Dante N. Ferno: Camp Catastrophe

 

Camp Catastrophe is the second book featuring Dante N. Ferno written and illustrated by Brian Gordon. Released 26th May 2026 by Macmillan on their Farrar, Straus, & Giroux imprint, 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 throughout.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series is also currently available on KU. 

This is a fun, very humorous camp adventure for middle grade readers ( ~8-12 years). This summer, Dante and Virgil are headed off to camp, hijinks ensue. It's one thing after another, and the excruciating embarrassment of being a 12 year old and trying to be cool (and trying to be a good friend, and trying to not die of actual embarrassment) are something everyone can relate to. 

The illustrations are funny and full of small details which invite readers to take a closer look. The author also has a well regarded webcomic, but this book is aimed toward kids (although it works very well as an all-ages read). 

Four strong stars. It's the second book, but there's not a lot of continuity and they can certainly be read as standalones. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition. 

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

Those Who Are Gone: A Novel - Raquel Laing #2

 

Those Who Are Gone is an engaging and well written thriller, and the second book to feature Raquel Laing, by Laurie R. King. Released 8th Sept 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine 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. 

It's told in a dual timeline format; past and current day. Through the gradual buildup of layers (and intervening years), a resurrected cold case investigation, emerging details about the family histories of Raquel and her sister, through to the satisfying denouement and resolution, the author does a masterful job with the writing. Rough language, but average for a procedural mystery. Some graphic violence, but again, not used egregiously.

Four solid stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, or for mystery bookclub discussion or a short binge/buddy read. Excellent books, excellent stories, and top tier writing. It's NOT cozy, and it IS violent, but very well written with a satisfying denouement. 

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

 

Murders in the Marquee - Murder Most Fowl Mysteries #1

 

Murders in the Marquee is the first book in a historical cozy(ish!) series by Dana Mentink. Released 1st Sept 2026 by HarperCollins on their Harlequin Trade imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook format.  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 and readable historical mystery set in 1905 in one of San Francisco's luxury hotels. Reformed jewel thief Saul winds up getting dragged into sleuthing by a resident of the hotel along with the young elevator operator. Although Saul sees "something" which he strongly fears is a murder on his first day at the hotel, he doesn't want to get involved and is reassured when no alarms are raised by staff or patrons and thinks he must have misinterpreted what he heard and saw. 

Although Saul is well developed, the characterization, especially the secondary characters are less well defined and with much less realistic motivations. The crimes remain hidden for roughly 70% of the book. Although billed as a cozy, there is some moderately graphic content (disposal of a corpse) along with some questionable motives on the part of one of the sleuths. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 23 minutes and is capably read by Kimberly M. Wetherell. She has a well modulated alto voice and does a good job delineating the characters of a range of ages, both male and female. Sound and production quality were high throughout the read.  

Four stars. It would be a good choice for fans of historical mystery, or a buddy or challenge read. Clean language throughout. 

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

AMAYA'S WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN: A Warm and Reassuring Story About Starting School, Making Friends, and Feeling Brave

 

Amaya's Welcome to Kindergarten is an interesting illustrated story by Nathaniel and Amaya McDaniel. Released 26th Aug 2026, it's 39 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a truly appealing and reassuring story for kids dealing with insecurity and anxiety about what to expect going to kindergarten... what will their teacher be like.. will the other kids like them... how will they spend the time at school and what activities can they expect.

It's a very odd combination of generative AI or possibly photoshop. The text accompanying the photos is aimed at adults and will have to be read for kids. That being said, the kids pictured in the book are absolutely adorable, and enthusiastic, and the sentiments are heartwarming and appealing. The author mentions shy kids and anxious kids and shows how the teacher (who is thankfully kind and inclusive) helps everyone shine and enjoy school time.  

Three stars. It would be a good choice for parents or caregivers of young kids heading into their first school experiences. 

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

The Mystic and the Missing Girl

 

The Mystic and the Missing Girl is a cold-case light paranormal cozy mystery by Vikki VanSickle. Due out 8th Sept 2026 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 336 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 an engaging and well written cozy with a likeable female MC, a quirky band of secondary characters, a light paranormal element, and a cold case mystery. Drew has moved back to the small town where she grew up to take over her aunt's metaphysical goods shop after her aunt's death. Homecoming is not entirely drama free because of her aunt's prophetic involvement in a disappearance 20 years earlier. The character driven plot drags a bit in the first half, but finds its feet in the second. The ESP elements aren't too overdone and there's a nice classic mix of red herrings and investigation. There's a lot of foreshadowing for possible future books to come. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 25 minutes and is capably read by Veronica Hortiguela. She has a warm, well modulated alto voice and does a good job delineating the characters both male and female and range of ages. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

The language is clean and there's no on-page graphic violence. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or possibly a good buddy or book club read. 

