Owls: Nocturnal Birds of Prey from Around the World

 

Owls is a well written, layman accessible, beautifully illustrated book about owls by David Alderton. Due out 19th May 2026 from Amber Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardback format. 

This book is aimed at an all-ages audience, and is written in understandable language. The information is well arranged into thematic chapters separated by owl types and with a nice chapter about nesting and owlets. The author/publisher have included an abbreviated index, but no annotations or resource links are included in this volume. 

It's full of interesting factual info about owls, but the photography is the star of the show. There are a ton of macro photos with breathtaking detail, so clear and colorful. The bulk of the photography is from stock sources (detailed credits are given in the frontspiece matter). Owls really are magnificent birds.

Five stars. This would make a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving.

Five stars.

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

 

Making Magnificent Wood Art: Crafting Imaginative Works with Everyday Woodworking Tools

 

Making Magnificent Wood Art is a guide to wood mosaic with tutorial projects by Meleah Gabhart. Released 24th Feb 2026 by Fox Chapel, it's 128 pages and is available in softbound (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.

This is a very well written and logically arranged tutorial guide featuring lots of intricate and attractive wood mosaics. The projects are beautifully complex and unbelievably detailed.

The introduction covers tools, materials, setup, wood selection, and safety. The choice of scroll saw is covered in depth. The practical tutorial chapters which follow include info on the process of cutting, forming, finishing, detailing, hanging the finished project, lettering, etc. The text is accompanied by plenty of clear, color photos throughout. 

The bulk of the subject matter is given over to an in-depth and fascinating exploration of wood as medium, with detailed information about choosing grain, active planning and use of materials to exploit color and natural variations, planning projects and some troubleshooting.  

The project tutorial chapters include four full projects with instructions. Scale templates are included. Each tutorial includes an introduction, list of tools and supplies, and step-by-step photo/text directions. It is *not* a beginner guide, although with access to tools, materials, and guided instruction, a keen (and patient) intermediate woodworker could conceivably do a credible job. 

Four and a half stars. Well written and illustrated. Very well photographed throughout. This would make an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, gift-giving, activity groups, maker's groups, and for the woodworker's home studio library.

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

 

While the Patient Slept - Sarah Keate #2

 

 

While the Patient Slept is a nice addition to the American mystery genre, and an early crime novel written by Mignon G. Eberhart. Originally published in 1930, this re-formatting and re-release as part of the American Mystery Classics series was released 3rd Feb 2026. It's 312 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats in this edition. 

The American Mystery Classics series has unerringly plucked important but potentially lesser known crime gems and presented them (with expert introductory content and commentary) to new generations of crime fiction readers. 

This is a well written mystery, full of gothic atmosphere and tension. Nurse Sarah is involved in another mystery assisting the police when a murder occurs in the room where her patient (a stroke victim) was sleeping. It's a continuing series (total 7 books) but works perfectly well as a standalone. 

Recommended for lovers of gothic suspense, American historical mystery, as well as a support text for allied scholastic examination (modern American literature, etc). The erudite and informative introduction by Lisa Unger is a highlight of this edition. Four stars.

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

Treasures of the Vikings

 

Treasures of the Vikings is a beautifully photographed monograph on the material artifacts of the Scandinavian Vikings by Dr. Tom Horne. Due out 19th May 2026 from Amber Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

The author (who is a specialist in Viking age trade and material artifacts) does a good job of presenting the trade routes and daily lives of the people in a layman accessible manner. He makes the historical info engaging and interesting (and exciting in places). 

The book's chapters are arranged thematically: from childhood through adulthood, daily life, household items, clothing, weapons of war, and religious customs and burial objects. The book is filled with clear color photos from archaeological digs and the finds they uncovered. 

It's a sleek and interesting collection with accessible commentary from an expert who is clearly engaged in the subject and knowledgeable. 

Five stars. Great collection. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting. 

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

The Book of Cannabis: The History and Future of the Plant and the Drug

 

The Book of Cannabis is a comprehensive monograph on cannabis by Dr. Jeremy Narby. Released 21st April 2026 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Essentials imprint, it's 336 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 wide ranging, well researched, grounded book about cannabis and mankind's relationship with it. Although written in everyday layman accessible language throughout, it's meticulously annotated, and the chapter note annotations are likely worth the price of the book, just by themselves. 

The chapters are mostly written around the social and cultural impact of the plant (the author is an anthropologist) and he writes eloquently and well about musicians, artists, and intellectuals as well as attempts at prohibition through history (in North America), the future of cannabis (in the USA) and varieties. 

This is a niche book but very well written and specific. The book isn't illustrated. Highly recommended for modern anthropology fans, natural history, botany readers, CBD/cannabis connoisseurs or for gifting to CBD curious friends.  

Five stars. Very well written and detailed with a no-nonsense appealing easy to read layout. 

