Mothman's Happy Cryptid Halloween

 

Mothman's Happy Cryptid Halloween is an adorable illustrated children's book for the youngest readers written by Andrew Shaffer. Due out 6th Aug 2024, it's 42 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

What a fun, quirky, and humorous holiday themed romp for all ages! Everyone knows how much fun it is trick or treating at Halloween. Farmer Mothman is excited that all the kids will be coming to his pumpkin farm for pumpkins to carve and for trick or treating. He's ready with pumpkins and candy. He's even put on his Haloween costume. Things don't always go as planned, unfortunately, so he enlists the other (adorable!) cryptids to help him with his backup plan. This is certainly aimed a young audience, but it's charming and fun for everyone. The illustrations are simple but colorful and full of humorous small details. There's a series of planned holiday themed books, this is the second. The next one slated for release is a Valentine's Day adventure for Mothman and friends.

Five stars. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use and gift giving purposes. Definitely worth a look.  

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

 

The Book of Elsewhere

The Book of Elsewhere is a collaborative science fiction adventure by China Miéville and Keanu Reeves. Released 23rd July 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 352 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 trippy, cerebral, often very -odd- SF/fantasy/mystery mashup and feels very experimental both thematically and stylistically. Miéville has the chops to pull it off, but readers who are coming to the read because Keanu wrote it, and have zero prior familiarity with Miéville's often bizarre and (possibly overly) cerebral style will probably be stymied. It's emphatically NOT an easy comfort read. 

In a way, it's a sandbox collaboration and ties into the BRZRKR comics world. B is a universal soldier, undying, and deeply tired and wants to be able to die. Black Ops government agents promise to help, but he has to help them first. There are layers upon layers of story, and it's not easy to try to read this book without any familiarity with the tie-ins, background, and without some willingness to dig deeper into the underlying philosophy. 

Four stars. Definitely not an easy weekend read, but deep and rewarding of the considerable effort required. Whether the effort is worth the reward will vary a lot individually.

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

NetGalley's Book Advocate Toolkit

NetGalley's Book Advocate Toolkit is a new/updated how-to and help tutorial guide for book advocates and reviewers written by the folks at We Are Bookish. Originally released in 2022, this updated and reformatted guide was published 22nd July 2024. It's 31 pages and is available in ebook format.

Whether readers have been reviewing for years or are just thinking about starting, networking and learning from other reader/reviewers is always a great idea. Adding techniques to an expanding arsenal of tools for creatively evaluating books and presenting them objectively to followers and the general public is a good way to increase reach and deepen our own understanding of the things we read and review. 

We Are Bookish has collected a number of good tips and tricks in this short guide. They've included info about motivation, how to review, how to format a review, what to say, scheduling, follow ups, audiobook reviews, and more. There's a flowchart about what to do with DNF (did not finish) books. They've also included a very helpful page on writing critical reviews, something that nearly all reviewers struggle with. 

They also tease an upcoming social media toolkit at the end of the booklet. 

Five stars. This would be a great fit for pretty much everyone who writes even the occasional book review, blog, or bookish social media post. It's necessary to create a NetGalley account to access and download the booklet, but it's a useful, graphically appealing tool.

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

The Fan Who Knew Too Much - Kit Pelham #1

The Fan Who Knew Too Much is a madcap nerdy sci-fi mystery series opener by Nev Fountain. Released 23rd July by Titan Books, it's 504 (!!) 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. 

This is a nerdy, action driven murder mystery absolutely packed full of silly puns, SF fandom sendups, trivia, and cultural in-jokes. It's very funny in places, and honestly tries a bit too hard in some places. For fans of Dr. Who (and you better bring your series 1 knowledge to the table), STTOS + NG + STV +++, Blake's 7, and others, you will feel right at home here. Fair warning, there's very little hand holding to get you up to speed. If you've never quoted whole scenes from Red Dwarf and didn't know Logan's Run had a short (blessedly short) run as a TV show, then you're going to have to bring a significant amount of patience to the read, -and- be prepared to miss a lot of context, -and- potentially be willing to phone-a-genuine-nerd for help.

