Bitchy! The Exasperating Existence of Midge McCracken

 

Bitchy! The Exasperating Existence of Midge McCracken is a huge historical compendium of the collected Bitchy Bitch by Roberta Gregory. Released 21st July 2026 by Fantagraphics, it's 506 pages and is available in softcover and ebook formats. 

Besides being a great outlet (primal scream) for all our inner anger management fails, Bitchy represents an important bit of feminist history. She's raw, unfiltered, simple in her vitriol, and surprisingly appealing. Along with other important second wave feminist indie comics folks (Trina Robbins, Mary Fleener, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, Phoebe Glockner, et al.), Roberta Gregory is an important creative force in the west coast indie comics scene (especially in women's/feminist spaces). This is pre-DTWOF, back when Alison Bechdel was still in short pants. 

This Bitchy! compendium is huge and contains the entire print history (1991-2004) plus new insights and material from Ms. Gregory herself as well as insightful commentary, including an afterword by Helen Chazan. Midge/Bitchy is certainly angry, sarcastic, bitter, and raw, but she's also surprisingly touching with a horrible childhood and tragic adolescence. It's no wonder she turned out like she did. Whatever else she is and did, it's impossible to look around at the state of the world right now and not feel at least some empathy and solidarity. We're all exhausted, we're all Bitchy! Content warnings for extreme misogyny, implied sexual abuse involving a child, bullying, dysfunctional relationships, stress, violence, and occasional body horror. 

Five stars. It would be a good choice for public and home library acquisition, as well as support resources for more formal study/instruction in a classroom setting (gender studies, comics history, graphic literature arts, and allied subjects). Important history and cultural commentary which is important to document. It's also really funny in places, heartbreaking (in a lot of places), and anger inducing. Art should move us (and not always in a comfortable way). This is art and Ms. Gregory knows what the hell she's talking about. 

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

The Campervan Detectives - Campervan Detectives #1

 

The Campervan Detectives is the debut book in a cozy mystery series by Maeve Haran. Due out 28th July 2026 from Bookouture, it's 287 pages and will be 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 throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a cute series opener with an appealing mature female protagonist who catches her husband and former best friend in flagrante, burns her bridges, impulse buys a vintage VW camper van and hits the road with her faithful pup Sam Spade as her copilot, but without much of a plan otheriwse. Happily, she ends up in coastal village Winching which has fond memories from her childhood, and even more fortunately, she stumbles into a support network in the form of a varied ensemble cast of women who take her in and make sure she lands on her feet. 

The murder of a local harridan draws the ladies (who are all RV adventurers) into amateur sleuthing, and to everyone's surprise, they're quite good at it. The climax, denouement, and resolution are satisfying and self-contained. The final chapter foreshadows book 2 which is due out from the same publisher in late 3rd quarter 2026. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours and 49 minutes and is capably read by (the improbably named) Fenella Fudge. She has a warm, well modulated alto voice and does a super job with a wide range of regional accents, a variety of ages, and both sexes. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or for very light summer holiday reading. 

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

 

Dead Men Don't Play Fetch - Andy Carpenter #33

 

Dead Men Don't Play Fetch is the 33rd Andy Carpenter legal procedural mystery by David Rosenfelt. Released 7th July 2026 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 288 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 throughout.

For current fans of the series, this is a good one. It's full of the same sarcastic, warm humor and the same ensemble cast as previous entries in the series (even the ever-work-avoidant Edna is back on scene). Andy Carpenter is, of course, central to the story and still trying to figure out how to stay retired and avoid working. This is such a long running and consistently well written series that saying it's "more of the same, worked around a different mystery" should be enough of a recommendation by itself. Although it's the 33rd book in the series, the mystery is self contained and the necessary back-story is written in without major spoilers for previous books. I heartily recommend the whole series, but this particular entry is especially strong. 

This is pure comfort reading. It's got a likable protagonist, an engaging mystery, humorous dialogue, and a solid climax, denouement, and resolution. Here's another innocent man framed for a murder he didn't commit. Here's Andy and co. coming to the rescue to help him out of almost impossible legal danger by not only being brilliant in the courtroom, but by figuring out whodunnit and putting the fear of Marcus into the bad guys.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 49 minutes and is expertly narrated by series narrator Grover Gardner who manages to juggle the various accents and characters of all ages and both sexes without problems. The read is definitely enhanced by the narrator. The sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. Mr. Gardner's narration really is a high point of the entire series, and he's got to be one of the best voice actors working in publishing today. 

Five stars for both the text and audiobook versions. All around fun read. 