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

The Story of Birds: A New History from Their Dinosaur Origins to the Present

 

The Story of Birds is a well written scientifically correct and exciting book about birds from the time of the dinosaurs to our current world, by paleontologist Dr. Steve Brusatte. Released 28th April 2026 by Harper Collins on their Mariner Books imprint, it's 448 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.

The author has a gift for making the ancient world accessible, engaging, and *real*. The animals he describes and the world which they inhabited are very easy to imagine (and often terrifying). This is a well organized and interesting timeline with a definite narrative thread. The author provides numerous visual aids along the way; timelines, resources, chapter notes, and an index.

Although written in accessible layman language, it's meticulously annotated, and the chapter notes are likely worth the price of the book.

Five stars. Well written and interesting. It would be an excellent choice for public and home library acquisition,  gifting, or for a non-fiction palate cleanser book club discussion.  

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

A Novel Murder - Jane Hepburn #1

 

A Novel Murder is the first book in a cozy village bookish mystery by E.C. Nevin. Released 17th June 2025 by Knopf Doubleday on their Knopf imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher on 2nd June 2026.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is an ascerbic, sharply sarcastic, occasionally funny cozy mystery from the PoV of a publishing industry insider. Amateur sleuth Jane is hapless, disgruntled, cynical, frustrated, author at the end of her tether. At an industry publicity event, she's dodged by her agent, shoved aside, ignored, and feels invisible. 

The pacing is.... sedate. It's certainly not action driven. The characters (including the secondary characters) run the gamut from generally unappealing and a bit whiny, to outright insufferable. It's a very light quick read, and undemanding. It's unnecessary and ableist that almost every plus sized female protagonist is openly self-loathing, socially awkward, and inept (which moved it down a fair bit on the scale). 

There's such a mean-girl clique-ish vibe to the whole thing. Like "The Devil Weard Prada", it very much reads like a jaded industry insider getting their own back from an admittedly often uncaring industry.  

Three and a half stars. Worth a read for folks who enjoy bookish mysteries, amateur sleuths, and sarcastic digs at an unfeeling world. Book 2 is due out in August 2026 from the same publisher.

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

Beginner's Guide to Backyard Building: Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Constructing Your Own Shed, Studio, or Tiny House

 

Beginner's Guide to Backyard Building is a beginner-accessible technique and pictorial guide to planning and building small structures by Lee Mothes. Due out 5th May 2026 from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

There are so many good reasons to increase our self-sufficiency and gain techniques for improving our abilities to build and maintain the structures that protect and enhance our daily lives. Actually planning and building small structures seems like an unattainable goal for many (most?) but the author here does a good job of breaking down the process into step-by-step digestible chunks which are actually do-able. 

The book has a no-nonsense, no-frills layout. It's illustrated throughout in the "architect plan" style (see cover art) in color. The drawings are simple but detailed enough to give a good overview. The author's writing style throughout is friendly, positive, and supportive (definite "you can do it" vibes). There are a handful of photos, but they're more background/inspiration (including a sweetly nostalgic one of the author proudly sitting on a chair he made).

Worth noting: this book does NOT include actual plans. It covers planning and scope very well, but readers will need to grab some plans *before* grabbing a hammer and heading to the local big box store for materials.  

The author has included a couple of useful appendices including a glossary and measurement conversion lists, as well as an index.

This is a very useful and practical handbook. It would be a good choice for handy builders, self sufficiency readers, DIY folks, dreamers, and similar. It would also be a great choice for collectives, public library, activity/volunteer/housing groups.

Five stars.

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

Murder in My Backyard - Inspector Ramsay #2

 

Murder in My Backyardis the 2nd Inspector Ramsay standalone mystery by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1991, 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. 

Kind village notable, Alice Parry, meets a sticky end with a knife in her back, despite nobody having a bad word to say about her, and it's left to quiet, compassionate, intelligent Inspector Ramsay and his team to get to the bottom of the entwined crimes. It's a recurring theme in this series that the stories are quite sad in places and this one is no exception; it deals plainly with isolation, rampant capitalism, unscrupulous land development, and other distressing facts of modern life. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 48 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 second book in the series, 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 exciting and satisfying. 

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 melancholy which threads throughout the entire series.

Four stars. Well worth seeking out for fans of moody atmospheric British crime. It would make a good binge/buddy series read as well. 

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

Murder in Miniature: A Maple Bishop Mystery - Maple Bishop #2

 

Murder in Miniature is the second historical cozy mystery to feature miniaturist Mrs. Maple Bishop, written by Katie Tietjen. Released 23rd Sept. 2025 by Crooked Lane, it's 288 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.

This is a solidly plotted, character driven historical mystery set in 1947; with post WW2 still a recent memory, in rural Vermont. MC Maple is intelligent, possibly neurodiverse (she's quite socially inept), and works as a miniaturist as well as a special consultant to the police, recreating crime scenes. 