For those of us who have been to more cons that we can remember, who possibly spent 45 minutes stuck in an elevator with James Doohan at worldcon a million years ago (he was a perfect gentleman and wonderfully funny), who know what filking is and can sing a few without breaking a sweat, this book is a treat. 

There's a LOT of poking fun at the stereotypes. If it were written by someone who doesn't get it, it would be over the top mean, but as it is, Mr. Fountain seems to be one of us. 

Four stars. Genuinely funny, a bit frenetic in places, and with an outlandish mystery plot resolution. Worth a look for the nostalgia and in-jokes. 

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

The Rockpool Murder - Shell House Detectives #3

The Rockpool Murder is the third Shell House cozy mystery by Emylia Hall. Released 19th March  2024 by Amazon on their Thomas & Mercer imprint, it's 380 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (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 installment sees MC Ally and (non-romantic) partner Jayden investigating the sudden death of a rock star who recently bought a mansion in the area. The plot is well engineered and the clues are fair play and cleverly presented. 

Although not as adept (in the reviewer's humble opinion) 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.

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 three books extant, and a fourth due out 4th quarter 2024, it would be a good candidate for a light binge or buddy read. 

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

 

Heartbreak Incorporated

Heartbreak Incorporated is an odd but well written fantasy action romance mashup featuring a female investigative journalist written by Alex de Campi. Released 14th Feb 2024 by indie pub Rebellion, it's 304 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 spicy romance with mystery and fantasy elements. It does a reasonable job of the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink genre straddling, but in the end, the book might have been better served to have cut out the fantasy "Death Note" subplot introduced around 40% in. 

Nearly every reader of modern romantasy/ romance adventure recognizes the prevalent physical descriptions which abound in the genre. (It's not a bug, it's a feature). This book has it in spades. The action driven plot has all the moving parts in working order, but readers will still need to bring a healthy suspension of disbelief to the read. There are some distressing elements of distressingly ingrained misogyny, including from the female MC. It's sadly typical of the genre... and it's clear and present here, too.

Three and a half stars. It's a standalone read. Definitely spicy/explicit parts, NSFW. Worth a look for fans of the genre; and the author is better than average at plotting and action sequences.

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

The Hermit Next Door

The Hermit Next Door is a witty escapist fantasy novella by Kevin Hearne. Due out 31st July 2024 in a signed limited edition from Subterranean Press, it's 96 pages and will be available in signed 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 fun story from page 1. Newly widowed Winnie Mae and her teenage son move from Tennessee to Oregon and try to find their feet in a new neighborhood, navigating a new school, new neighbors, and a seismic shift in culture. There's more to the reclusive Mr. Fisher next door than they were expecting.

Fans of the author's oeuvre will already be familiar with his sly and irreverent send ups of everything from talking dogs to life in suburbia (complete with "Karens"). This is more of that, along with a transportive escapist wish fulfillment fantasy and a healthy dash of Scooby Do adventures thrown in for good measure.

Four and a half stars. Hearne can write. He can plot. It's a short but engaging read with a great denouement and resolution. 

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

 

The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye

The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye is a very well written historical adventure based on a purported historical pirate written by Briony Cameron. Released 4th June 2024 by Simon & Schuster on their Atria imprint, it's 368 pages and 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, at the end of the day, a very realistically rendered story about a queer black female pirate from the Caribbean set during the reign of Louis XIV. The racism, sexism, inequality, and danger of daily life during the time period are prevalent and not sugar coated, but it is unquestionably a ripping yarn about pirates, naval battles, looting, pillaging, and mayhem (against a factual historical background which was interesting and immersive).

The story itself is compelling, and the protagonist, 20 year old Jacquotte, is ferociously intelligent, strong-willed, clever, and lucky. She leads her band of ragged adventurers (formerly indentured to a brutish captain) to success for a time, but always fraught with danger and a certain inevitability. 