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

Plant-Powered Seniors

 

Plant-Powered Seniors is a lifestyle guide with recipes developed and curated by a trio of dieticians and a physician. Due out 15th Sept 2026, independently published, but distributed by Simon & Schuster, it's 400 pages and will be available in paperback (softbound) and ebook formats. 

This is a layman accessible, science-based, well written guide for plant based nutrition for seniors (50+).  The authors have backgrounds in health based clinical nutrition and the writing style is upbeat and positive. 

Part two includes recipes with some variations. Each recipe includes prep time and yields in the header, ingredients (in imperial (American) units) in a bullet list on a sidebar, step by step preparation instructions, and nutritional info in the footer. There are no photographs included in the collection. The recipe ingredients are mostly easily sourced from any average grocery store. 

It's not an academic peer-review type monograph, and it's written in layman accessible language, but it's very well annotated, and honestly the completeness of the bibliography and links (to peer-reviewed scientifically worthy articles and resources) are probably worth the cost of the book by themselves. Very well done.

Four stars, for readers who are committed to making lifestyle changes, exploring vegetarian options, or living with family members making changes.

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

Can Mud Be THAT?!

 

Can Mud Be THAT?! is an adorable illustrated book for the very youngest readers by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Alexandra Colombo. Due out 15th Sept 2026 from Charlesbridge, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Nearly everyone has splashed and squished their way through mud, and nearly every kid has been warned not to track it into the house... but mud isn't *just* wet dirt. This cute illustrated book shows some of the many ways animals and humans use mud to cool down, for protection, for construction, and even for building somewhere to raise a family. 

The story is simple, easy to read and understand for young readers (~3-7 years). The art supports and illustrates the story well, full of movement and small details that invite a closer look. 

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, or for gift giving.

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

Blumenhaus

 

Blumenhaus is a restful and inspiring highlight anthology from the horticultural arts magazine of the same name, curated by editors Camille Le Gressier & Isabelle Laydier Kristensen. Due out 27th Oct 2026 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 416 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

This is an eclectic collection of short essays about botanical themes, history, and richly illustrated with historical and modern art. It's a wide ranging collection, multi-themed, including retrospective short bios of horticultural luminaries both past and present, visits to famous gardens, culinary and medicinal botanicals, and even a short look at mythology. 

The book is full of inspiration and beauty. It would be a perfect coffee-table book or a lovely gift for a gardening friend. 

Five stars. It's a niche choice, but for folks who enjoy gardening and natural history, it's quite beautiful and engaging. It would make an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, or for gardening/community garden groups.

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

Blightfall - Riftwake #1

 

Blightfall is the first book in a new collaborative spinoff series by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson, following on from the Skyward books. Released 1st Sept 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Delacorte Press imprint, it's 256 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 fun YA collaboration, fast moving, engaging, and well written. Although it follows on from Skyward, it's not necessary to have read that series prior to starting this one. All the necessary backstory is given, and it just jumps into the action straight away. 

The science fiction/fantasy military style academy action and world building were great. 

Second book in the series, Songrise, has been announced but there's currently no updated publishing info/release data. 

Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public, secondary school, or home library acquisition. It would also make a nice buddy or challenge read. 

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

School on Your Terms: A Practical Playbook for Working Adults in Online and Hybrid College

 

School on Your Terms is a well organized resource by Dr. Anna Blankenship for adult and non-traditional students who are interested in options for hybrid or online studies. Released 19th Aug 2026, it's 257 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 throughout.

Additional resources, worksheets, planners, etc are available online and are linked with QR codes in the text. Graphically, it's accessible, clean, and efficient. The author has navigated graduate studies alongside working and family life, and gives numerous tips for planning, setting aside time for the work, checkpoints every week, setting goals (and most importantly sticking to them), and adjusting expectations when life happens to interfere. 

The book's style is concise, and most of the content is arranged around pithy, short, highlighted text boxes. There are numerous troubleshooting lists and "how to fix" and "how to get back on track" sections. 

Four stars. The author doesn't address finding a program or field for further study, and there aren't any concrete methods for navigating the application process or finding funding/financial aid, those are presupposed. She concentrates on helping readers make actionable plans for doing the work and sticking to the schedules to succeed.

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

The Armchair Detectives - Armchair Detectives #1

 

The Armchair Detectives is a cozy mystery series opener by Matt Dunn. Released 1st Oct 2025 by Bookouture, it's 340 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.