The book is loosely written around a framework of real historical people and events, quite skillfully blending fiction with history. The main character is loosely based on early forensic scientist Frances Glessner Lee.

Highly readable and engaging, well plotted, and with a satisfying denouement and resolution. It's the second book in the series although it works well enough as a standalone. There will be some minor spoilers for the 1st book if read out of order. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition or a short binge/buddy read. Content warnings for historically accurate raging misogyny and racism. 

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

Murder in Venice - Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #13

 

Murder in Venice is the 13th Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 3rd Nov. 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 234 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, large print, 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. 

This time, expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are drawn into helping with a staged murder mystery night (scripted and harmless) and instead wind up in the middle of a deadly serious "game". Dan's ostensibly along to facilitate translations in English for the police and witnesses, but his insights are valuable and he and Oscar are, as always, central to the story.

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 binge or buddy read. 

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. The scenery, food, and setting are as much a character of the book as the actual people (and non-humans). 

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home library, or a long binge/buddy read.

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

 

After Midnight: Thirteen Tales for the Dark Hours

 

After Midnight is a well curated collection of short fiction by Daphne du Maurier. Released 30th Sept. 2025 by Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 528 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 an excellent sampling of du Maurier's darker short works, including both more famous titles (The Birds, Don't Look Now) and works which will likely be new reads for all but the most die hard fans of the author. 

The collection also includes a delightful (and insightful) introduction by Stephen King. It's not scholarly or full of historical tidbits, it's a simple and heartfelt direct appreciation in his own voice. 

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent addition to public or home library, and gives a good overview over du Maurier's shorter ouevre. Quality literature and entertaining well written dark/spooky stories which have held up surprisingly well over the decades. The King intro is a nice bonus.

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

 

Cat Tales

 

Cat Tales is a collection of vignettes from Cats' PoV collected by Herbert S. Rolfes. Released 20th Sept 2025, indie published, it's 231 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

This is a whimsical collection, written by an author who is clearly fond of feline companions, and who is writing for a cat friendly audience. They're sweet (possibly saccharine) and it's not entirely clear if the incidental illustrations are AI generated or not (there are no artist credits and they appear to be AI generated or enhanced (see cover art)). Sample texts were run through AI detection and came up as human written.  

It's a cute book full of short cat-centric anthropomorphic stories.

Three stars. Potentially a good choice for bedtime story-time or story circle. 

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

The Widow Hamilton: An Eliza Hamilton Mystery #2

 

The Widow Hamilton is the second book in a cozy(ish) historical mystery series by Mollie Ann Cox. Released 10th Feb 2026 by Crooked Lane, it's 336 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.

This is an interesting darker cozy historical mystery featuring a fictional story interwoven inside a framework of real historical events and people. Eliza Hamilton's fame and relative status didn't save her from real threats of poverty after the loss of her very famous husband. Her benevolent work and the women with whom she interacted in the course of her days were varied and interesting. Many of the darker realities of life as an unprotected woman in the 19th century are written in stark and sobering terms (and much of it was historically so much worse - the author takes a generous artistic license describing the day-to-day realities)). Some of the characters were so self righteously loathsome and two dimensional that it detracted from the overall read.

The actual mystery is well constructed, and the descriptions and characterizations have depth. The ending and "whodunnit" were a bit overwrought and readers should bring a healthy suspension of disbelief. 

Three stars. 

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

The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset: A Complete Guide to Healing Your Immune System

 

The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset is a tutorial and recipe reference specifically aimed at a 30 day "reset" and food planning with recipes and info by Dr. Josh Redd. Released 6th Jan 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Simon Element imprint, it's 272 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This book is a nice resource for folks exploring options to counteract some of the effects of a less-than-optimal diet's effect on the human body. The books introduction explains the prevalence and growth of inflammation related symptoms. The second part of the book covers the actual 30 day "reset" including exercises and activities. The third part includes the actual recipes and food plans. 

The book has a nice, easy to follow layout.

Each of the recipes includes an introductory description, ingredients listed in a bullet point sidebar (imperial (US) measurements only. Nutritional info is not included.

The recipe ingredients themselves are easily sourced and will be available at most well stocked grocery stores. There are a very few ingredients which might be a little more difficult to source, but definitely nothing that is 'way out there'.

All in all,  well written, beautifully presented food, made from (mostly) unprocessed raw ingredients which are easily sourced and taste good.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition or home use. 

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

Birds of the Chesapeake Bay

 

Birds of the Chesapeake Bay is a well written, accessible guide written and collated by Howard Youth & Gemma Radko. Released 31st March 2026 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

A general introduction, covering the area and local features is followed by a broad chapter on bird families. The bulk of the book contains chapters for each local bird family, further split into field characteristics and distinct local species. The book is full color throughout, logically arranged, and each family has info on genus, habitat, vocalizations, and other ID info.

