The Bones Beneath My Skin

The Bones Beneath My Skin is a standalone SF/fantasy by T.J. Klune. Originally published in 2018, this reformat and re-release from Macmillan on their Tor imprint is 416 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

The author himself describes this as an "odd" book, and it is. It's stylistically identifiable as his work, and it fits generally into his oeuvre (queer friendly, strong M/M romance plot, deeply happy functional found family after rejection and isolation, wholesome denouement and resolution), but there are departures (and he's 100% free to do so, obviously). This is more SF heavy and less fantasy, there are blackhawk helicopters, black ops, weapons and firepower.

It's not derivative, but there are strong element similarities to Stranger Things + scary death cult (Heaven's Gate specifically, which clearly found a place in the author's subconscious along the line somewhere). 

There's an odd, honestly jarring and explicit adult scene about 80% into the book which seemed, if not actually gratuitous, was startling at least. 

As always, the author does a great job with the prose which is quirky and often endearing. This is an early work, and it's interesting to see how his style has adapted and matured over the intervening years. Some of the exchanges are fairly choppy and abrupt; it's full of staccato one line exchanges which get a bit tiring. Overall, an engaging and worthwhile read, especially for readers who are already fans of the author.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition (not school library due to the adult content and language). It would also make a nice weekend binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Advice Columnist

The Advice Columnist is a standalone (possibly a series opener?) mystery thriller by Cade Haddock Strong. Released 27th June 2024 by Bella Books, it's 268 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. t's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

There's a strong romance (F/F) element in the book, about 50/50 with the mystery. The book never really makes a firm decision about genre, so romance readers who don't mind mystery, or thriller fans who like romance, will likely be fine with the hybrid nature of the story. 

The dialogue is uneven in some places, with unnecessary repetition to provide info to the readers (superfluously as it turns out). The mystery itself (a serial killer, striking apparently randomly whom MC Lydia (the titular advice columnist) connects to letters sent to the paper she works for). The characterizations are sketched in and many of their actions and dialogue seem to belong to people much (much) younger than the 30something of the characters as written. It's *full* of angsty drama, especially on the part of Lydia and her fairly loathsome ex, Carrie, a social climbing, back-stabbing, jerk. 

There are a number of page-filling side trips (like the yoga retreat which took up about 5% of the page content) and didn't forward the story in any meaningful way. Many of the secondary characters are just distinctly *odd*. 

That being said, it's a light, readable, and somewhat engaging. The language is R-rated, with strong cursing (not egregiously, and used in context). There's not much on page violence (there is threatened violence and some descriptions in the unhinged letters sent to Lydia at the paper. The mystery, denouement, and conclusion are self contained, and complete. 

Three stars. It would have benefited significantly with a few rounds with a ruthless editor. That being said, it's readable and complete in the form it is in now. 

 Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Murder in the Tuscan Hills - Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #10

 

 

 

Murder in the Tuscan Hills is the tenth (!!!) Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 2nd Feb 2025 by Boldwood books, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is a beautifully descriptive and well written destination mystery set in Tuscany. Expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are back on the case; a hit & run death outside a local winery seems to be a coverup for sinister goings on. It's an ensemble cast and Dan's friend/colleague Virgilio makes an appearance. The series has developed so well and seamlessly, that each new book feels like a visit with friends.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well controlled and believable. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, so it works well enough as a standalone, but the writing and mystery are so well planned and executed, that it would make an excellent weekend binge or buddy read. The author is exceptionally good at weaving (seemingly) extraneous information into the text. There's a lot of humor as well.

It's not derivative at all, but it reminded me in a lot of good ways of Leon's exceptional Brunetti books as well as Walker's lovely Bruno, chief of police books. Fans of those authors will find a lot to enjoy here.

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended. All of the books are exceptionally well written and fun. The author seems to be on a twice a year output schedule at the moment without sacrificing quality or length. He's managed 10 books, going from strength to strength, and without getting formulaic or boring. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

The Rise of Issa Igwe

The Rise of Issa Igwe is an engaging middle grade fantasy set in a school by Shanna Miles. Released 22nd Oct 2024 by Union Square on their Kids' imprint, it's 360 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a top notch dark academia magic/ghost story for ca. 8-12 year old readers. It features some crossover appearances from characters in The Fall of the House of Tatterly, but it's not a sequel and it functions fine as a standalone read. Issa herself is intelligent, determined, a bit headstrong, and creative. The mystery is well constructed, and it's creepy, but not too scary for the target audience. 

