mistake. All they have to do is convince the world they're in love, one swoon-worthy photo opp at a time.

Two viral break-ups. One fake relationship. Five sparkling, heart-pounding dates. June and Levi can definitely pull this off without their hearts getting involved. Because everyone knows fake dating doesn’t come with real feelings. Right? [from the publisher]

I so enjoyed three of Lord's YA books (rating each 3.66 stars), that I was really looking forward to her adult romance/rom-com debut. Sadly, I didn't find this book even remotely as charming as her previous books. I might be judging these still-young adults (the main characters are in their late–twenties) too harshly in the maturity department, but I don't think so.

There is an entire chapter devoted to June and Levi's first time having sex with each other. It could have been omitted completely and the book would have been hotter. Maybe this is why I prefer Lord's YA—there's attraction, but nothing steamier than kissing, which leaves room for anticipation and imagination. Too, I think it could have been a more fulfilling story if it was less about fake dating to make their exes jealous—which is immature at its core—and framed more as a second-chance romance (even though they're still quite young—they knew each other as teens). I won't spoil the source of the couple's estrangement. I will tell you that it only added to my frustration and disappointment in the book.

I liked June's best friend, Sana. [I read with my ears, so I'm spelling her name the way it sounds to me. Maybe someone will let me know how close I came?] Right out of the gate, she's funny, if a bit pushy. In all fairness, she was the only driver of forward movement in much of the story. I also very much liked June's future brother-in-law. There you have it, folks—my two favorite characters in the book are truly minor. I also liked the setting.

Despite my disappointment based on my previous experiences, I will gladly continue reading Lord's work. She's not the only author who has written a single book (or even a couple books) that just didn't work for me, but who generally entertains admirably.

The audiobook is narrated by Natalie Naudus, whose work I have appreciated much more often than I realized for not recognizing her name right away.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected August 13.


29 July 2024

Between a Flock and a Hard Place (Meg Langslow #35), Donna Andrews 3.5
Meg's neighbors, the Smetkamps, have won a makeover for their old home from Marvelous Mansions, a flashy, yet dubious company, focused on making historic homes more “modern.” The company already several days into its makeover of the Smetkamps' house, and tensions are running high—not only between the officious, demanding Mrs. Smetkamp and her neighbors, but also between her and the renovation crew. Meg, who is trying to keep the peace and prevent the makeover crew from trampling on every clause of the county's building code, arrives at the Smetkamps to find that Caerphilly's resident flock of feral turkeys has moved into their yard—or been relocated there by someone who wanted to cause them trouble.

The turkeys are huge, territorial, cranky and aggressive—and impossible to move! Meg does what she can to calm down the irate neighbors and help the makeover crew make progress in spite of the turkeys. She comes up with a plan to gather a group of turkey wranglers to snatch them early in the morning. But when they arrive, they find the body of Mrs. Smetkamp in her backyard. Someone stabbed her, and then tried to make it look as if she was attacked by one of the turkeys, but Meg, the Chief, and the Sheriff are not fooled. Together, they must figure out what really happened to Mrs. Smetkamp . . . and what to do with all these turkeys! [from the publisher]

Donna Andrews continues to write intricately woven cozy mysteries. At one point in the story, I thought in my head, channeling Oprah Winfrey, “You have a motive, and you have a motive, and you have a motive. . . .” By the end of the book, multiple crimes have been committed. As usual, the whole town is involved in solving the mysteries.

In a past installment, I noted not caring for Bernadette Dunne's narration. I had no such complaints this time around. This installment can be read without having read the entire series before it.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Minotaur Books. Publication is expected August 6.


17 July 2024

The Wedding People , Alison Espach 3.33
It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.

In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us. [from the publisher]

The developing—and wildly mismatched—relationship between Lila (the young bride) and Phoebe (the middle-aged wedding crasher) is interesting. Lila doesn't waste too much time before she starts to show some compassion and affection for Phoebe. Phoebe is gifted at listening to others, which is shown in retellings of interactions with her students (she's a college professor) and with the wedding people she meets. I didn't find either woman particularly likeable for the majority of the book. Phoebe is wimpy—allowing people to run roughshod over her. Lila is self-centered and shallow. Each redeems herself to a degree before the conclusion.

I bookmarked a handful of truly funny or thoughtful passages. I wish there had been more of both, to counter the significant negative aspects of the story. Content warnings include infertility, infidelity, and suicidal thoughts.

Helen Laser narrates masterfully, as always.

My above-median rating—which is a perfectly respectable rating coming from me—pales in comparison to many early reviewers. I tend to be more measured in my ratings than most—I don't give many extremely low or extremely high ratings. That is to say, if you are drawn to the publisher's description, you should feel confident that this book is worth trying, whether you're considering my rating or the vast number of higher ratings.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Henry Holt & Company. Publication is expected July 30.


7 July 2024

Trouble in Queenstown, Delia Pitts 3.66
With Trouble in Queenstown, Delia Pitts introduces private investigator Vandy Myrick in a powerful mystery that blends grief, class, race, and family with thrilling results.

Evander “Vandy” Myrick became a cop to fulfill her father’s expectations. After her world cratered, she became a private eye to satisfy her own. Now she's back in Queenstown, New Jersey, her childhood home, in search of solace and recovery. It's a small community of nine thousand souls crammed into twelve square miles, fenced by cornfields, warehouses, pharma labs, and tract housing. As a Black woman, privacy is hard to come by in “Q-Town,” and worth guarding.

For Vandy, that means working plenty of divorce cases. They’re nasty, lucrative, and fun in an unwholesome way. To keep the cash flowing and expand her local contacts, Vandy agrees to take on a new client, the mayor’s nephew, Leo Hannah. Leo wants Vandy to tail his wife to uncover evidence for a divorce suit.

At first the surveillance job seems routine, but Vandy soon realizes there’s trouble beneath the bland surface of the case when a racially charged murder with connections to the Hannah family rocks Q-Town. Fingers point. Clients appear. Opposition to the inquiry hardens. And Vandy’s sight lines begin to blur as her determination to uncover the truth deepens. She’s a minor league PI with few friends and no resources. Logic pegs her chances of solving the case between slim and hell no. But logic isn’t her strong suit. Vandy won’t back off. [from the publisher]

This debut features a Black, female, hard-boiled detective. It's a role quite different than those I've previously experienced from Bahni Turpin. Nonetheless, she narrated wonderfully, as usual.

Vandy's return to Queenstown isn't a simple or happy one. She shares history with some of the players in the story, including her father, who suffers from dementia and lives in a nursing facility, and Bobby, a former flame who is now on the local police force. While Vandy's official client is Leo, she ends up approaching the mystery from the standpoint of several other paid and unpaid clients. As Vandy digs through the evidence and clues, some chapter titles note whose case is being investigated within.

There is at least one fun twist, and a somewhat happy ending for several characters.

With a debut this strong, I will definitely be watching for the author's next novel.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Minotaur Books. Publication is expected July 16.


5 July 2024

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder, Kerryn Mayne 3.66
Lenny Marks is excellent at not having a life.

She bikes home from work at exactly 4pm each day, buys the same groceries for the same meals every week, and owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit (currently arranged by height). The closest thing she has to a friendship is playing Scrabble against an imaginary Monica Gellar while watching Friends reruns.

And Lenny Marks is very, very good at not remembering what happened the day her mother and stepfather disappeared when she was still a child. The day a voice in the back of her mind started whispering, You did this.

Until a letter from the parole board arrives in the mail—and when her desperate attempts to ignore it fail, Lenny starts to unravel. As long-buried memories come to the surface, Lenny’s careful routines fall apart. For the first time, she finds herself forced to connect with the community around her, and unexpected new relationships begin to bloom. Lenny Marks may finally get a life—but what if her past catches up to her first? [from the publisher]

This debut novel was published previously in Australia, where it is set. It's a much deeper story than might be assumed from the publicity.

Lenny, a 37-year-old school teacher, finds happiness in organization and routine. She keeps mostly to herself, though she has a warm relationship with her foster mother, Fay, and she seems to enjoy conversations with a worker at her favorite grocery store. Lenny doesn't read social cues well, but still tries to be social, particularly with some of her coworkers. Several good relationships are developed during the story.

As the narrative progresses, the trauma Lenny has endured and carried through her life is revealed, which goes a long way in explaining Lenny's habits and behaviors. Despite the trauma, there is comic relief sprinkled throughout. I found the conclusion satisfying, with an appropriate mix of light/positivity and darkness.

The audiobook is narrated by Australian actor Annie Maynard, who managed an incredible range of emotions and characters.