The settings and descriptions are often stunning, the prose adept and honest. The sea battles are on a par with top shelf nautical history adventurers (O'Brian & Cornwell, for example). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 12 hours 36 minutes and is masterfully narrated by Angel Pean. She has a rich alto voice and does a good job with the disparate characters of both sexes and a range of accents. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars overall, it would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home use, or book club read.

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

The Night Raven - The Moonwind Mysteries #1

The Night Raven is a very well written YA historical mystery series opener by Johan Rundberg. Originally published in 2021 in Swedish, this English language translation was released 1st Nov 2023 by Amazon on their Children's imprint. It's 192 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

Set in the winter of 1880 in Stockholm, it's dangerously bitterly cold and a ruthless killer is stalking the population. Mika, a 12 year old orphan, has honed her powers of observation as a survival skill. She's recruited by one of the few competent and honorable policemen to assist in his investigation. The partnership is -very- well written and sensitively handled. He doesn't ignore or denigrate her contributions, and they develop a good working relationship despite the age difference. 

It's aimed at young readers (Lexile 680, grades ~5-9), but there are many difficult themes in the book, threatened and actual violence, physical abuse and starvation of vulnerable children, extremely austere living standards for the poor of the period, working conditions for the lower classes (including/especially children). Some parts are scary for sensitive readers. The denouement and resolution are exciting and satisfying. There are currently two books released in English in the series, with a third announced for release in Jan 2025.

The English translation work by A.A. Prime is well rendered and seamless. It flows very well and is accessible and doesn't get in the way of the story at all. 

Four stars. Possibly too dark for a younger middle grade audience (school library acquisitions folk should read it before ordering). It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, for home use, or for YA readers who enjoy more dire/tragic mysteries.

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

The Mystery of Locked Rooms

The Mystery of Locked Rooms is a fun action driven mystery adventure for middle grade readers by Lindsay Currie. Released 2nd April 2024 by Sourcebooks on their Young Readers imprint, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher first quarter 2025. 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 diverting action filled middle grade adventure with elements of mystery. The three main characters are best friends, and this is very much a buddy caper. It's over the top outlandish and not to be taken seriously (it's chiefly a book for kids). There are good takeaways here, and the author manages to include them without being preachy at all. There are several good themes for classroom or group discussion such as friendship, loyalty, thinking problems through and finding creative solutions, family stress/money/health issues and how they affect kids, and continuing with challenges even when it's difficult. 

The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 5 hours 50 minutes and is capably read by Eleanor McCormick. She has a well modulated alto voice with a generic midwest (USA) type accent. She enunciates very clearly and delineates the characters well (it's a limited cast). Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

 Four stars. Readers should being a healthy suspension of disbelief to the read. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, classroom discussion, or book club selection (for youngsters). 

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

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The Self-Reliant Kitchen: From-Scratch Sourdough Breads, Homemade Cheese, and Farm-to-Table Meals

The Self-Reliant Kitchen is a well written tutorial collection with recipes for increasing food security and self-reliance by Michelle Mullennix. Due out 1st Oct 2024 from Skyhorse, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a colorful, appealing collection with very well styled appetizing recipes for homestyle simple American dishes. The emphasis is on garden-to-table, fresh ingredients, simplicity, and increasing food security and abundance. These are everyday family meal type recipes. 

They're arranged thematically: sourdough & yeast breads, dairy, breakfast, dinner, sides, snacks, and quick breads & sweets. Recipe ingredients are variable in weight and/or volume measures. Units are imperial (American); there are some general substitutions and conversion included in a chart in the back of the book.

Oddly, many of the recipes use canned and other convenience foods. Ingredients will be widely available from most well stocked grocery stores in North America. There are some small issues with disclaimers. The author recommends raw whole (unpasteurized) dairy products in the recipes. There is one disclaimer (in a footnote) which explains that raw milk can contain harmful bacteria and readers are cautioned to use their discretion. 