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

 

Drawing Dinosaurs

 

Drawing Dinosaurs is a fun, accessible, and cool tutorial guide for drawing dinosaurs by Derrick Richards. Portions of the book were previously published as Learn to Draw: Dinosaurs by Jorge Santillan and Sarah Eason. All new material in this edition is by Derrick Richards. Due out 1st Aug 2026 from Rosen Publishing on their PowerKids Press imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in library binding, hardcover, and ebook formats. 

This is a how-to book. The sections and tutorials are grouped thematically and start with the very basic tools & supplies, and tips for getting started. Further chapters build on the skills from the earlier parts and include using color, and step-by-step tutorials.

The author has a very friendly and encouraging style of writing and the drawing lessons are not intimidating or difficult in any way. The booklet also includes some tips and tricks to get the artist in motion. Scattered throughout are highlighted text boxes with interesting facts about dinosaurs and ancient natural history. 

The book seems to be slanted to a mostly younger audience, but there are super cool easy shapes step-by-step to credible drawing for all ages. 

It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use. It would also make a lovely gift, perhaps bundled with some art supplies. Highly recommended for folks who regularly interact with small children as well to learn to draw something which will delight and impress the smalls.

Four stars

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

 

The Lone Island Mystery - Shell House Detectives #7

 

The Lone Island Mysteryis the seventh Shell House semi-cozy mystery by Emylia Hall. Released 28th April 2026 by Amazon on their Thomas & Mercer imprint, it's 392 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the others in the series) are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This was such a fun and engaging read. The characters, including main protagonist widow Ally Bright, are rendered believably and the author gives readers realistic and natural dialogue and interaction throughout the read. This time MC Ally and partner Jayden are investigating the suspicious death of loner Axel Marks. The plot is well engineered and the clues are fair play and cleverly presented. 

Although not as adept as the inimitable Ann Cleeves' Vera books, fans of the latter will find a lot to enjoy with this series. The settings (the Cornish coast and Northumberland respectively) feature prominently in both, as well as a pervasive melancholy and intelligent characterizations and settings. Much of the internal vibe is pensive, and although the denouement and resolution are satisfying and well written, there's an indefinable wistfulness to the whole. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours, 3 minutes and is capably read by series narrator (books 3-7)  Kristin Atherton. She has a well modulated lightly husky voice for the read, and does a great job with a number of regional accents of both sexes and a range of ages. Sound and production quality are high throughout. 

Four and a half stars. It continues to develop and go from strength to strength. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, home reading, and gifting. With seven books extant, and an eighth due out 4th quarter 2026, it would be a good candidate for a long binge or buddy read. Although it can be read as a standalone, there will be spoilers for earlier books if read out of order.

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

 

The Healer and the Phoenix - Legendary Allies #1

 

The Healer and the Phoenix is the first book in a fantasy series for middle grade readers by Linda Trinh. Released 14th April 2026 by Annick Press, it's 172 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

Set in a fantasy world inspired by Vietnamese folklore and culture, young hero Starbright Mai is still trying to figure out her place in the world as one of a group of generational heroes who protect their world with their legendary animal allies. There are themes of insecurity, cultural isolation, jealousy, destructive competition, and strength through cooperation. 

Without being strident, there are some nice inclusive and supportive themes in the book. Mai has two mothers (mom and mama), and it's normal and accepted (which it should be). There's a fair bit of non-judgemental open and honest discussion about mental health and struggles. 

The book is enhanced throughout by incidental illustrations beautifully rendered by illustrator Quynh Anh Nguyen. Although quite simple stylistically, they're full of small details and movement. 

Four stars. It would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition, for home and classroom use. 

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

 

Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos - Magic the Gathering

 

Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos is a novel in the MtG sandbox multi-author world, by Seanan McGuire. Released 7th April 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Random House Worlds imprint, it's 432 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 licensed project with tie-ins to MtG (the card game) and its lore, and although not absolutely required to enjoy and understand the story, familiarity with the background and lore will definitely be helpful. This is a cross-worlds fantasy set at a magical university, with a group of young would-be magical practitioners trying to get through their classes and survive their day-to-day lives. The author is quite adept at both setting and characterization, and a high point of the story is the background info written in for each of the 5 main characters. 

It very much reads like a YA story, and there's a lot of inter-student drama which feels unnecessary and included just for the conflict. The pacing is somewhat uneven and on the slow side. As with (almost) all sandbox settings for multi-author worlds, the point is to tell a story which is a zero-sum game. Ms. McGuire is unquestionably a talented wordsmith and this is a well written and engaging story for the intended audience. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for MtG fans, magical-university-ensemble-cast-YA-fantasy, and YA fantasy fans. It would also be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read. 