Some readers are comparing Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder to Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. Notably, the publisher did not, which I appreciate greatly. Had I seen that comparison, I might have skipped this. If, unlike me, you were a big fan of Honeyman's Eleanor, you might also enjoy Lenny—the characters do share some traits. Regardless, I recommend this book for anyone who likes fiction with depth and dark humor. Specific content warnings would likely serve as spoilers. If you are a sensitive reader, you might want to seek more information or consider skipping this book.

I was entertained by—and impressed with—this debut. I am anxious for Mayne's second book to be released in the States.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from St. Martin’s Press. Publication is expected July 9.


1 July 2024

Humor Me, Cat Shook 3.5
Presley Fry is not amused. She’s been an assistant at the Late Night Show for way too long, she’s adopted a “business casual” approach to dating to save herself from the embarrassment of seeking genuine connection, and she’s content to let her gregarious roommate, Isabelle, orchestrate her entire social life. Not completely disillusioned, Presley is enamored with the world of stand-up comedy. The joy she finds in discovering up-and-coming comedians is enough for now.

Presley is still reeling from her mother's death, which still knocks the wind out of her every time she reaches for the phone. Enter Susan Clark, her late mother's childhood best friend. Susan is married to the head of the network where Presley works, and is determined to take Presley under her wing. She’s equally determined to connect Presley with her son, the bright and affable Lawrence, who couldn’t be further from Presley’s type.

As Presley grapples with the loss of her mother and finds her people among those who seek out comedy to make the world a bit brighter, Humor Me reminds us that friendship can emerge from where you least expect it and that shared laughter can ease the deepest pain. [from the publisher]

Recently, I've read more than my fair share of novels that include narcissistic, emotionally abusive and/or neglectful mothers. In this one, Presley's dead mom—who was also an alcoholic—is an outsized character, given that she's not physically present during the time of the narrative. The mother's childhood best friend, Susan, of course, had a very different experience with Presley's mom, which makes her awkward efforts to forge a friendship with Presley all the more difficult. Susan persists, and the relationship develops in surprising ways—in turns poignant, amusing, and sometimes still very awkward.

There are romantic relationships, but none are the primary focus. Presley's job is a major focus of the story. I liked her dedication to discovering new stand-up comedians and trying to help launch their careers. Also heavily present are feminist issues, the Me Too movement, and sexism. Despite all of that, the book is occasionally quite funny—in some instances even hilarious.

The audiobook is narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, who is new to me. She did well voicing different ages, genders, and accents.

I'm glad I didn't dismiss this book automatically because I bailed on Shook's debut. I would have missed out on a solid, multilayered story.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected July 9.


19 June 2024

The Match, Sarah Adams 3.33
Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.

Evie Jones has dedicated her life and very limited funds working for Southern Service Paws, the company that matched her with the love of her life: Charlie, a service dog trained to assist with her epilepsy. But it’s no secret that the company has been struggling to make ends meet. It’s up to her and her longtime mentor and boss to throw the fundraiser of the century to keep the doors open.

Then Evie meets Jacob Broaden at a client consultation meeting. There are instant sparks—but not the good kind, because Jacob’s daughter set up the meeting without his knowledge. Ten-year-old Sam has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy and has wanted a service animal ever since. While he has hesitations at first, it doesn’t take long for Jacob to be convinced that a service dog and possibly Evie, with her magical, woodland-green eyes, might just be the best thing for him and his daughter.

As Evie spends more time with Jacob and helps Sam find her perfect match with a lovable golden retriever named Daisy, she starts longing for something she’s never had before—a loving family. For Jacob, falling in love with Evie is the last thing he should be doing, but love has a way of finding those who need it most. [from the publisher]

This is an expanded edition of a previously published book. I have not read the original edition, so I don't know which chapters or segments have been updated.

I don't often have occasion to read books that include disability representation. I appreciate when books expand representation for an underserved population—it's important for all people to see themselves in art and entertainment.

While not my favorite example of the genre, this could be considered a rom-com, with some amusing banter. It's at least primarily a closed-door romance. I found some of the “sexy talk” to be silly and decidedly not romantic—maybe this is part of why I don't read a lot of romance.

Because of the book's focus on romance, young Sam is not a main character, even though her needs spur and drive the storyline. As so many parents of resourceful children have lamented over time, Jake hopes that his childrearing methods will help Sam use her powers for good—not evil—as she matures.

Evie's mom is a passive-aggressive, manipulative woman [not the word I used in my personal notes]. She serves her purpose in Evie's character development and in parts of the story's advancement. Jake's family adds a lot humor to scenes in which they appear.

In the audio edition, male narrator Rusty Mewha sounds funny as a woman—not unexpected; I'm just making an observation. He immediately brings to mind Dustin Hoffman's movie performance as Tootsie—soft-spoken and somewhat breathy. On the plus side, Mewha at least approaches a Southern accent as indicated. Female narrator Leanne Woodward doesn't use a Southern accent, which is completely weird given how often characters' accents are brought up in the text.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and recommend it for avid and occasional mild romance or rom-com readers.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Dreamscape Media. Publication is expected July 2.


17 June 2024

The Witchstone, Henry H. Neff 4
An unforgettable, high-stakes, laugh-out-loud funny novel, The Witchstone blends the merciless humor of The Good Place with the spellbinding fantasy of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods.

Meet Laszlo, eight-hundred-year-old demon and Hell’s least productive Curse Keeper. From his office beneath Midtown, he oversees the Drakeford Curse, which involves a pathetic family upstate and a mysterious black monolith. It’s a sexy enough assignment—colonial origins, mutating victims, et cetera—but Laszlo has no interest in maximizing the curse’s potential; he’d rather sunbathe in Ibiza, quaff martinis, and hustle the hustlers on Manhattan’s subway. Unfortunately, his division has new management, and Laszlo’s ratings are so abysmal that he’s given six days to shape up or he’ll be melted down and returned to the Primordial Ooze.

Meet Maggie Drakeford, nineteen-year-old Curse Bearer. All she’s ever known is the dreary corner of the Catskills where the Drakeford Curse has devoured her father’s humanity and is rapidly laying claim to her own. The future looks hopeless, until Laszlo appears at the Drakeford farmhouse one October night and informs them that they have six days—and six days only—to break the spell before it becomes permanent. Can Maggie trust the glib and handsome Laszlo? Of course not. But she also can’t pass up an opportunity to save her family, even if it means having a demon as a guide. . . .

Thus begins a breakneck international adventure that takes our unlikely duo from a hot dog stand in Central Park to the mountains of Liechtenstein. As the clock ticks down, tough-as-nails Maggie and conniving Laszlo will uncover a secret so profound that what began as a farcical quest to break a curse will eventually threaten the very Lords of Hell. [from the publisher]

There was no arm-twisting required to entice me to read this book, which is being compared to The Good Place television series and Neil Gaiman's American Gods. As should be expected from those comparisons, I was immersed into a gross, gory, funny, dark, action-packed, wild trip, with just a touch of social and religious commentary thrown in for good measure.

Demon Laszlo and Curse Bearer Maggie are the main characters, with considerable support from Maggie's much younger brother, George (also known as Lump); a variety of other demons, including Clarence; a Catholic priest; and a motley crew of others.

Additional notes from the publisher include the fact that the author is a former history teacher who has written and illustrated six acclaimed fantasy books for children. The Witchstone is his first novel for adults. Lucky us! Narrator Ramiz Monsef is an actor and playwright with onstage credits as a member of Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s acting company, in New York, and in other regional productions. I thought Monsef handled voices for all genders and ages, humans and demons, fabulously. Based on this book, I will gladly read Neff's work again—regardless of target audience—and read other books narrated by Monsef.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Blackstone Publishing—Audiobooks. Publication is expected June 18.


13 June 2024

Dog Day Afternoon (Andy Carpenter #29), David Rosenfelt 3.66
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter has run the Tara Foundation—the dog rescue organization named after his beloved golden retriever—for years. It's always been his calling, even as Andy's pulled into representing clients in court. His investigator, Marcus Clark, has been at Andy's side for a long time. Even though they've known each other for years, Marcus keeps his personal life a mystery.

So it’s a shock when Marcus arrives at the Tara Foundation with two strangers in tow. Turns out Marcus takes disadvantaged young men under his wing, gets them jobs, a place to live, and a chance at a different life. And they want a dog. Andy’s specialty. One of the young men, Nick Williams, instantly falls in love with one of the dogs, Daisy.

When there’s a mass shooting at Nick’s work, leaving six dead, all signs point to Nick. Marcus, who's never asked Andy for anything, asks Andy for help. Despite Nick's troubled background, Andy trusts his friend and takes the case. [from the publisher]

I enjoy this series—it offers a nice blend of humor and mystery. This installment is better-constructed—and more satisfying—than some of its predecessors (including in the K Team spin-off series, of which I've read the first three).