The author's tutorial for sourdough starter seems to differ from most of the ones commonly available online (but sourdough is generally *not* screw-uppable as everyone discovered to their delight during the pandemic). 

The DIY snacks are varied and fun, including homemade gummy candy, hummus, fruit leathers, soft pretzels, applesauce, and a few more.

Four stars. Great ideas, moderately good execution. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home use, or potentially gift giving. Most self-sufficiency folks, smallholders, and farmers will have more detailed cookbooks/preserving tutorials available. 

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

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The Female Tudor Scholar and Writer - The Life and Times of Margaret More Roper

 

 

The Female Tudor Scholar and Writer is a layman accessible historical biography of the Margaret More Roper, the daughter of Sir Thomas More written by Aimee Fleming. Due out in the UK 31st July 2024 from Pen & Sword (worldwide release 30th Sept), it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a layman accessible and interesting monograph on the life and works of Margaret More Roper. As a women of the period, she is nearly always considered a footnote in her father's biographies, but here the author has written a balanced and well reasoned consideration of her in historical context in her own right as a primary subject and not just an aside.

The book is written with chapters in more or less chronological order: early life, the More household, education & adolescence, marriage & writing, motherhood, Humanism & reputation, reputation, loyalty, mortality (the imprisonment & death of her father), and their/her legacy. The book is meticulously annotated throughout and the chapter notes and bibliography will provide readers with many (many!) hours of further reading.

Five stars. It's both a well written and researched study of the More family and allies (and enemies), but also a well rounded study of Humanism, intellectualism, and the possibilities afforded women from the highest classes of the period.

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

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A Grave Robbery - Veronica Speedwell #9

A Grave Robbery is the 9th Veronica Speedwell mystery by Deanna Raybourn. Released 12th March 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a historical cozy mystery with a heaping helping of saucy romance between the main character duo (Veronica and Stoker). There is a fair bit of backstory for the characters and setup for the storyline, so it doesn't perhaps work as well as a standalone. Happily, the series is wonderfully well written and engaging, so reading them more or less in order isn't onerous. Additionally, there are some major spoilers for the characters' development over the course of the series, so expect spoilers if read out of order. The entire series is well written, light, and diverting, so a definite contender for a binge/buddy reading session.

The main characters are a lepidopterist (Veronica) and a taxidermist (Stoker), so the author gets points for the characters' appealingly nerdy quirks. Their backstories are as varied as they are and there are significant subplot elements revolving around their family entanglements. Although some plot elements are rather dark (extortion, duplicity, etc) the book itself is firmly in the cozy mystery romance genre.

Thoroughly readable and entertaining, the series will remind readers of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody. There's no objectionable language, but there are strongly sexually suggestive scenes between the two main characters, some shooting, stabbing, and other light to moderate mayhem. Scattered throughout all of the books are references to specific nomenclature and natural history. It's very nerdy and  all good fun. For readers in search of meticulously researched dialogue and verisimilitude, this one will likely engender teeth gnashing. Bring a hefty suspension of disbelief. On the other hand, it's delightfully wonky, humorous, and ever so slightly spicy (with a few bodices being metaphorically ripped in the course of the adventure).

Four and a half stars. The series goes from strength to strength, but this is an exceptionally good "episode". Recommended for fans of the genre (light romantic historical cozy mystery). It would make a nice buddy or book club read as well as a solid choice for public library acquisition.

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

Spicy Salsas & Moles: A Cookbook for Lovers of Mexican Heat

 

Spicy Salsas & Moles is a well written and appealing specialty cookbook with recipes developed and curated by Ericka Sanchez & Nicole Presley. Due out 3rd Sept 2024 from Familius Publishing, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This collection is packed with authentic salsas and moles, some with a USA fusion twist, but many directly from Mexico. The recipes are grouped roughly thematically: cooked salsas, fresh salsas, enchilada salsas, sweet & spicy salsas (there's a recipe for an absolutely -gorgeous- mango and habañero salsa here), curtidos and escabeches (relishes & pickles), moles & pipianes (sauces/pastes), and spicy condiments & addons. Each of the recipes includes an introductory description, ingredients listed in a bullet point sidebar (imperial (US) measurements only), step by step instructions, and highlighted text boxes with prep time, yield, cooking time, and heat level. Nutritional info not included. Special tools and ingredients are also listed. The ingredients are mostly easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. Some specialty equipment and ingredients will require a trip to an international grocery store or farmer's market.