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

 

Persian Soul Kitchen: From My Childhood To Your Table

 

Persian Soul Kitchen is a colorful and well written collection of recipes from author Arta Xerxes family history. Originally published in Danish in 2018, this English language translation was released 30th April 2026. It's 124 pages and is available in ebook format. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is such a colorful, beautifully put together book. The author's love for the cuisine shines through the pictures and reminiscences included. The book has a practical and accessible layout. The introduction includes kitchen and pantry lists with suggestions about sourcing ingredients. The recipes themselves are arranged thematically: starters, rice dishes, simmered dishes, kebab, soup, desserts & sweets. Recipes are written with an introduction, Persian dish name, bullet list of ingredients and step by step prep and cooking directions. Ingredient measurements are given in both Imperial (American) and metric measurements (yay!). Many ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocer in North America; some may require a trip to the local Middle Eastern/international store. 

The book is absolutely packed with photographs, both of well styled food, attractively prepared, and photos of landscapes and personal family photos. The photography is one of the highlights (and there's a QR code in the back of the book which will allow readers to acquire prints of the landscape and art).  

Four and a half stars with the understanding that it's a very short book, and it doesn't set out to be a comprehensive resource - this is a collection of family recipes fondly remembered and curated from the author's childhood and upbringing. The translation work is seamless and doesn't interfere with the flow of the book at all.

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

 

Killjoy - Inspector Ramsay #4

 

Killjoy is the 4th Inspector Ramsay standalone mystery by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1993, this reformat and re-release 6th Jan 2026 by Macmillan is 288 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. 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. 

The death of a young thespian found in the boot of a car owned by the local director of her upcoming play, draws Inspector Ramsay into another investigation. His quietly compassionate but equally unstoppable hunt for the truth soon puts him at cross purposes with the locals in addition to trying to solve a spate of local car theft/joy-riding episodes.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours 20 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Simon Mattacks. He has a beautifully modulated classically trained light baritone voice and does a great job of delineating a range of characters of both sexes and a number of regional accents, shifting quickly and flawlessly. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Although it's the fourth book in the series of 6, it works very well as a standalone. This book is also quite intricately plotted, but there aren't any major spoilers if they're read out of order. The denouement and resolution were satisfying, if melancholy. 

This series is definitely not as polished as her later work, but there are glimpses of the style and development which later gave rise to Vera and Shetland. It has "good bones" and works very well, despite the pervasive sadness which threads throughout the entire series.

Four stars. Well worth seeking out for fans of moody atmospheric British crime.  

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

Doctors

 

Doctors is a volume in the Community Helpers series by Eliza Nodes. Released 1st Jan 2026 by North Star Editions, it's 24 pages and is available in hardcover and paperback/softbound formats. 

This is a solid basic introduction for the youngest readers about what roles doctors fulfill, their different jobs in hospital systems, some lab settings, and other info. Graphically, the book is colorful and with simple highlighted text boxes including "did you know" info. There's also a short resource/question answer and abbreviated glossary at the back of the book.

Four stars. It would make an excellent choice for public, school, or home library. There are several volumes in the series including police and firefighters. 

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

Heaven

 

Heaven is a trippy mystery/horror/supernatural adventure graphic novel by Katie Skelly. Released 7th July 2026 by Fantagraphics, it's 100 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The title comes from a fictive strip club which appears and disappears at the edge of a desert town. A group of young women (late teens) investigate and one of them (18+) takes a job there, working as an apprentice to the manager, Lover. It's got an off-kilter, staccato pace, and most of the actual action happens in strobe effect half panels. The color use is top notch, and the author has a great talent with contrast, especially given the very simple and direct line drawn style. 

There's a simmering atmospheric dread and lots of feminine rage. There's also a strong murder mystery subplot, and although very short (100 pages), it manages a satisfying (very -weird-) denouement and resolution. Content warnings for implied sex-work (off page), drug use, violence, and bloodshed (mostly fig-leaved). 

Four stars. Definitely adult content, but very well drawn and a good story. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition. 

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

Death and Dinuguan - Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #6

 

Death and Dinuguan is the 6th and final Tita Rosie's Kitchen cozy mystery by Mia P. Manasala. Released 25th Nov 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 303 pages and is available in paperback, audiobook, 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 warmly enveloping cozy with a cast of close found family, friends, extended family, and lots of food-adjacent descriptions. Although it's not at all derivative (different families, different ethnicities, different situations and locations), the vibe is reminiscent of Vivien Chien's excellent Noodle Shop mysteries and fans of the latter will likely enjoy this one as well. 