This is Issa's story (she's also in Tatterly), and it's nice to see high quality books with a black girl in a central role. Representation is important. There are also central plot elements featuring Gulla culture and beliefs. 

Four and a half stars. It would make a great choice for public library acquisition (possibly for middle to secondary school as well, although acquisitions personnel should read it beforehand in areas of the USA subject to book challenges). Recommended for fans of dark academia, fantasy/ghost story readers, and maybe a binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Once a Castle - Carrick Hall #2

 

Once a Castle is a crossworlds YA fantasy novel and the second book in a series by Sarah Arthur. Released 11th Feb 2025 by WaterBrook, it's 416 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Engaging and very well written with appealing/interesting and well wrought characters, it is purpose made for fans of old-school fantasy like C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, and maybe Diana Wynne Jones. The publisher is a Christian allied imprint, and there are some allegorical themes throughout, but that being said, it's -not- a preachy book and it can be read without the background subtext interfering with the story in any way. 

This sequel follows strongly on from the first book and readers who try to read them out of order will likely find themselves struggling to pick up the threads of the narrative and figure out what's going on for a while. Also, the interrelationships and backgrounds of many of the (numerous) characters are developed in the first book and will spoil some of Once a Castle.

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, home readers, and for a binge/buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance - Miss Morton Mysteries #3

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance is the third outing for Miss Morton by Catherine Lloyd. Released 20th Aug 2024 by Kensington, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in 3rd quarter 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is an engaging, light Regency historical cozy series featuring a heroine whose late father's mess continues to impact her circumstances. She's recently inherited from another relative (an aunt) and is disinclined to sort out her disgraced father's estate. She's dragged into (and implicated in) the mystery by the complicated related deaths of the legal folks involved. Skullduggery, envy, dishonesty, and murder all make appearances.

As the third book in the series, it follows on closely from developments in the earlier books. It is understandable as a standalone, but not ideal, and with the codicil that the characters' interrelationships have developed over time, so there will be spoilers if read out of order. 

The mystery itself is well constructed, but thin, and readers really should bring a robust suspension of disbelief. All in all, however, it's a good light cozy in a decent series. With 3 books extant, it would make a good binge/buddy read, as well as a good choice for public library acquisition.

Three and a half stars. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Herbs in Every Season: 48 Edible and Medicinal Herbs for the Kitchen, Garden, and Apothecary

Herbs in Every Season is a well written, graphically appealing, easy to understand and use herbal with info curated and arranged by Bevin Cohen. Due out 25th March 2025 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 252 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Arranged by seasons, it features herbs when they're each at their prime, with profiles, uses, recipes, culture & harvesting info, botanical name and history. Each profile includes lots of clear color photos (including the products made from the herbs). Recipe ingredients (other than the botanicals themselves) will be mostly readily available at coops/health food stores/international groceries in most of North America. 

Recipe ingredients are in a bullet list, followed by step by step crafting/cooking instructions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units. There's a good mix of herbal recipes including teas, salves, balms, lotions, infusions, and fire cider.  

Four and a half stars. Well written, accessible, beautifully photographed, and full of good usable recipes. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home library, smallholder/homesteader, community or allotment gardening groups, etc. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders

 

Ivory Bones is an engaging and well written forensic archaeology/history/art mystery by Dr. Sara Winokur. Released 4th Feb 2025, it's 308 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

Told in a dual-timeline during Viking times and the modern day, a medieval diary ties together the protagonist, a forensic scientist, and long lost priceless missing chess pieces. MC Brynja is intelligent and honest, and dealing with personal issues from her own family's past and she makes an appealing foil for the unscrupulous forces who seemingly have no qualms against committing murder to gain the artifacts.

The author (who is a geneticist) manages to convey the necessary technical information for the function of the mystery without getting overly bogged down with technical jargon or unnecessarily complex info-dumping. The inclusion of the diary as a literary device was slightly more problematic (Anna, a slave, has and keeps writing in the diary, which was not taken from her, writing openly and frankly about her circumstances. Books were *highly* valuable at the time; she was captured by corsairs...). 