Of course, some threads remain the same throughout the series. Andy continues to describe himself as rich and lazy—he wants to work as little as possible. That may be true, though he works plenty hard when he's engaged in the cause. Fair enough! As always, dogs play a part in the story, including Andy's dog serving as sounding board and trusted “adviser” to Andy on their walks. Grover Gardner returns to narrate the audiobook. You may remember that I haven't been as big a fan of his narration as many of the series' devotees. Either he's growing on me or he's toned down his noir detective voice substantially . . . or maybe a bit of both. If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that Marcus is possibly my favorite series character. He talks more in this one, but it's a relative measure.

Specific to this installment, I perceived a higher level of violence. This, too, is a relative thing—it's not Lee Child's Jack Reacher–level violence—It's just more than I remember from previous installments. I absolutely adored the old folks who help the case investigation via Andy's computer expert, Sam. They're a hoot! Too, I especially enjoyed what spurred Andy's aha moment. I'm not going to spoil it for you.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Minotaur Books. Publication is expected July 2.


11 June 2024

A Certain Kind of Starlight, Heather Webber 4
Everyone knows that Addie Fullbright can’t keep a secret. Yet, twelve years ago, as her best friend lay dying, she entrusted Addie with the biggest secret of all. One so shattering that Addie felt she had to leave her hometown of Starlight, Alabama, to keep from revealing a devastating truth to someone she cares for deeply. Now she’s living a lonely life, keeping everyone at a distance, not only to protect the secret but also her heart from the pain of losing someone else. But when her beloved aunt, the woman who helped raise her, gets a shocking diagnosis and asks her to come back to Starlight to help run the family bakery, Addie knows it’s finally time to go home again.

Tessa Jane Wingrove-Fullbright feels like she’s failing. She’s always been able to see the lighter side of life but lately darkness has descended. Her world is suddenly in shambles after a painful breakup, her favorite aunt’s unexpected health troubles, and because crushing expectations from the Wingrove side of her family are forcing her to keep secrets and make painful choices. When she’s called back to Starlight to help her aunt, she’s barely holding herself together and fears she’ll never find her way back to who she used to be.

Under the bright side of the stars, Addie and Tessa Jane come to see that magic can be found in trusting yourself, that falling apart is simply a chance to rise up again, stronger than ever, and that the heart usually knows the best path through the darkness. [from the publisher]

This is the fourth Heather Webber book I've read. My sense upon finishing was that it didn't feel as smooth as her other books that I love. Two things make this perception inconsequential: I highlighted the heck out of it, and I'm rating it well above average. The bottom line is that Webber has never let me down—each of my five readings (I reread Midnight at the Blackbird Café in March; now six, with a second reading of Starlight ending July 13) has been a delight! Sometimes I've felt like I'd been on an emotional rollercoaster—every time, though, all is well that ends well.

It took quite a while to keep the family (and neighbor) trees straight, which might have been an early challenge to my impression of the book. I anticipated Ree's secret (advertised in the publisher's blurb) way ahead of its reveal, but Webber surprised me in other ways (brava!). The book is full of family traditions, strong matriarchs, Southern expressions and wisdom, and helpful baking tips. I especially enjoyed Aunt Bean's “from the kitchen of” entries at the beginning of each chapter, which allowed her to share her elder-wisdom in an interesting way besides in conversation with other characters. Aunt Bean and her bakery employees, the Sugarbirds, often stole the show, but Addie and Tessa Jane were good main characters—flawed, but growing. There were other lovable supporting characters and several very effective villains. To top it off, a bunch of non-human animal characters play important parts.

If you are a Heather Webber fan—or if you're just in the mood for a character-driven, found and biological family, Southern dose of magical realism—get yourself on your library hold list pronto and/or preorder the book in your favorite format(s). I've done both.

EDITED [July 13]:

I was thrilled to read an audio ARC as well. The book is narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis, who also narrated the audio editions of two of my previous Webber reads (plus others). Willis was also one of the narrators of Midnight at the Blackbird Café. I like Ricardo's and Willis's work—their voices are perfect for Webber's wide range of characters, lovable or not.

The slight reservation I felt after reading the e-book ARC was gone with my second reading. I don't know for sure whether it was the repeat reading or the wonderful narration that made the difference—maybe both! In any event, I have bumped up my rating slightly.

During my second reading, something Tessa Jane says in Chapter 20 was so hilarious to me that I went back to the e-book and highlighted the section. Let me know when you (think you) get there, and we can revel together!

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books (print/e-book) and Macmillan Audio from Tor Forge. Publication is expected July 23.


3 June 2024

Pitch Dark (Mike Bowditch #15), Paul Doiron 3.33
Legendary bush pilot Josie Jonson can’t believe her luck when a skilled builder just happens to show up after she purchases land near Prentiss Pond. All Mark Redmond asks in return for building Josie’s dream cabin is that he be left alone to homeschool his 12-year-old daughter, Cady.

For Maine game warden investigator Mike Bowditch, the intensity of Redmond's secretiveness is troubling, especially in light of suspicious criminal activity being reported around the area―including rumors of an armed man offering large sums of money in exchange for the location of Redmond and Cady. Josie, though hesitant to violate the trust of her prized builder, eventually agrees to fly Mike and his father-in-law Charley Stevens to the secluded pond in an attempt to protect Redmond and Cady. But hours after landing, the trip takes a dark turn when they witness a horrific murder and are taken captive themselves.

Freeing himself, Mike is forced to set off through the impenetrable Maine forest towards Canada, alone and unarmed in pursuit of a mysterious fugitive. As he navigates a windblown landscape choked with deadfalls and blocked by swollen streams, he marvels at his enemy’s bush craft. The killer possesses skills surpassing his own, and Bowditch can't tell if he is the cat or the mouse in this dangerous game. Can Mike Bowditch stop his adversary in time to save the life of a young girl, or will he be forced to watch another innocent soul die? [from the publisher]

While this mystery/thriller is the 15th book in a series, it is my first experience with Doiron. It works fine as a standalone.

The story's most positive feature to me is that main character Mike's relationship with his father-in-law and mentor, Charley, is warm. Mike is deferential to Charley's knowledge, wisdom, and philosophy. Another interesting aspect of the story is that Mike explains his investigative thought process as he pursues the fugitive and tries to solve the mystery.

Pretty much the entire book is devoted to the chase, with essentially constant violence—there is no relief. Content warnings include brainwashing, trauma of a child, and cutting and self-harm by a child.

Narrator Henry Leyva effectively uses different voices, including a range of ages and accents.

Devoted thriller readers may enjoy this book and series. This wasn't the book for me in this moment, but I may well be in the mood to try others in the series at another time.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 25.


29 May 2024

Dead Tired (Expectant Detectives #2), Kat Ailes 3.5
Being a new mom is murder.

Alice didn’t think her maternity leave would involve so much, well, murder. Before becoming proud new moms, she and her friends bonded more than members of a prenatal group usually would, as they became accidental amateur sleuths and solved a crime together. Now, with all this behind them and Alice’s son Jack somehow already a year old, Alice is keen to finally catch up on some sleep. So when an opportunity presents itself in the unlikely form of an eco-protest, Alice and her friends willingly chain themselves to trees and settle in as an excuse to get some overdue rest. Not the most comfortable arrangement ever, but at this point, they’ll take what they can get.

However, the next morning one of their fellow protesters is found strangled, and any hope of a peaceful interlude is suddenly swept away. Soon Alice and her friends become entangled in a plot involving rogue artists, an enigmatic local entrepreneur, and nude (optional) protesting, offering an unexpected—but not necessarily unwelcome—break from changing diapers and wrestling baby toys away from Helen the dog.

Alice, whose success rate in solving countryside murder is at an all-time high (one out of one), cannot resist the chance to demonstrate her detective skills once more, and assembles her gang of new moms to investigate this latest mystery in their not-so-sleepy English countryside village. [from the publisher]

This second in series cozy mystery was published practically on the heels of the first book, at least in the US market (published January 9, 2024, in US; first published June 8, 2023). The sequel didn't quite reach the level of its predecessor for me, but it didn't fall far short. I was definitely entertained. I perceived that it had less personality than the first, though, in all fairness, that perception might be colored by the fact that it's hard to come up with truly fresh baby and dog antics, upon which so much of the humor of the first book relied. Those parts aside, the new mystery stands well on its own, fitting thoroughly into the world created in the first book, with interesting layers and interconnections, and having a decent twist at the end.

The first book is alluded to often, but on a very basic level. I recommend reading these books in order, even though it's a fresh and separate story, at least to get to know the main characters and how they became friends.

The end leaves an opening for third installment, which I will surely read if it comes to fruition.