There's a fairly huge cast of characters to keep track of, and although the author does provide back-history for most of them in this book, it can be a challenge to keep them straight. Since it's a long series, there will be spoilers for earlier events if read out of order. 

This is a foodie cozy in a foodie series, and as with most of the genre, the author has included some tasty Filipino recipes for readers to try out in the back of the book.

Four stars for fans of the genre. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or for a good binge/buddy read. 

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

The Hidden City - Charles Lenox Mysteries #12

 

 

The Hidden City is the 12th Charles Lenox historical mystery by Charles Finch. Released 4th Nov 2025 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in 4th quarter 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

This is a very well written, civilized, erudite, and intelligent series with a refined and practical protagonist. This installment follows Charles as he recovers from a stabbing during his last case in America, as well as hosting a cousin (more of a niece and her companion) recently bereaved from India, more adventures for Lady Jane (who's supporting the suffragist movement), and a disturbing/mysterious letter from an old household servant with a cold case mystery to investigate. 

The characters are beautifully rendered, the dialogue is never clunky or distracting, and the clues and mystery progression follow the accepted rules of engagement. The resolution and denouement were satisfying and very well done. I'm enjoying the development of Lenox very much after his marriage and fatherhood - it adds an agreeable and believable fullness and depth to his character. Although it's the 12th book in the series, it works well as a standalone (with the codicil that some of the background and development spoil the earlier books in some minor details). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 8 minutes and is very capably read by series narrator James Langton. He has a well modulated professionally trained voice and does a wonderful job with a wide variety of regional accents, and characters across a spectrum of ages and both sexes. His RP upper class accent is happily a wonder to behold and not at all grating or nasal (yay). 

I recommend the series to fans of the genre. Four stars.12 books in, it would make a good choice for a long binge/buddy read as well as for public or home library acquisition. 

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

 

The Regicide Report - Laundry Files #14

 

The Regicide Report is the 14th and final book in the Laundry Files series by Charles Stross. Released 27th Jan 2026 by Tor, it's 336 pages and is available in hardback, 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.  

This is a Lovecraftian horror SF wrapped in biting social commentary on our current political dystopia. Stross is at his most acerbically sarcastic and if there's an author with more raw talent at fusing political satire with fantasy, they're few and far between. In a lot of ways, these books remind me of Joseph Heller (Catch-22) and there are some interesting parallels: farcical tragedy, theodicy (in fact, the Old Gods in charge are only marginally the lesser of the evils), as well as a subtle sense of impending doom no matter what the characters do or what their motivations. The dichotomy of real and creeping horror combined with literally laugh out loud humour is brilliant, and although clearly Stross has been quite fed up with the series for a while (it's been something like 25 years at this point), the final installment manages to be funny and engaging by turns. 

There are broadsides against nationalism, patriotism, universal government incompetence and malfeasance, gender relations, and humanoid society as a whole as well as threats to national security, elder gods and assassins running amok in the midst of everything else. There are somewhat loving jabs at fandom, Dr. Who, nerds in general, dweebs, geeks, and every other niche-obsession going. This story gives a more or less satisfying resolution to Bob and Mo's story and an off-ramp to retire the series on a good note. 

The language is rough, the violence graphic, the humour (mostly) bitingly sarcastic.

Four stars, well worth a read, but be prepared to check online resource notes/dramatis personae if attempted as a standalone. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or home library. 

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

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

 

Just in Case is a beautifully illustrated children's book about conservation and the mission of the Svalbard global seed vault written by Megan Clendenan. Released  14th Oct 2025 by Charlesbridge, it's 32 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

All the information included in this beautiful book is factual and presented in age-appropriate accessible text. The illustrations by Brittany Cicchese are in color and support the text very well. They show how the storage vaults look, how they operate, and gives some info about what kinds of seeds and genetic material is stored there (and why). 

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for school or public library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a science interested young friend. 

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

Red City - The New Alchemists #1

 

Red City is the first book in a large scale political urban fantasy alt-earth series by Marie Lu. Released 14th Oct 2025 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 432 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in first quarter 2027. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.  

This is a very well written book. The prose is luminous and the story is engaging. The author is very skilled, with a well built fantasy alt-Los Angeles setting, fully realized characters, and a solid mix of background world building and human emotional engagement. There's a star-crossed lovers subplot, but it doesn't overshadow everything.  