There are a wealth of cozies featuring retired and older protagonists in the role of amateur sleuth (for good reason, they're engaging and often humorous in a good way). In this very well written tongue-in-cheek opener, octogenarian former spy Martin is recuperating at a care facility after a hip replacement. After a spate of deaths close together which are at least somewhat unexpected (it is a long term care facility, and the residents are elderly), he turns his investigative abilities to figuring out who what and why. 

He soon recruits another resident, Albie, to the cause and off they go. It's a bit predictable, but light and engaging on the whole. It's not at all derivative, but there's a definite whiff of Only Murders in the Building and Thursday Murder Club, with a little Agatha Raisin thrown in, and fans of those series will likely enjoy this one as well.  

Three and a half stars. Enjoyable. There are currently 2 books extant, and the author seems to be on a semiannual publishing schedule (2/year). 

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

Laboratory - Object Lessons

 

Laboratory is a book in Bloomsbury's Object Lessons series, this volume by Dr. Emily York. Due out 29th Oct 2026 from Bloomsbury on their Academic imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. 

This series takes ordinary (even banal) objects such as dust, waste, concrete, and wallpaper, and examines them, elevates them, to objects of honest scrutiny and contemplation. The laboratory as a philosophical concept in Professor York's gaze yields up a wealth of otherwise missed, easily unexamined context, looking at how laboratories have played a large part in scientific discovery (obviously) but also in media, film, and everyday life. 

For those of us who work in STEM (in labs), the author really nails the often invisible, grinding, sometimes monotonous, behind the scenes tasks, and does a good job of contrasting the reality with the flash-bang as depicted in cinema and other popular media. 

Four stars. Interesting and erudite. It would be a good choice for public or post secondary school library acquisition, or for philosophy minded collectors. 

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

Murder by the Millions - Literary Dining Mysteries #2

 

Murder by the Millions is the second Literary Dining cozy mystery by Daryl Wood Gerber. Released 28th Oct. 2025 by Kensington, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free, as is the first book in the series.

A nice cozy very bookish mystery series with a returning ensemble cast and some new secondary characters. The story is peppered with lots (and lots) of name-drops of classic golden age to modern mysteries to chase down later. There's a strong foodie element, and MC Allie is a caterer and book lover. The dialogue and content are very clean and there's no graphic violence or sexual content. As a nice bonus (and typical for the genre) there's an important feline character, Allie's kitty Darcy, who's key to unraveling the whole mystery. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 18 minutes and is capably read by Sara Van Beckum. She has a well modulated alto voice with a midwest American accent and does a fine job of delineating the characters of a range of ages and both male and female. Sound and production quality is high throughout the read.  

Four stars. It would be a nice choice for public or home library acquisition, or for a light binge/buddy read. 

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

Natural Settings: Creating Botanical Jewelry with Eco-resins

 

Natural Settings is a well written tutorial guide with projects for using natural botanical jewelry by Dr. Sharon Wu. Released 18th Aug 2026 by Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents (including supplies and products to do the projects).

This is a very well written and logically arranged tutorial guide featuring lots of intricate and attractive jewelry pieces which featuring resin embedded flowers and botanical elements. The projects are beautifully complex and unbelievably detailed.

The introduction covers tools, setup, materials selection, and safety. The practical tutorial chapters which follow include info on the process of mixing, embedding, forming, finishing, detailing, combining multiple elements, etc. The text is accompanied by plenty of clear, color photos throughout. 

The project tutorial chapters include full projects with instructions. Each tutorial includes an introduction, list of tools and supplies, and step-by-step photo/text directions.

Five 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 home studio library.

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

 

Cards on the Table

 

Cards on the Table is a paranormal cozy(ish) mystery by Lana Harper & Jilly Gagnon. Released 1st Sept 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Bantam imprint, it's 400 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. 

Told in alternating chapters PoV of the two MC who are sisters, the closed suspect pool isolated setting feels like a fitting homage to the golden age classic mystery. Protagonists Cassie and Tori become chief suspects of incompetent local police when a client whose mansion they've moved into suddenly passes away during a séance, and a large fortune goes missing. 

There is a light paranormal aspect, the sisters are descendants of a victim of the Salem witch trials, practicing their divination, card reading, and spellcraft in the modern era. They have a complex relationship with one another, also working through abandonment issues and trying to rely on each other and make a life for themselves. 