The photography is clear and in color. All of the recipes are accompanied by finish/serving photos. The photos which are included in the cookbook are well done, appealing, and (for tutorial photos) easy to follow.

This book would make a great gift for someone looking for authentic LatinX recipes.

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

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

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The Murders at Sugar Mill Farm

The Murders at Sugar Mill Farm is a well written procedural mystery/romance by Ronica Black. Released 12th Dec 2023 by Boldwood Books, it's 312 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.

This is an intricately plotted procedural with a female investigator trying to track down a serial killer, set in Louisiana. There are tie-ins with forensic anthropology and scientific investigation; fans of Reichs & Cornwell's respective forensic investigators will probably like this book as well. It's a standalone, though the author has left the possibility to revisit the characters in future.

There is a romantic triangle subplot (F/F/F) with slow burn romance, but it's secondary to the primary serial killer investigation. The denouement and resolution felt a bit rushed. There is one moderately explicit scene between two of the three main characters which felt a little bit tacked on, but was well written and felt integral to the plot. Some explicit violence and rough language. The serial killer aspect is well written, but obviously quite creepy. 

Four stars. There aren't a ton of serial killer procedurals with lesbian leads readily available and this one is well written and passes the Bechdel test with flying colors. 

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

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Learn to Draw Manga: A Fun and Easy How-to Draw Guide for All Ages

Learn to Draw Manga is a tutorial and style guide for beginning artists for drawing anime and manga figures by KritzelPixel. Released 16th July 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist imprint, it's 96 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This a fun and accessible tutorial guide aimed at beginners to slightly more advanced readers and usable for all-ages. The author has an engaging and encouraging style of teaching and writes clearly and enthusiastically. I love that she says that the way she saw improvement was simply by practicing and refusing to give up! She says: "Art doesn’t require talent; it only needs to bring you joy".

The book's tutorial chapters include step by step instructions for different characters from beginning rough sketches, step-by-step through refinements to a finished sketch. The chapters build on one another: introduction - faces - bodies - drawing from references - through to the principles of manga. It's a wide ranging surprisingly information rich tutorial primer and includes several styles of anime/manga, including kawaii (cute) manga.

This would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving (perhaps bundled with some basic drawing supplies). It's a very simple and abbreviated guide but there's a lot of good basic information here.

Four and a half stars. Anyone could use the tutorials to make a credible manga style drawing, and her style is so fun and encouraging.

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

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Creepy Kitchen: 60 Terror―rific Recipes That’ll Possess Your Palette

Creepy Kitchen is a nice collection of spooky dishes with recipes by Kim Kindelsperger. Due out 6th Aug 2024 from Quarto on their Rock Point imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is an adorable illustrated collection with "creepy" whimsically themed recipes. They're grouped in chapters: starters, sides, mains, sweets & desserts, several holiday themed chapters (Christmas, Valentines, notably no Hallowe'en specific ones), and tutorials and how-to. 

Recipes include an intro (with media tie-in information), bullet list of tools and supplies as well as ingredients, and step by step directions. Ingredients are given in imperial (American) measurements, with metric measures in parentheses (yay!). Ingredients will be easily obtainable from any moderately well stocked grocery store in North America. 

The book has no photography. It's charmingly illustrated in color throughout by Kitty Willow Wilson. 

Four stars. These are appealing and tasty recipes, with a cute schtick. It's a niche book, but fun and well done. The recipes are basic; none are overly complex. It would be nicefor a movie-night tie in gathering with friends, or a casual party. This might also be a nice choice for folks who spend time with youngsters (child minders, grandparents, older siblings, etc) to have some fun in the kitchen, and then eat the results. 