Lu writes sensitively and authentically about acculturation, identity, and belonging, and as with all worthwhile literature, there are a lot of deeper takeaways. The pacing is quite slow; deliberate would be a better descriptor, but it repays the effort. The first third of the book was particularly unhurried, but it picks up after that. 

Four stars. Beautifully written. Content warnings for sudden violence, sexual content, and family dysfunction. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home library, or a buddy/book club selection. Book 2 in the series is due out 2nd quarter of 2027 from the same publisher.

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

A Ghost Hunter's Guide to Solving a Murder

 

A Ghost Hunter's Guide to Solving a Murder, although marketed as a paranormal cozy mystery is not really a cozy mystery and there's not really any paranormal action. It is a historical semi-spy-wartime thriller (lite). It's the first book in a series, by F. H. Petford. Released 2nd Oct. 2025 by Hachette on their Hodder & Stoughton imprint, it's 287 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 throughout.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series is not currently available with KU.

Set in 1914, the hotel setting allows for a self-contained plot with a cast of unrelated characters thrown together from a variety of backgrounds (and a variety of motivations). There's no sleuthing, no ghost hunting, and very little mystery. Readers who enjoy historical fiction which progresses at a stately pace, will find it enjoyable. The writing is more than capable and the author does a good job with the characterizations. There are a number of PoV switches which can be confusing when they happen mid chapter, but otherwise the story is well told and engaging. 

Three and a half stars. There are currently 2 books out in the series, with a 3rd due out in 1st quarter 2027 from the same publisher. Book 1 is available with a kindle unlimited subscription, the other 2 are not. It would possibly make a nice binge or buddy read, with the codicil that there's no paranormal element or mystery investigation.

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

The Faraway Inn

 

The Faraway Inn is a sweetly engaging YA fantasy standalone story by Sarah Beth Durst. Released 31st March 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Delacorte Press imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in paperback, library binding, 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.

The author is quite adept at writing cozy-vibe romantasy (see backlist books). This one is marketed for the YA market, and does a good job of being warmly engaging. That being said, (especially since it's a YA book) there are a few problematic points. The 16 year old MC is getting over a traumatic breakup (her bf was unfaithful) and goes to her aunt's bed-and-breakfast to recharge and rebalance, where she immediately falls into a rebound relationship with Jack, the groundskeeper's son. Her aunt (the "responsible" adult) -disappears- and she keeps it secret for -weeks-. Some of the secondary characters are more or less sketched in and not at all three dimensional. 

On the other hand, it's escapist fantasy fun. The author does a good job with setting and the dialogue is solid. It would make an excellent vacation or holiday break read, but might not be the best choice for resource professionals (librarians, media resource) to recommend for teen girls. 

Four stars. It would also make a good buddy read for fans of the genre. 

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

Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop - The Highland Bookshop Murders #1

 

Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is a Scottish cozy shopfront mystery and the first book in the series by Jackie Baldwin. Released on 8th Oct 2025 by Storm publishing, 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series is also currently available on KU.

For readers who love small-town cozies, historical mysteries, and light UK crime fiction, this one ticks a lot of boxes. It's capably written with an intelligent and appealing bookstore owner drawn into a murder which occurred after a book club evening in her shop. The action does move resolutely forward, and it never drags, so although simple, it's an enjoyable and engaging read. There is no bad language or triggering content and the climax and denouement were satisfying and included a few twists. 

Four stars. This is an enjoyable bookshop cozy. Fans of the genre will find a lot to like here. The second book is out and it's a continuing series. It would make a good short binge/buddy read. 

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

 

Death in the Aviary - The Charlotte Blood Chronicles #1

 

Death in the Aviary is the first in a locked room cozy historical mystery series by Victoria Dowd. Released 9th Sept 2025 by Datura Books, it's 400 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. 

This is a lovely golden age homage/pastiche, not derivative, and well written, clever, as well as engaging to read. The author does a fine job of constructing the fair-play puzzle and the clues are well engineered and the whole comes together very well. More of a Dorothy Sayers or Dame Ngaio Marsh vibe than Christie-esque, it's nevertheless solid. 

The standard setup: an heir shot in a closed and moving elevator; all of the occupants had a strong motive. The female protagonist (who comes into the story a year after the murder) is quirky and complex, having been widowed just after the first war. The setting is suitably bleak, an isolated stately manor on a windswept moor. 

The pacing structure is uneven, much of the book drags. There are extraneous asides (with some semi-magical/paranormal aspects) that felt tacked on and unnecessary. The characterizations are varied, with some of the secondary characters more sketched in than fully realized. The whole does resolve into a generally satisfying denouement and resolution, setting up the next installment. 

Four stars. Engaging and well-done overall.

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