The writing is engaging, with well developed believable characters (for the genre). The pacing is slow in the first half of the book, but picks up around halfway. The climax and denouement are satisfying with an extra little "last chapter twist" which was nice. It's not explicitly stated, but there's strong foreshadowing for a continuing series with future adventures for the sisters. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or a nice buddy read for fans of the genre.

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

  

Poker Wars: Murder, Mayhem, and the Bloody History that Led to the World Series of Poker

 

Poker Wars is an engaging and well written true crime history about organized crime in Texas & Las Vegas and the nascence of the world series of poker, written by Philip Guitar and Jim Martyka. Released 11th Aug 2026 by Crooked Lane, it's 336 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. 

The first half of the book is a more or less directly factual historical recounting (and some of the mythology) surrounding Benny Binion and his deadly feud with Herbert Noble, and a motley cast of thugs, gamblers, grifters, and con men doing the gambling circuits in Texas and Las Vegas. The second half is a lightly fictionalized account of the origins of the World Series of Poker. 

It's especially interesting for gambling fans, but even for fans of true-crime, there's enough to make an engaging read. The author/publisher have added a disclaimer firmly stating that it's fiction, but there's at least a distinct framework of real history included, and the names used in the book are the actual names of the actual players. 

Four stars. Interesting (and scary in places - those guys weren't nice). 

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

Needle Felting the Animals of the National Parks

 

Needle Felting the Animals of the National Parks is a well written guide to needle felting with 15 project tutorials written and curated by Claudia Marie Lenart. Released 28th July 2026 by Fox Chapel on their Landauer imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is such an appealing and accessible technique and tutorial guide with clearly written instructions and colour photographs which illustrate the steps from tool and materials selection through to the finished project. Many of the projects (there are 15 including black bears, seal cubs, bison, and a bunch of others) can be repurposed for other uses or just used as they are. They're surprisingly realistic and will appeal to almost everyone.

The introduction includes a good overview over the basic tools and supplies. The following chapters contain the tutorials. The book includes templates, but no bibliography or resource lists (which can be found with an online search anyhow).

Five stars. This is a useful and beginner accessible guide and would make a great selection for library acquisition, maker's groups, activity groups, and the home library.

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

Snow Clearing Day - Little Landscapers

 

Snow-Clearing Day is an adorable illustrated picture book for the youngest kids by Breanna Carzoo. Due out 15th Sept. 2026 from Simon & Schuster on their Little Simon imprint, it's 24 pages and will be available as a board book or ebook. 

The art is very cute and appealing, done in a collage style with gesso accents. Three little friends are ready to go to work and clear their neighborhood. The text is written simply with lots of onomatopoetic words and situations which invite readers to improvise their own narration (vroom! whoosh! scrape! etc). 

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library, as well as for childminders and classroom (or library) reading circles. There are also gentle unobtrusive little opportunities for counting (1,2,3), and cleaning up after finishing work, and of enjoying a hot cocoa after a job well done.

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

The Lone Wolf Cafe - Mainely Magic #1

 

The Lone Wolf Café is a cute F/F sapphic romantasy and the first book in a series by Sydney Wilder. Originally published in 2025, this reformat and re-release is 434 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.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is very much a cozy romance with two F/F protagonist misfits and both have secrets to hide and lots of baggage. Sarcastic, found family, female MCs, werewolves and magic, and lots and lots of drama (which could be resolved with 3 minutes of honesty, but they can't risk it all to open up to one another).

The characters manage to be distinct and well delineated and readers won't have trouble keeping them separated. It is quite trope-y, with a "mean girls" subplot, but the magic system and world building are engaging and believable (for the genre). The little elementals/familiars are especially appealing and sweet. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 9 minutes and is read by Autumn Wolff. She has an odd unpolished voice and sometimes difficult modulation. The characters aren't especially well delineated and are sometimes difficult to distinguish from one another. The actual sound and production quality were not up to Audible's usual standards for the read. (I received an ALC, so the final cut could be much more polished).

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition as well as for a buddy read. 

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

 

The Pumpkin Bride

 

The Pumpkin Bride is a warm and cozy romantasy by Fiona Buttercup. Released 1st Sept. 2026 by HarperCollins on their Harlequin/MIRA imprint, it's 352 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 sweet, funny, cozy, feel good mashup with definite homage vibes to Shrek & Princess Bride. It's not derivative, but it really is a nice escapist read with guaranteed happily ever after (not a spoiler, it's in the blurb). Pies, pumpkin spice, comeuppance for the hiss-worthy bad guy, and love story. Definitely one for the fans of Travis Baldree, Becky Chambers, Julie Leong, and similar. 

Four stars. It's adorable, and safe-for-work/commute reading. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or a buddy read.  

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