Kitty Kelly narrates the audio edition, as she did for The Expectant Detectives. If the series continues, Kelly would be a most welcome, comfortable piece of its success. That is, I like the consistency of a returning narrator in a series (as long as I like the narrator's work).

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books (print/e-book) and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 4.


27 May 2024

Service Model, Adrian Tchaikovsky 3.66
Murderbot meets Redshirts in a delightfully humorous tale of robotic murder from the Hugo-nominated author of Elder Race and Children of Time.

To fix the world they must first break it, further.

Humanity is a dying breed, utterly reliant on artificial labor and service.

When a domesticated robot gets a nasty little idea downloaded into its core programming, they murder their owner. The robot discovers they can also do something else they never did before: They can run away.

Fleeing the household they enter a wider world they never knew existed, where the age-old hierarchy of humans at the top is disintegrating into ruins and an entire robot ecosystem devoted to human wellbeing is having to find a new purpose.

Sometimes all it takes is a nudge to overcome the limits of your programming. [from the publisher]

I haven't read the Murderbot Diaries series yet. Based on my experience with Service Model, I have now moved that series to the top of my TBR list. As I did read—and greatly enjoy—John Scalzi's Redshirts, that comparison increased my interest in reading this book.

Service Model starts out mildly funny, and the humor continues in varying degrees throughout. There's an especially funny bit about a particular robot's vocalization. The dystopian nature of the story is revealed slowly . . . even sneakily. Along the way, Tchaikovsky adds in social and political commentary, eventually takes on religion and justice, and sprinkles in a splash of morality. There's even commentary on AI—certainly a current hot topic. As they should, librarians and librarianship get serious snaps.

The story drags for a while, making me of the opinion that it maybe could have been substantially shorter. However, there comes a point at which it becomes quite dark—and more tense, exciting, and active—leading up to the climax.

The author narrates, successfully. My longstanding belief is that authors should not narrate their own work unless they are actors (often comedians) or Neil Gaiman. I'm always pleasantly surprised when an author is a good narrator as well. [Some other authors that are exempt from my rule include Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jill Conner Browne, and Steven Rowley.]

My overall reaction upon finishing Service Model was “Wow!” I had already placed a library hold on the book, which I'm keeping for my partner's benefit. Too, upon finishing, I was quick to preorder a signed hardcover edition for my personal library.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 4.


17 May 2024

The Rom-Commers, Katherine Center 4.5
She’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies—good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates—The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!—it’s a break too big to pass up.

Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone—much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script—it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.

But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter—even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they’re writing breaks all Emma’s rules—and comes true? [from the publisher]

This is the third year in a row that I've read Katherine Center's summer release in advance of publication. It's been an excellent three years—I hope the trend will continue!

The Rom-Commers sports all of Center's trademark banter, relationships of all types, misunderstandings and miscommunications, nuggets of wisdom, and laugh-out-loud humor. By the end, I succumbed to gentle crying, which is not a typical response for me—I was just so invested in the story. In fact, upon review of my e-book highlights and notes in preparation for writing this review, it's clear that I so furiously gobbled up the book that I am already ready for a reread!

The audiobook is narrated by Patti Murin, who is nothing short of spectacular! She has so much personality! I've often enjoyed her audiobook narration, so I took a deeper dive into her acting career. I might have seen her on stage as Glinda in Wicked during its first national tour (I saw it twice, but it's long enough ago that I can't immediately put my hands on my show programs). I haven't seen any of her large- or small-screen credits, though I've put a couple of Christmas movies in which she appeared on my library hold list. [If you're not aware of my inexplicable love of Christmas movies, it's kind of a funny story. Whether it's funnier coming from me or my partner is up for debate.] Audiobook exclusives include a bonus scene and a message from the author. A version of the latter is also available on Center's website, I believe. I recommend reading it, as it has just as much heart as her fiction. She makes a pitch for silliness and the value of love stories—both things that improve my quality of life, to be sure! It also talks about pro-social behaviors.

If you're a softy for a love story, rom-coms, or general fun, give yourself the treat of reading this book!

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press (print/e-book) and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 11.


16 May 2024

Just Some Stupid Love Story, Katelyn Doyle 2.5
For fans of Emily Henry, a debut about a rom-com screenwriter who doesn't believe in love and a divorce attorney who does, forced together at their high school reunion fifteen years after their breakup.

Molly Marks writes Hollywood rom-coms for a living—which is how she knows “romance” is a racket. The one and only time she was naive enough to fall in love was with her high school boyfriend, Seth—who she ghosted on the eve of graduation and hasn’t seen in fifteen years.

Seth Rubinstein believes in love, the grand, fated kind, despite his job as, well . . . one of Chicago’s most successful divorce attorneys. Over the last decade, he’s sought “the one” in countless bad dates and rushed relationships. He knows his soulmate is out there. But so far, no one can compare to Molly Marks, the first girl who broke his heart.

When Molly’s friends drag her to Florida for their fifteenth high school reunion, it is poetic justice that she’s forced to sit with Seth. Too many martinis and a drunken hookup later, they decide to make a bet: whoever can predict the fate of five couples before the next reunion must declare that the other is right about true love. The catch? The fifth couple is the two of them.

Molly assures Seth they are a tale of timeless heartbreak. Seth promises she’ll end up hopelessly in love with him. She thinks he’s delusional. He has five years to prove her wrong.

Wickedly funny, sexy, and brimming with laughs and heart like the best romantic comedies, Just Some Stupid Love Story is for everyone who believes in soulmates—even if they would never admit it. [from the publisher]

As someone who is, generally, an Emily Henry fan (see publisher's blurb), a rom-com fan (books, television, and movies), and a great believer in romantic love (my partner and I are celebrating our 35th anniversary this year), I was truly disappointed in—even, at times, put off by—this book. The publisher's blurb described Just Some Stupid Love Story in such a way that I was expecting to absolutely love this book—the premise of the story was so appealing to me.

I was not a fan of Molly's, and I was mystified by both the torch Seth carried for her and his present-day attraction. Why did he stick with her?

Sex appears early in the book, around the 10% mark. As my longtime followers know, I'm not a fan of characters falling into bed (or sex anywhere else) early in a book—I like a relationship to develop. Admittedly this book is different in that the main characters dated as teens. Slightly before the halfway mark, there is explicit sexting. Around 84%, there is cringeworthy, demeaning, sexist language. I was already not loving the story, and this turned me off completely. F-bombs are dropped liberally.

The story includes general references to both the COVID-19 pandemic and global warming. I thought both were well-handled. Neither seemed out of place or intruded upon the story.

The audiobook is narrated by Christine Lakin and Tim Paige. Lakin has narrated quite a few other books I've read, including several by some of my favorite authors—Abby Jimenez, Michael Connelly, and Allen Eskens. I'm not as familiar with Paige, though he has narrated at least one other book that I've read with my ears. In this book, he created both male and female voices, with ages ranging from child to elderly.

As always, your mileage may vary. I'm thankful that so many creative authors work so very hard to provide entertainment for us!

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Flatiron Books. Publication is expected June 4.


12 May 2024

The Guncle Abroad (The Guncle #2), Steven Rowley 4
Patrick O'Hara is called back to his guncle duties . . . This time for a big family wedding in Italy.

Patrick O’Hara is back. It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.

When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.

Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up? Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty. [from the publisher]

The events of The Guncle Abroad take place five years after the first story. Patrick's trip with his niblings on the way to their father's Italian wedding, of course, is the driving force of the story. [Nibling is a gender-neutral term used to refer to a child of one's sibling as a replacement for “niece” or “nephew.”] Grant is now 11. Maisie is 14. Maisie is a bookdragon, and she likes to talk about what she's reading/learning. I relate.

The second book includes all the same humor and sensitivity of the first book. Some scenes are riotously funny; some are overly dramatic, very much in keeping with Patrick's personality; some are poignant. The big focus is on love, in many different forms—sibling, parental, platonic, romantic, familial. I perceived less humor in the second installment, which might be understandable considering the kids' preteen and teen status.

There were some standout scenes for me. One touches on happy-ending stories as a salve for the dismal state of the world . . . using reading as a distraction. Again, I relate deeply. Another focuses on how unfair it is that there are different standards of behavior for boys and girls—that girls have to restrain and hide themselves, while boys are allowed to act and react however they feel, without challenge.

While a brief online search doesn't reveal any evidence that one is planned, I think the door is left open for a third Guncle story. I would be there for it!

For those who like to read with their ears, the audiobook is narrated by the author. I enjoyed this book enough that I might read it again quite soon, when my audiobook hold becomes available.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons. Publication is expected May 21.