The actual mystery is well constructed. It's not at all derivative, but the style reminded me of Kathy Reichs, Karin Slaughter, and similar genre authors. There are some brutal descriptions in the book, specifically the realities of the slave trade, and some violence in the modern era. 

Although it's the second book featuring the main character, the mystery is self contained in this novel, and it works fine as a standalone.

Three and a half stars. It would make a good choice for forensic science mystery fans, and potentially a good buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Second Generation: Hungarian and Jewish Classics Reimagined for the Modern Table

 

Second Generation is a lovely cookbook from the Hungarian and Jewish diaspora collected and curated by Jeremy Salamon. Released 17th Sept 2024 by Wm. Morrow on their Harvest imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

Each recipe contains a description, background info/location/inspiration, ingredients in a bullet list sidebar, and prep/cooking instructions. Ingredients are listed with imperial (American) measurements. Ingredients will *mostly* be readily available in any well stocked grocery store in North America. Some ingredients, spices, and blends will necessitate a trip to an international/Eastern European type food store or online resources. The author utilizes some convenience and ready made ingredients, such as cream cheese and mayonnaise. The recipes are full of hints, tips, and tricks for the best results.

The author has also included a wonderful assortment of personal and family reminiscences from his family and growing up in the USA as a child of first generation parents.

The book is beautifully photographed throughout, in color, and most of the recipes are accompanied by one or more color photos. The food is professionally styled, attractive, and appetizing. Special dietary considerations (vegetarian, gluten free, etc  are not noted in each recipe. Nutritional info is also not included.

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving purposes. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

Book Nooks: Inspired Ideas for Cozy Reading Corners and Stylish Book Displays

Book Nooks is a well written, logically arranged idea book for book nooks, reading corners, and book displays curated and designed by Vanessa Dina & Claire Gilhuly. Released 17th Sept 2024 by Chronicle Books, it's 144 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a thematically arranged book with do-able projects attainable for the average home/apartment crafter with average skills, tools, and budget. The designs are varied, from casual to modern formal, and across a range of sizes, from tiny to impressive (with room to grow). Much of the aesthetic is "insta-worthy" and uses books as decor elements more than as a working usable library. 

It's arranged into thematic chapters: classic, small space, bedside, bathroom, baby, kids, cookbooks, bar, the collector (much love and inspiration for eclectic book nerds, hobbyists, and reading fanatics here), the gardener, the artist, colorful, and neutral. 

There are no tutorials as such, with lists of supplies, materials, lumber footage, findings, etc. What the authors and photographer have done is provide a plethora of inspiration pictures which are well styled and very clear (and in color), for readers to pick and choose from.

The photography is the standout. It's clear, plentiful, and understandable. 

The authors & publisher have also included some useful short appendices including an abbreviated list of worthwhile library destinations for more practical inspiration, a short couple pages (with photos) on Little Free Libraries, and some powerful words about book bans and the freedom and availability of books and their importance to humanity.  

Three and a half stars. Delivers more or less what it promises. It would be a worthwhile choice for school or public library acquisition, home use, gardening and activity club libraries, etc. Warning to book purists: The authors DO occasionally mutilate books for decor purposes, so if that bothers you, look away.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Madrigals and Mayhem - The Cambridge Bookshop Series #4

 

Madrigals and Mayhem is the fourth Cambridge Bookshop cozy by Elizabeth Penney. Released 26th Nov 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in mass market paperback (library), audio, and ebook formats. Regular retail paperback due out from the same publisher in Feb 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a fun and engaging bookstore cozy set in Cambridge (England). This installment follows on from the earlier books, though it can be read as a standalone with the understanding that some character development and interrelationships will be slightly spoiled if read out of order. The characters are a mix of well rendered (protagonist Molly) and quirkily outlandish (most of the secondary characters). Some of the plot developments in the early part of the book were a bit over-the-top, but probably not too outlandish given the genre setting and characters.

The book's admittedly formulaic, but it is quite well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. Molly's enthusiasm and honesty are appealing and well done. There were a few twists on the way, and cozy readers will enjoy the ending. There are tie-ins and title name-drops to antique toys and books, and readers who enjoy those hobbies will find a lot to like here.