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

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Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings―Plus Entertaining Inspiration, Tips, and 100+ Recipes

 

Southern Get-Togethers is an accessible and *useful* guide to putting together inviting tables from the smallest gatherings to feasts, with a southern (USA) aesthetic and featuring southern cuisine written and curated by Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark. Due out 17th Sept 2024 from Chronicle Books, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a complete guide from the planning phase (what, how many, season, where, resources) through to completion for beautiful, timely, appropriate, inviting, and tastefully presented spreads - from the simplest nibbles with friends, to a lush extravaganza. 

There are so many practical takeaways here - everything from choosing flavors and balancing flavors and textures, to serving utensils, containers, glassware, dinnerware, and more. This is the stuff which those of us who grew up without a subscription to Southern Living and Town & Country probably missed out on. 

The presentations are divided thematically: daytime gatherings (brunches, lunches, happy hours/stop-by gatherings), all-day parties (game/playoff days, cookouts, family reunion type things), potlucks & supper club gatherings, and formal affairs and slow food socials. Each type of gathering is given solid reflection and the attention to detail is impressive and reassuring. 

The recipes are included in each individual gathering and range from very simple casual friend type dishes to showstoppers. 

Ingredient measurements are supplied in imperial (American) standard measurements with metric measures in parentheses (yay!).  The nutritional information is not included.  Each gathering includes a header with a short description of the recipes and approximate servings. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in text boxes in the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made for the most part with easily sourced ingredients.

The photography is abundant and clear and the recipes are illustrated simply and clearly. The photography by Antonis Achilleos is one of the highlights of this book.

This would make a great choice for the cook's home library. It's a really good solid volume on entertaining and it also includes quite a good selection of finger-foods, appetizers, small bites, and brunch dishes. Holiday dinners aren't a focus in this volume, but it would be easy to incorporate modifications. 

Five stars. Beautifully presented and accessible for regular (non-professional) cooks. 

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

Keppan: An Artist's Blood Oath

 

Keppan is an intriguing and well written murder mystery/procedural by Jayne Zehngut and Cynthia Salasovich. Released 6th Nov 2023, it's 338 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

The book is full of art, Japanese culture, intrigue and undertones of organized crime. A pair of detectives from the LAPD are assigned to investigate the death of a popular Japanese artist the day after a phenomenal exhibition opening. The characters are well delineated and the prose flows well. The book is full of tidbits about Japanese culture and art, and the authors have managed to include it without once being pedagogic or repetitive. 

The characters are well wrought and three dimensional. The procedural mystery is less of a mystery, but flows well and resolves into a satisfying (melodramatic) denouement. It will be interesting to see if the authors revisit the characters in future.

Four stars. Worth a look for art mystery fans, and possibly for a buddy or bookclub read. There are lots of good discussion subjects included (art, culture, blood oaths, etc). 

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

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The Book of Doors

 

The Book of Doors is a standalone contemporary fantasy by Gareth Brown. Released 13th Feb 2024 by HarperCollins on their William Morrow imprint, it's 416 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format out in 2nd quarter 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This debut fantasy has a wonderful premise with loads of potential. There are books here which are actually magical. Protagonist Cassie is gifted one such book, with the power to turn a door, any door, into any other door throughout time and space.

Naturally, there are people looking for the books for their own purposes, both benign and malign. Bookhunters are picking off collectors and taking their books. There are inevitable comparisons to The Midnight Library and The Ten Thousand Doors of January. It's definitely reminiscent, if not directly derivative. Readers who enjoyed either of those books will likely find a lot to enjoy here.  

The prose and characterizations are oddly rough in places for a top shelf publisher and a book which must have had a thorough editing process (thus it seems intentional artistically). There is a great deal of telling instead of showing, and readers will struggle to maintain engagement with the protagonist. 

Three and a half stars. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, and for readers who really enjoyed the Midnight Library or The Ten Thousand Doors of January. 

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