9 May 2024

Red Side Story (Shades of Grey #2), Jasper Fforde 4.5
Welcome to Chromatacia, where life is strictly regulated by one’s limited color perception. Civilization has been rebuilt after an unspoken “Something that Happened” five hundred years before. Society is now color vision–segregated, everything dictated by an individual’s visual ability, and governed by the shadowy National Color in far-off Emerald City.

Twenty-year-old Eddie Russett, a Red, is about to go on trial for a murder he didn’t commit, and he’s pretty certain to be sent on a one-way trip to the Green Room for execution by soporific color exposure. Meanwhile, he’s engaged in an illegal relationship with his co-defendant, a Green, the charismatic and unpredictable Jane Grey. Negotiating the narrow boundaries of the Rules within their society, they search for a loophole—some truth of their world that has been hidden from its hyper-policed citizens.

New York Times bestselling author Jasper Fforde returns to his fan-favorite Shades of Grey series with this wildly anticipated, laugh-out-loud funny and darkly satirical adventure about two star-crossed lovers on a quest to survive—even if it means upending their entire society in the process. [from the publisher]

I've been waiting almost exactly a dozen years for this sequel—it's been 14-plus years since Shades of Grey was published. Since its 2009 publication, I read the first book three times—twice just for fun; the third to refresh my memory in anticipation of Red Side Story's publication (also fun). As I've shared before, Fforde is an auto-read author for me, and I often reread his books when I need sure entertainment.

As expected, the novel is stuffed to the gills with Fforde's usual satire, humor, and sociopolitical commentary. It is, in turns, clever, silly, and fun, but also frustrating and infuriating. The story gets increasingly more exciting and tense. There were times I stopped reading not to bookmark a particular passage, but to note the feeling of a chapter. If memory serves, Red Side Story is a shade darker and more intense than it's predecessor; in the vein of The Constant Rabbit or Early Riser. It's definitely darker than the Thursday Next series (and for sure the The Last Dragonslayer series, intended for younger audiences, and the Nursery Crimes series, from each of which I've only read one installment so far).

The book is phenomenally narrated by Chris Harper, who is a new-to-me narrator. The North American release includes a bonus previously unpublished short story entitled “Nine Minutes Among the Riffraff,” which was narrated by Brendan Dempsey and Jasper Fforde.

I recommend reading Shades of Grey before reading this sequel. Do it now so you can get to this soon! I can only hope that I won't have to wait another dozen or more years for installment three, which is on the official radar, as well as clearly being set up toward the end of this book.

This unbiased review is based on the UK print edition from Hodder & Stoughton, published February 6, and an audio ARC supplied by publisher RB Media, released in North America on May 7.


6 May 2024

If Something Happens to Me, Alex Finlay 4.33
For the past five years, Ryan Richardson has relived that terrible night. The car door ripping open. The crushing blow to the head. The hands yanking him from the vehicle. His girlfriend Ali’s piercing scream as she is taken. With no trace of Ali or the car, a cloud of suspicion hangs over Ryan. But with no proof and a good lawyer, he’s never charged, though that doesn’t matter to the podcasters and internet trolls. Now, Ryan has changed his last name, and entered law school. He's put his past behind him.

Until, on a summer trip abroad to Italy with his law-school classmates, Ryan gets a call from his father: Ali's car has finally been found, submerged in a lake in his hometown. Inside are two dead men and a cryptic note with five words written on the envelope in Ali’s handwriting: If something happens to me. . . .

Then, halfway around the world, the unthinkable happens: Ryan sees the man who has haunted his dreams since that night.

As Ryan races from the rolling hills of Tuscany, to a rural village in the UK, to the glittering streets of Paris in search of the truth, he has no idea that his salvation may lie with a young sheriff’s deputy in Kansas working her first case, and a mobster in Philadelphia who’s experienced tragedy of his own. [from the publisher]

This is my second outing with Alex Finlay. I rated The Night Shift 3.5 stars—certainly high enough to want to snatch up another Finlay offering. I couldn't put down If Something Happens to Me—it even distracted me from the discomfort of a required fast day! It earns 4.33 stars.

Chapters jump around between multiple characters, locations, and timelines. It took a while to figure out how certain segments fit in, allowing for some truly satisfying aha moments throughout the book! Not only were there several twists, but there's a lot of action. If you are on the squeamish end of the spectrum, be aware that there is quite a bit of violence. However, most mystery/thriller lovers—versus strictly cozy mystery lovers, for instance—will probably not be unduly alarmed.

This review is necessarily concise—the bendy narrative path and connection-weaving mustn't be spoiled. Just note that this is a high rating coming from me. If you know how our preferences line up, you'll likely know whether this is also a good bet for you. If it is, enjoy . . . and message me when you're done so we can compare notes.

The audiobook is well-narrated by Helen Laser, John Pirhalla, and Paul Dateh. Laser and Pirhalla are quite familiar to me; Dateh is new to book narration, which I only know from looking into his experience (that is, his performance wasn't lacking).

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Minotaur Books. Publication is expected May 28.


21 April 2024

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies (The Vacation Mysteries #1), Catherine Mack 2.66
Ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors, three bodies . . . one trip to die for.

All that bestselling author Eleanor Dash wants is to get through her book tour in Italy and kill off her main character, Connor Smith, in the next in her Vacation Mysteries series—is that too much to ask?

Clearly, because when an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life—the handsome but infuriating con man she got mixed up with ten years ago and now can't get out of her life—Eleanor’s enlisted to help solve the case.

Contending with literary rivals, rabid fans, a stalker—and even her ex, Oliver, who turns up unexpectedly—theories are bandied about, and rivalries, rifts, and broken hearts are revealed. But who’s really trying to get away with murder?

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is the irresistible and hilarious series debut from Catherine Mack, introducing bestselling fictional author Eleanor Dash on her Italian book tour that turns into a real-life murder mystery, as her life starts to imitate the world in her books. [from the publisher]

I was already hot to read this book because it's a mystery involving an author and a group tour of Italy. That hits a lot of summer fun reading buttons! I was further encouraged by the wonderful cover blurb supplied by Elle Cosimano (author of the Finlay Donovan series, which I find so much fun), including her comparison of the book to Knives Out. Sadly, I didn't find that it held up to this hype. In all fairness, I'm sure there is a mighty fine line between whipping up advance enthusiasm and going over the far edge by setting too-high expectations.

Eleanor Dash isn't the most appealing of main characters. She certainly brought on some of her troubles herself, and she comes across as being both scattered and self-centered. Many of the other characters are also over-the-top personalities, which is perfectly suitable in a farce. Eleanor's sister—who is also her main support staff in her writing career—is possibly the most appealing/least annoying character.

Eleanor breaks the fourth wall almost constantly, throughout the book. I imagine this is supposed to fun and casual. I found it bothersome, especially when she's suggesting that a certain thing she's just said might be a clue. There's also a heavy reliance on footnotes in the book. While I thought this made the audio a bit choppy, I can't begin to imagine how much more disruptive and tedious it would have been had I been reading with my eyes. [Again, in all fairness, at the same time I was feeling irritated about this during reading, I had to acknowledge that my casual writing style tends to include an excessive number of asides. Will I change? Doubtful. It gave me pause, though.]

Narrator Elizabeth Evans did a good job with many of the female characters. She wasn't as strong in voicing male characters, and was slightly inconsistent with non-English accents.

All that being said, I felt a fair sense of satisfaction with the mystery's resolution, and I'm curious about how the series will continue, so I'm likely to read the second book.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Minotaur Books. Publication is expected April 30.


17 April 2024

Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone (A Death by Chocolate Mystery #7), Sarah Graves 3.5
Summer guests are eager to sink their teeth into the tantalizing desserts Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White serve at their bakeshop in the island village of Eastport, Maine. But attracting the wrong kind of attention can be deadly. . . .

With the August heat strong enough to melt solid chocolate into syrup, Jake and Ellie crave a break from the bakery ovens, despite tourist season promising a sweet payday. But they never envisioned spending the last weeks of summer drifting around Passamaquoddy Bay searching for pirate’s treasure—and a dead body.

Sally Coates believes her husband was murdered off the coast, and begs Ellie, a trusted childhood friend, to locate his remains. It’s unusual that a skilled fisherman would vanish along with the gold doubloon he inherited from his grandfather. And Sally isn’t the only one coveting the valuable heirloom for her own.

As Jake and Ellie island-hop for answers, they find themselves caught between hungry sharks and hungrier suspects. Can the duo tempt fate and dodge danger before there’s blood in the water—or are they destined to fall into the jaws of a killer’s trap? [from the publisher]

This is the seventh in a cozy mystery series, but my first.*

Main character Jake is a bit snarky—my kind of gal. I actually snorted and chuckled several times during the book.