Four stars, entertaining and full of whimsy. Fans of Ellie Alexander, Kate Carlisle, Laura Child, et. al. will be right at home. With four books extant in the series, and a fifth due out 4th quarter 2025, this would also make a nice binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

 

The Queens of Crime

The Queens of Crime is a standalone historical mystery by Marie Benedict. Due out 11th Feb 2025 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a well written and engaging historical story featuring real life characters (Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Orczy) amateur sleuths and collaborators. There are cameos from other real historical characters and events, and the fictional narrative is so cleverly interwoven, it's not always clear where fact shades into fiction. 

Four stars. Readers of historical fiction like Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourn, and Andrea Penrose will find this one to their taste as well. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home readers, or a buddy read/mystery book club selection. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Chaos

 

The Blue Plate is a sobering, occasionally uplifting (and equally terrifying) monograph by Mark J. Easter on the interconnectedness of life on planet Earth, and how we can make good decisions concerning the food we consume given the current issues. Released 17th Sept 2024 by Patagonia, it's  400 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

The author, a scientist and researcher, does a fairly good job of explaining concepts such as carbon sequestering, climate change, food production (and its impact on climate change), ecosystems, and some complex earth science/ecology topics. There is no glossary, chapter notes or annotations, and the book doesn't have a bibliography or reference list (which is a notable absence in a book of this type). The author/publishers have included a cross referenced index. 

The basic question he posits is: Can humanity's choices about regenerative farming, consumption, and food choices (eat local in season) have a meaningful positive net impact on human driven climate change. He makes a lot of good points, and there are some glimpses of potential actionable ideas throughout, but the overall impression for reasonable readers is "probably not enough, nor soon enough". 

There are a number of profiles of professionals and amateur activists throughout which are inspiring and hopeful, from grassroots collectives to larger research entities like the Land Institute. The overall takeaway though is, not enough, not fast enough, and not hopeful. 

It's a stark reminder that unfettered consumerism is a juggernaut wrecking the planet we share. 

Four stars. The author/publisher have included interactive links and QR code to additional study materials and references for classroom use or discussion. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition and as a support text for agriculture, ecology, earth sciences, and related subjects.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor - Food & Spirits Mysteries #1

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor is the first book in a cozy "reality show" mystery series by Darci Hannah (Beacon Bakeshop mysteries). Released 20th Aug 2024 by Kensington, it's 321 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a well written, engaging, and fun cozy. Escapist reading written around a reality TV cooking series premise. Chef Bunny's big break came with an unexpected side serving of murder which threatens to stop her career progress in its tracks. The "spirits" part of the title refers to filming in a haunted mansion, which is the hook... paranormal elements, some cooking (bonus recipes at the back of the book), quirky characters, and a few lighter humorous moments with a nice denouement and resolution guaranteed. It's comfort reading.

Four stars. Readers should bring a healthy suspension of disbelief to the read (it's a cozy stately home mystery with a big ghost-hunter element full of skullduggery, outlandish motives, lost brides, etc). 

It would make a nice choice for public library acquisitions, for light cozy mystery fans, or for a buddy read.  Publishing details for the second book are not released yet, but the publisher tends to release on a yearly schedule. Then again, the author's other series (Beacon Bakeshops) just released another series book in late Nov 2024. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Witch Slap

 

Witch Slap is the first book in a cozy paranormal mystery series by Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt. Released 25th June 2024 by Sterling & Stone, it's 290 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The later books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is a funny, quirky, and engaging lighthearted (sometimes silly) paranormal mystery with a talking cat who is a cursed human/brother to the main character, skullduggery, a missing magical tome, and some slapstick alongside heaps of sarcastic drama. 

The mystery is well constructed with a direct and engaging action driven plot. The characterizations and descriptions are a trifle trope-y, but overall it's a solid and diverting read for fans of saucy irreverent funny paranormal books. 

Four stars. With four books in the series, it would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read (bonus points for being in the Kindle Unlimited library).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

Stemosaurus

 

Stemosaurus is a quirky, colorful, fun picture story about dinosaurs and one brave and clever dino in particular. Written by Andrew Root and illustrated by Mark Chambers, it's due out 22nd July 2025 from Brilliance (Amazon) on their Two Lions imprint. It's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book will be included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

The illustrations are whimsical, beautiful, and colorfully appealing. There are lots of small details (like the flowers, background figures, scenery details) which invite readers to stop and take a closer look. The text is in simple free verse and easy enough for new readers to master and understand. It's also a great candidate for a read along in the classroom (with "roar-alongs" from students) or a read-together with an older sibling or adult.