The authors/publisher have included a number of resources and links in the appendices including popular (and less popular/crowded) sites and organizations for social birding and ornithological info. There's a humorous, casual, welcoming vibe throughout. 

Five stars. This is a good guide, and would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, or for birding/activity groups. 

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

Three Bengal Kittens - Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery #4

 

Three Bengal Kittens is the fourth Dr. Bannerman veterinary mystery by Dr. Philipp Schott. Released 14th April 2026 by ECW Press, it's 256 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.

This is a nice follow up to the other books in the series, featuring an amateur sleuth who is also a veterinarian and high functioning neurodivergent protagonist alongside his trusty canine sidekick Pippin, a husky/lab/border collie mix with a gifted sense of smell and an unusually high degree of intelligence to go with it. Dr. Bannerman struck me as an odd guy, generally likeable but also stubborn and often pedantic. Readers who enjoy nerdy culture references with which the author liberally sprinkles around in the story will find a lot to enjoy here. Additionally, it's cool that Bannerman's wife is also a nerdy fibre artist and knitting designer.

The book is well plotted and moves along at a good clip; definitely action driven and engaging. Unusually in this case, the characterizations are above average and believably rendered. There were a few places in the book where the dialogue didn't ring true at all, but all in all, well written and enjoyably readable. This episode tangentially touches on the war and ethnic cleansing in the Bosnia/Herzegovina conflict and right wing paramilitary groups. There are frank discussions about mental health, including some uncomfortably explicit descriptions and dialogue about psychotic episodes and dissociation/hallucination.

It's not really a cozy mystery at all and shares more in common with modern medical thrillers than "James Herriot". The author is clearly familiar with rural Manitoba and he does a great job describing the weather, the area, and the history of the place. There is some on-page violence as well as some mildly graphic descriptions of mental health gaslighting, suffocation/murder, poisoning, and ethnic violence. Language and dialogue are mostly PG rated shading toward the R-rated end of the spectrum. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 51 minutes and is capably narrated by series narrator Miles Meili. He has a rugged and rough-edged baritone which suits the dialogue very well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. 

Four stars. Very enjoyable, looking forward to seeing what comes next for Peter, Laura, and Pippin (&co). The author/publisher have included a sneak peek at the fifth book in the series, Five Icelandic Ponies at the back of the book.

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

 

The Baby-Snatcher

 

The Baby-Snatcher is the 6th (and final) Inspector Ramsay standalone mystery by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1997, this reformat and re-release 25th March 2025 by Macmillan is 324 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. 

Ramsay's drawn into an odd local situation when a panicked teenager is banging on his front door by her mother's uncharacteristic disappearance. Although the situation resolves, the later murder of the teen's mother, draws him again into a murder investigation alongside his investigation into a spate of local child abductions. As with the other books in the series, there's a pervasive sadness and sordidness which makes for a melancholy read. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 2 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.

There's not a ton of continuity in this series, and it works very well as a standalone read. 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.  

A Bird in the Hand - George & Molly Palmer-Jones #1

 

A Bird in the Hand is the 1st book featuring amateur birdwatching maven George and his wife Molly, written  by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1986, this reformat and re-release 6th Jan 2026 by Macmillan is 226 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 series is full to bursting with "twitchers" (bird-watchers) and the birding scene in the UK. The violent death of a locally famous birder draws George Palmer-Jones into the investigation since he's able to navigate the local birding scene and understand the social norms of the group, which is unfathomable (and impenetrable) to outsiders.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 20 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Sean Barrett. He has a beautifully modulated classically trained gravelly 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.

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 exciting and well crafted. It is absolutely full of nature, birding, and the eccentric folks whose lives revolve around collecting checks on their lists.

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 melancholy 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.  

 

Big Corpse on Campus - University Police #3

 

Big Corpse on Campus is the third campus procedural with returning characters by Karis Walsh. Released 10th June 2025 by Bold Strokes Books, it's 242 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.

This is the third book in a procedural mystery/romance series. Despite being the 3rd book, it works well as a standalone; the featured romance in this book is a different couple than the first 2 books (though those characters also make appearances in this installment). There's a popular series mechanic in which each book features a new couple, and it's utilized here as well. 

Lots of drama and romantic tension throughout (most of it unnecessary with a 20 minute sit-down conversation between the main players), but that's one reason genre readers keep coming back, so carry on!

The ending (a nice HFN for the main characters) is abrupt and a bit too deux ex machina; it felt rushed and impatient. Overall however, the prose works well, and the characters are (mostly) sympathetic and believable.

The romance in this story (and the 2 previous books in the series) feature F/F relationships.  

Three and a half stars.  

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