Relationships abound, including Jake's business partner in a bakery called The Chocolate Moose/bestie/ride-or-die/partner-in-crime Ellie, four generations of Jake's family living in one household, a local witch, at least one dog, and a new police chief (a woman who might have appeared in a previous installment and in a different role?).

I predicted two major plot points well before their reveal in the last less than a quarter of the book. No points were deducted, though—I was plenty entertained. In fact, I'm planning to go back and start reading the series from the beginning! [*A deeper dive reveals that this series is a spin-off of the Home Repair Is Homicide series, started in 1998, of which I read installment six in the first week of 2007. I'm not sure I'll go that far into the backlist. Stay tuned!]

Content warnings include peril to a child and an animal.

SPOILER ALERT—click to revealNeither was prolonged or fatal.

The titular recipe is included at the end.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Dreamscape Media. Publication is expected April 23.


10 April 2024

The General's Gold, LynDee Walker & Bruce Robert Coffin 4
A treasure so priceless, it's worth killing for. . . .

When Mark Hawkins is found dead in a seedy motel, police deem it an accidental overdose. But billionaire computer genius Avery Turner suspects there might be more to the story. Her old friend was on the trail of the legendary General's Gold, and now Avery is determined to pick up where he left off. . . .

Teaming up with Carter Mosley, a deep-sea shipwreck diver and adrenaline junkie turned social media sensation, Avery embarks on a dangerous quest for the treasure—and the truth. From Florida to Maine, and from the mountains of Virginia to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, they face treacherous gangs, man-eating sharks, and a world of deception and double-crosses.

As they navigate hidden clues and uncertain allies, Avery and Carter must outwit their deadly adversaries and unravel the mystery surrounding the General's Gold. But in this high-stakes game, losing the treasure could cost them their lives. [from the publisher]

The General's Gold is an exciting, fast-paced adventure much in the vein of the Indiana Jones or National Treasure movie franchises. The story ties several generations and timelines together. There is a trio of likeable protagonists trying to solve the mysterious death of one's friend. They are challenged by multiple villains. Add to this a smart and knowledgeable museum worker—who has a crush on one of the adventurous team members and is depended upon to answer the team's historical questions—and some spunky old folks—(almost) all cousins who wear a variety of hats in a pivotal town along the way—and you have uninterrupted fun.

Several times as I was reading, I felt the need to yell at one or another character as they were about to do something stupid, much like one might do when watching television or film.

Narration by Alan Carlson was excellent for most male characters; less so for some female characters.

As much as possible, I like to read without preconceived notions. Therefore, I limit how much I learn about a book before reading. In this case, that habit led to a few surprises. Contrary to the publisher's blurb, Mark's quest for the General's Gold isn't revealed until almost a third of the way through the book. Too, after I finished reading and considered the summary more carefully, I realized that Harrison/Harry isn't considered one of the main adventurers. I thought Carter was the add-on or third wheel—not Harry. I'll be interested to see how the characters develop as the series progresses. If I had checked the book's Goodreads entry before starting, I would have known that this is the first installment in a planned series. Instead, the epilogue tipped me off. I'm there for at least the second installment.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Dreamscape Select/Severn River Publishing. Publication is expected April 16.


5 April 2024

Ash Dark as Night, Gary Phillips 3
Los Angeles, August 1965. Anger and pent-up frustrations boil over in the Watts neighborhood after a traffic stop of two Black motorists. As the Watts riots explode, crime photographer Harry Ingram snaps photos at the scene, including images of the police as they unleash batons, dogs, and water hoses on civilians. When he captures the image of an unarmed activist being shot down by the cops, he winds up in the hospital, beaten, his camera missing. Proof of the unjust killing seems lost—until Ingram’s girlfriend, Anita Claire, retrieves the hidden film in a daring rescue. The photo makes front-page news.

A recuperating Ingram is approached by Betty Payton, a comrade of Anita’s mother, who wants Ingram’s help tracking down her business associate Moses “Mose” Tolbert, last seen during the riots. Ingram follows the investigation down a rabbit hole of burglary rings, bank robberies, looted cash, and clandestine agendas—all the while grappling with his newfound fame, which puts him in the sightlines of LAPD’s secretive intelligence division. [from the publisher]

I was really enjoying Ash Dark as Night . . . until I really wasn't.

What I liked: Right out of the gate, I was engaged by the Black photographer/occasional amateur private eye main character. Using the historical setting of the Watts riots allowed the author to create a lot of action, suspense, and grit. The police brutality Harry Ingram captured on film during the riots was a great set-up. Ingram using his observational skills to solve a mystery is a plausible extension. I was even amused and relatively engaged by Ingram's girlfriend Anita's “family business.” Leon Nixon is an excellent narrator.

What I didn't like: Phillips' delivery of the history was sometimes awkward. While sex and seduction are often used in noir as plot advancers, I believe it's usually used as a means to the desired ends on the part of someone involved in the mystery. For example, a femme fatale uses sex to coerce someone into killing her husband. Here, explicit sex is described even among an established couple (on the same side of the mystery), and even in public spaces. It seemed gratuitous to me—I don't think it advanced the plot. As the book went on, the story fell apart, and I lost interest.

This is the second installment in a series of which I did not read the first book. I think the second works fine as a standalone read.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. It was published earlier this week—April 2.


3 April 2024

The Cemetery of Untold Stories, Julia Alvarez 3.5
Alma Cruz, the celebrated writer at the heart of The Cemetery of Untold Stories, doesn’t want to end up like her friend, a novelist who fought so long and hard to finish a book that it threatened her sanity. So when Alma inherits a small plot of land in the Dominican Republic, her homeland, she has the beautiful idea of turning it into a place to bury her untold stories—literally. She creates a graveyard for the manuscript drafts and revisions, and the characters whose lives she tried and failed to bring to life and who still haunt her.

Alma wants her characters to rest in peace. But they have other ideas, and the cemetery becomes a mysterious sanctuary for their true narratives. Filomena, a local woman hired as the groundskeeper, becomes a sympathetic listener as Alma’s characters unspool their secret tales. Among them: Bienvenida, the abandoned second wife of dictator Rafael Trujillo, consigned to oblivion by history, and Manuel Cruz, a doctor who fought in the Dominican underground and escaped to the United States.

The characters defy their author: they talk back to her and talk to one another behind her back, rewriting and revising themselves. The Cemetery of Untold Stories asks: Whose stories get to be told, and whose buried? Finally, Alma finds the meaning she and her characters yearn for in the everlasting vitality of stories. [from the publisher]

What I was looking for/thought I needed: an overall feel-good, happy-ending magical realism tale with relatively little angst (think Sarah Addison Allen, Heather Webber, Alice Hoffman).

What I got/perhaps needed: a trauma-heavy historical fiction/magical realism mash-up.

Admittedly, I really shouldn't have expected the former. The historical fiction aspect is the substance, focusing on the incredible challenges of a people—including but not limited to corrupt government, persecution, toxic masculinity and patriarchy, and the plight of women.

I wish that Alma had been a greater part of the story. Beyond the fact that it's her writings coming to new life in the cemetery, she doesn't play much of a part in the story. There are interactions with her sisters involving the distribution of their father's estate, but these, too, are minor in the grand scheme of things. I may just be looking at this too superficially: of course Alma is a major player—these words, these stories are borne from her, though they take on a life of their own (the magical realism aspect of the novel).

The novel repeatedly talks about the historical and cultural importance of oral tradition, while placing additional importance on committing stories to writing. It's so interesting that Alma understands the critical nature of the written word, and yet buries such a large portion of her work, ensuring that the stories will die with her.

Ultimately, I appreciated Alma's father's story the most, followed by the story of Bienvenida Ricardo—ex-wife of Dominican military commander and dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina (“El Jefe”).

While I didn't get what I wanted (because of my unrealistic expectations) out of The Cemetery of Untold Stories, I have—for the second time this week—read a deep and impressive work that I wouldn't have chosen based on current mood alone. Good for me!

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. It was published earlier this week—April 2.


2 April 2024

I Cheerfully Refuse , Leif Enger 3.66
Set in a not-too-distant America, I Cheerfully Refuse is the tale of a bereaved and pursued musician embarking under sail on a sentient Lake Superior in search of his departed, deeply beloved, bookselling wife. Rainy, an endearing bear of an Orphean narrator, seeks refuge in the harbors, fogs and remote islands of the inland sea. Encountering lunatic storms and rising corpses from the warming depths, Rainy finds on land an increasingly desperate and illiterate people, a malignant billionaire ruling class, crumbled infrastructure and a lawless society. Amidst the Gulliver-like challenges of life at sea and no safe landings, Rainy is lifted by physical beauty, surprising humor, generous strangers, and an unexpected companion in a young girl who comes aboard. And as his innate guileless nature begins to make an inadvertent rebel of him, Rainy’s private quest for the love of his life grows into something wider and wilder, sweeping up friends and foes alike in his strengthening wake. [from the publisher]
I used to be a huge fan of dystopian fiction. That is less the case as real life continues to deteriorate socially and politically. So, why did I request to preview this book by an author whose work I haven't read before? I have to admit that I was amused by the title and enticed by the cover art. In this case, judging a book by its cover paid off. Enger has crafted a dark, overwhelmingly sad story with rich descriptive language, interesting characters (some of whom are appealing), music, books, quest by sailboat, and just enough comic relief to keep one from going over the edge into despair.