The basic message of being yourself, problem solving, love of reading/learning, and diversity are all positively presented in a simple and accessible manner. 

Four stars. A delightful read and it would make a great selection for public, school, or classroom acquisition, home use, or gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

An Insidious Inheritance - Clara Dawson 1

 

An Insidious Inheritance is the first Clara Dawson historical mystery by Amelie West. Released 28th Jan 2025, it's 303 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a well written, creepy paranormal historical mystery set in the depths of the American depression in 1933. Clara inherits a run-down inn after the death of her estranged father. Things almost immediately start going bump (or creak) in the night, and between the hostile locals and inexplicable happenings in the environs, she fears she might be losing her mind. 

The author has a gift with setting, and the entire novel has an edgy, brooding, and threatening aura that is disquieting and compelling in about equal measure. It feels like the tension ratchets up waiting for a jump scare that doesn't materialize. 

The isolated setting adds to the overall Gothic atmosphere. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self-contained in this volume, though it is marketed as the first of a series; it works well as a standalone.

Four stars. Enjoyable historical mystery. It's not derivative at all, but there are flashes of Shirley Jackson and maybe a little Henry Farrell in the mix. It would make a nice choice for a buddy read or mystery book club selection.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats: Demystifying These Often-Misunderstood Creatures

The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats is a beautifully illustrated and well written monograph on fascinating and often maligned creatures by Dr. Alyson Brokaw. Due out 11th Feb 2025 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 312 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is an up-to-date collection with information about bats: their anatomy, their niche in the local ecosystems, evolution, range, habitat, diet(s) (hugely varied), their senses and how they interpret and learn, and how *we* learn about *them*. Dr. Brokaw is a behavioral and sensory ecologist and this is her niche/expertise. She writes eloquently and accessibly for average readers.

Although it's not rigorously academic in tone or writing, it is well annotated throughout, and the chapter notes and references are likely worth the price of admission. It will provide many hours of further learning. 

The photography is wonderful throughout, clear and in color, with explanatory captions. Many of the photos throughout are close up/macro shots with incredible detail.

Five stars. This would make an excellent choice for public or (secondary) school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving. Dr. Brokaw's knowledge and passion shine through in the writing. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Murder on a Country Walk - Julia Bird Mysteries #6

 

 

Murder on a Country Walk is the sixth Julia Bird village cozy mystery by Katie Gayle. Released 11th Sept 2024, it's 250 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The earlier books in the series are also available on KU. 

This is such an engaging modern village cozy with a genuinely appealing female amateur sleuth who's late middle-aged, intelligent and earnest, and generally well meaning. Despite a long career in social services in London, a recent divorce (her husband married their (male) gardener), and other major curveballs, she maintains a mostly positive outlook on life. Having acquired a cozy cottage in a cozy village in the Cotswolds, she's ready for the next adventure which includes a cozy garden with some chickens. The only fly in the ointment is the sudden preponderance of murdered people... Once again, she's into the breach to solve the suspicious deaths.

The author has a deft touch with humour and there were several scenes which surprised a grin or giggle out of me. The characters are well rendered and (mostly) believable within the allowable framework of the genre. It's peopled with the usual small town eccentric characters, and the plot moves along at a good pace.

I also liked that instead of the usual trope-y antagonistic and incompetent local police force, protagonist Julia's ally from the earlier books, DI Hayley Gibson is back on the case once again. They strike up a surprisingly good cooperation again and make a good team.

The main mystery is self contained in this volume, so it works well as a standalone. There are currently six books extant in the series making it a good candidate for a long weekend binge read or buddy read. Genuinely well written and fun to read.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

Super Frenemies! - Simon and Chester #5

Super Frenemies! is the 5th Simon & Chester young reader graphic novel by Cale Atkinson. Released 24th Sept 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

This is a touching, funny, human (and ghost) story about cooperation, learning, growing up, facing our own fears and prejudices, and resolving our differences and finding common ground. The story arc is accessible, but the author/artist does a great job of making it engaging, sometimes funny, and serious. There are great messages (about racism, judgement, learning, and cooperation), as well as a solid narrative story. 

Four and a half stars. Nice art, and a good story, well told. This would be a great choice for public or school library, classroom reading circle, or home use. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.