As in real life, the desperate conditions of the novel are largely due to climate change and a tiny group of rich folks manipulating the masses for their own political and financial gain, including employing tactics like demonizing reading and education to reduce the masses' power and distributing a pharmaceutical that causes people to commit suicide. Main character Rainy—a bass guitar player with a bookseller wife—is accompanied on a great portion of his travels by an uneducated but seemingly bright nine-year-old girl, Sol, who has lost almost her entire family and is escaping physical and emotional abuse by an unrelated adult male.

Having just recently read Percival Everett's James, similarities between Jim and Huck and Rainy and Sol did cross my mind. Both books tell hard stories with a lot of intelligence, grace, and humor.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. It was published today—April 2.


29 March 2024

Darling Girls, Sally Hepworth 3.5
For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life.

But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects? [from the publisher]

This book marks the first time a publisher has invited me to read an ARC based on my previous reviews (as opposed to me making a request for approval). It's happened a couple of times since, from different publishers. It's tremendously exciting that publishers are getting to know me and my genre preferences and to trust my reviews.

I can see why early reviewers, in general, are rating Darling Girls highly. If consistently tense mysteries/psychological thrillers are your jam, I definitely can recommend this one for you. On the other hand, because the subject matter is especially sensitive (largely involving children), I advise special reader caution. Content warnings include abuses within the foster system, kidnapping, child abuse, sexual blackmail, drug abuse, murder, and gaslighting, at least.

Throughout the story, which is set in Australia, psychiatrist Dr. Warren seems to get his jollies from his patient's description of the abuse they endured. Besides being wildly unprofessional (not to mention unhelpful), it's a gross kink. The vague treatment of the timing of the psychiatric visits seems a bit underhanded. However, I take no exception at the location being kept secret—it's in service to the plot tension.

The foster sisters stick together and support each other throughout their lives, including after bones are discovered under their childhood home.

The combination of my early (and almost complete) anticipation of the twists—along with the repetition of certain descriptions and the prolonged trauma of so many characters—dampens my enthusiasm a bit. As you can see, though, I still rated the book above average. It kept me hooked—I had to see how it would all end.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected April 23.


21 March 2024

Olivetti, Allie Millington 3
Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks. Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs) and recently replaced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family—the humans he’s lived with for years. The Brindles are busy: Dad and Mom work constantly, three of their children put the extra in extra-curriculars, and Ernest, their shy twelve-year-old, goes off alone to read.

When Olivetti learns Mom has mysteriously gone missing, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of his ‘kind’ and types back to Ernest, who must face what he and his family have been running from, The Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find the parts of themselves they’ve lost. [from the publisher]

The storyline of Olivetti is heavy—it's much more family drama; much less mystery or fantasy. While that disappointed me, I wouldn't discourage anyone else from reading—it's a fine debut novel. I do hope, though, that promotion of the book—whether via official channels or via reader reviews/word of mouth—will warn readers adequately. I was expecting a fun fantasy about a sentient typewriter and the mystery he and one of his humans solve. The story is actually much darker, with few, if any, fun moments whatsoever. There's a big difference between a mystery around a missing object or an interesting event and that of the disappearance of a parent.

With reasonable expectations established now, Olivetti the typewriter revealing the family's history and memories from Beatrice/Mom's past use of him is an interesting way to share a story. Sadly, the protracted reveal of Mom's situation and location was not written in a way that built excitement: there's just repeated mention of a Bad Thing That Happened to the Family In the Past.

In addition to main human character Ernest (age 12) and his family, several characters play parts in finding Mom: Ernest's age peer/new friend of sorts, Quinn the pawn shop owner's daughter; an enthusiastic public librarian; a doctor; and an apartment building maintenance worker.

Ernest's introversion is portrayed in relatable ways, including other characters not appreciating his traits or respecting his needs and boundaries.

The narration—especially Simon Vance as Olivetti—was top-notch. Christopher Gebauer also narrated. The cover art is attractive and enticing.

Fun fact: The manuscript was written on the author's own antique typewriter.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. Publication is expected March 26.


17 March 2024

Bless Your Heart, Lindy Ryan 3.33
Rise and shine. The Evans women have some undead to kill.

It’s 1999 in Southeast Texas and the Evans women, owners of the only funeral parlor in town, are keeping steady with . . . normal business. The dead die, you bury them. End of story. That’s how Ducey Evans has done it for the last eighty years, and her progeny—Lenore the experimenter and Grace, Lenore’s soft-hearted daughter, have run Evans Funeral Parlor for the last fifteen years without drama. Ever since That Godawful Mess that left two bodies in the ground and Grace raising her infant daughter Luna, alone.

But when town gossip Mina Jean Murphy’s body is brought in for a regular burial and she rises from the dead instead, it’s clear that the Strigoi—the original vampire—are back. And the Evans women are the ones who need to fight back to protect their town.

As more folks in town turn up dead and Deputy Roger Taylor begins asking way too many questions, Ducey, Lenore, Grace, and now Luna, must take up their blades and figure out who is behind the Strigoi’s return. As the saying goes, what rises up, must go back down. But as unspoken secrets and revelations spill from the past into the present, the Evans family must face that sometimes, the dead aren’t the only things you want to keep buried. [from the publisher]

Horror is not one of my favorite genres, whether vampire-specific or otherwise. Still, I was enticed to read Bless Your Heart by the whimsical cover, the women family–owned business, and the mystery.

I felt like the story was somewhat repetitive, though some of that might be due to multiple points of view. The author tried to string us along too long, with the result being tedium, rather than excitement. I predicted the “bad guy” well ahead of the characters. I don't generally ding a book's rating for that if I'm suitably entertained, which I was in this case. It took me a while to figure out and keep track of the generations of women, as well as the supporting characters. Now that I “know” the players, I'm anxious for the next installment. Yes, this moderately gory vampire story has enough humor, sassy women, and mystery that I want more!

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected April 9.


8 February 2024

Anita de Monte Laughs Last, Xóchitl González 3.33
Who gets to leave a legacy?

1985. Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t. By 1998 Anita’s name has been all but forgotten—certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student is preparing her final thesis. On College Hill, surrounded by privileged students whose futures are already paved out for them, Raquel feels like an outsider. Students of color, like her, are the minority there, and the pressure to work twice as hard for the same opportunities is no secret.

But when Raquel becomes romantically involved with a well-connected older art student, she finds herself unexpectedly rising up the social ranks. As she attempts to straddle both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita’s story, raising questions about the dynamics of her own relationship, which eerily mirrors that of the forgotten artist.

Moving back and forth through time and told from the perspectives of both women, Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a propulsive, witty examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite. [from the publisher]

After being blown away by González's debut, Olga Dies Dreaming, I found Anita de Monte Laughs Last above average, but not stunning.

The feminist themes especially shone. The sexism, racism, and misogyny endured by both Anita and Raquel is so incredibly present to this day, decades later. I appreciated Anita's persistence and Raquel's growth into standing up for herself and demanding appropriate treatment of herself and Anita, in memoriam. Raquel eventually finds her power . . . and wields it.

The audiobook is narrated by Jessica Pimentel, Jonathan Gregg, and Stacy Gonzalez. Whomever voiced Anita was particularly brash—it's in keeping with personality and context, but quite jarring.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected March 5.


28 January 2024

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice (#4), Elle Cosimano 4.33
Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls’ weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are—seeing as it’s actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car—it won’t be all fun and games. When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi’s kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi’s life. But that’s not all—he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark’s suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for—Marco's already dead. They don’t have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike—and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he’s a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precocious kids, her mother’s marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero’s missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she’s done, or be forced to double down? [from the publisher]

The usual gang's all here for the fourth full-length Finlay Donovan installment: Finlay's kids, parents, and sister Georgia; Georgia's girlfriend Sam; hot cop Nick and his ex-partner Charlie; ex-husband Steven; Vero's childhood friend/love interest Javi; young hacker Cam; Finlay's agent; and various Russian and American mob figures. A dog named Kevin Bacon even gets into the action.

The story picks up immediately following the events of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, and the relationships continue to develop. Throughout the series, Cosimano has adeptly set a foundation, added details to the history, and prepared for future twists. Because of this, I do recommend reading the series in order.

As I neared the end, I worried that things were getting too perfectly tied up with a bow—that there might not be another Finlay book. Then, at the very last moment, the hope of another installment presented itself. Whew!

This humorous, cozy mystery/thriller series might appeal to you if you like strong female main characters, intergenerational relationship–heavy stories, mystery, action, and a degree of silliness. You shouldn't take things too seriously—be willing to suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the ride. If you are fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series or Jana DeLeon's Miss Fortune series, this may be another series to add to your rotation.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books. Publication is expected March 5.


19 January 2024

Family Family, Laurie Frankel 4.5
“Not all stories of adoption are stories of pain and regret. Not even most of them. Why don’t we ever get that movie?”

India Allwood grew up wanting to be an actor. Armed with a stack of index cards (for research/line memorization/make-shift confetti), she goes from awkward sixteen-year-old to Broadway ingenue to TV superhero.

Her new movie is a prestige picture about adoption, but its spin is the same old tired story of tragedy. India is an adoptive mom in real life though. She wants everyone to know there’s more to her family than pain and regret. So she does something you should never do—she tells a journalist the truth: it’s a bad movie.

Soon she’s at the center of a media storm, battling accusations from the press and the paparazzi, from protesters on the right and advocates on the left. Her twin ten-year-olds know they need help—and who better to call than family? But that’s where it gets really messy because India’s not just an adoptive mother. . . .

The one thing she knows for sure is what makes a family isn’t blood. And it isn’t love. No matter how they’re formed, the truth about family is this: it's complicated. [from the publisher]

This is my third outing with Laurie Frankel. She writes about deep issues with such respect and humor that the stories avoid becoming impossibly oppressive. I liked This Is How It Always Is more than average. I gave One Two Three 4.5 stars. It is precisely because OTT affected me so greatly that I jumped at the chance to read this ARC.

Family Family also rates an extraordinary 4.5 stars from me for its wonderful surprises, huge doses of humor, adorably quirky and precocious kids, and depiction of different types of families. Friendships are also important to the story, especially India's relationship with her college roommate, Dakota. The story is told in multiple timelines.

The audiobook is stupendously narrated by actor Patti Murin. If you choose to read with your ears, don't stop at the end of the book—listen to the author/narrator discussion, too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 23.


18 January 2024

The Getaway List, Emma Lord 3.66
The day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she really is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List—a list of all the adventures they’ve wanted to do together since he moved away—will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future.

Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom’s scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young―except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart. [from the publisher]

This is my second experience with Emma Lord's writing, the first being When You Get the Chance. My overall impressions are similar—age-appropriate behaviors and feelings, with little/mild profanity and kissing.

In addition to Riley and her long-distance best friend/budding romantic interest Tom, several other late-teenagers join the Getaway List (bucket list) team. Jesse is a childhood friend of Riley and Tom's who has relocated to New York City to try to make it big with his band. Mariella is a newer friend of Tom's—they met in high school. Riley and Tom meet Luca at a writing class as soon as Riley arrives, and he grows on them. The various relationships that bloom within this group add significantly to the story.

I didn't want to stop reading—real world be damned! Throughout, I was rooting for the teens in their quest. It's easy reading: not too much angst, danger, or stress; plenty of adventure, growth, mystery, and humor. The teens are caring to—and generous with—each other, and they work cooperatively for the good of individuals and the group. Each has talents, skills, or connections to contribute.

I will definitely seek out more of Lord's work. I put her YA rom-com debut on my Overdrive wish list. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for her upcoming book targeted at adults, which I hope will be every bit as delightful as her two YA books I've read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 23.


8 January 2024

Love, Naturally, Sophie Sullivan 3.33
Presley Ayers is not the woman you bring on a camping trip. An accomplished concierge at an exclusive hotel in Great Falls, MI, she knows more about the top ten places for champagne and caviar than she does about the best hiking boots to go stomping around near Lake Michigan. But when she surprises her boyfriend of eight months with a vacation to the Get Lost Lodge and he dumps her instead, Presley decides to rough it solo and take the trip herself.

When Beckett Keller helps the gorgeous woman off the rickety boat and onto Lodge territory, it’s clear to him she's made a mistake. She doesn’t like hiking, fishing, or nature in general, so why did she go on this trip? He’s got other things on his mind though—a crumbling lodge, and his own plans and dreams that are forever deferred—so he doesn’t have time for Ms. Fish-Out-of-Water. Even so, neither Beckett nor Presley can help that inexplicable draw they feel towards each other. He’s all rough stubble and plaid shirts, while she’s all high heels and brand-name athleisurewear.

But you know what they say about opposites. [from the publisher]

Love, Naturally is a cute, sweet, family-oriented (in that a family is central to the story—not that it qualifies as family entertainment) love-at-first-sight, closed-door romance.

I especially enjoyed the way Presley wanted to help the siblings grow their business and Beckett's relationship with his neighbor, Adam. There is a lot of warmth between the townspeople and between the lodge owners and their guests.

There's a recurring theme of Presley settling for less than she deserves, both romantically and professionally. A minimal amount of mild profanity is used (e.g. “sucked” and “figure shit out”). I thought the story started to drag a bit before or around the halfway mark; but, overall, I was invested in the story and glad for the happily-ever-after.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 16.


6 January 2024

The Sign of Four Spirits (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9), Vicki Delany 3
When a psychic fair arrives in West London, Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, wants nothing to do with it. But somehow, at the urging of Donald Morris, an enthusiastic Sherlockian, she finds herself talked into attending a séance, along with baker and best friend Jayne Wilson, store assistant, Ashleigh, and former pop star Bunny Leigh.

But to her surprise, Gemma finds herself banned from the séance and shown the door. Curious, she listens in from outside the room. The medium informs a disappointed Donald that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will not be able to make it tonight. Then, Gemma hears a voice cut off, a cry for help, a scream. Gemma bursts into the library to see that someone has collapsed on the table—dead. The windows are all locked, and Gemma was guarding the only door. Someone in this room is a murderer. But who?

The game is once again afoot for Gemma Doyle as she hunts a killer. But, this time, is the killer of flesh and blood, or had the medium summoned doom from beyond the veil? [from the publisher]

While this is the ninth in the series, it's my first experience. It's a typical cozy, locked-room mystery. I guessed the culprit at the first clue drop.

A British expat on Cape Cod, Gemma Doyle owns the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium (which she previously managed for her great uncle Arthur while he was away, which, I gather, was most of the time). Gemma's relationship with Jayne—best friend and business neighbor (Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, adjoining the bookstore)—is good. However, Gemma does not come off as particularly likeable in her treatment of most other characters. She is practically a sweetheart in comparison to a few of the guests in this story.

The psychic fair/séance aspect of the story was mildly interesting and fun. I might read back or future installments when I'm in a very cozy mystery mood.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 9.


4 January 2024

The Expectant Detectives, Kat Ailes 4
For Alice and her partner Joe, moving to the sleepy village of Penton is a chance to embrace country life and prepare for the birth of their first child. He can take up woodwork; maybe she’ll learn to make jam? But the rural idyll they’d hoped for doesn’t quite pan out when a dead body is discovered at their local prenatal class, and they find themselves suspects in a murder investigation.

With a cloud of suspicion hanging over the heads of the whole group, Alice and her new-found pregnant friends set out to solve the mystery and clear their names, with the help of her troublesome dog, Helen. However, there are more secrets and tensions in the heart of Penton than first meet the eye. Between the discovery of a shady commune up in the woods, the unearthing of a mysterious death years earlier, and the near-tragic poisoning of Helen, Alice is soon in way over her head. [from the publisher]

For me, what puts this debut cozy mystery near the front of the pack is the sheer amount of humor. Ailes also keeps interest high with several twists.

The publisher blurb can't begin to describe the hilarity or difficulty of the prenatal class moms—from different socioeconomic and philosophical backgrounds—becoming friends. There's a running gag around the presence of Helen the dog.

Hot-button topics include politics, multiple sexual partners, LGBTQ rights, alternative treatments, and homeschooling.

I'd definitely consider reading another book by this author.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 9.


About

I got my first library card at age 4, at the Blackstone Branch of the Chicago Public Library, and have been a regular user of public and university libraries ever since. I am a trustee of the Palatine [Illinois] Public Library District in my second term, currently serving as board president.

I read books for all age groups, from all time periods, and from practically all genres, though my all-time favorite genre is mystery. I love to talk about books with others, so please join me in conversation about a book we both read or tell me about a book you think I'd like.

I'm never not reading.

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