The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly - Berit Gardner #3

 

The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly is the third cozy mystery featuring Berit & DCI Ahmed by Katarina Bivald. Released 25th Aug 2026 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 368 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.

Expat Swede Berit is back in Sweden, away from her Cornwall cottage, along with Ahmed, who is recovering from an injury (shades of Rear Window). Closed suspect pool, an isolated location, and a suspicious death where everyone in the victim's family had a reason to hasten her "departure".

The author's dry comedic timing is a wonder to behold, and the book is *full* of delightful bookish tie-ins and sly unforced bibliophile in-jokes which will bring smiles to lovers of books. 

The author/publisher has also included suggested discussion topics and questions for book clubs and personal analysis. It's not entirely clear from the publishing info provided, if this book was translated into English (the author is Swedish), but if so, the translation work is perfectly seamless and invisible. There are 4 works in the series (some are currently only available in Swedish). Despite being the third book in the series, it works fine as a standalone.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 36 minutes and is masterfully read by series narrator Helen Lloyd. She has a perfect voice for the read, slightly gravelly and practical, and easily switches between numerous regional accents, as well as MC Berit who is of mixed Swedish/English descent. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read, and the narrator is an absolute delight. 

Four stars for the print and audio versions. Highly recommended for public library acquisition, home use, and bookclub/buddy discussions.

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

 

Godzilla: Heist - Godzilla Heist #1-5

 

Godzilla Heist is the collected first five issues of the comic series by Van Jensen, inked by Kelsey Ramsay. Released 13th Jan 2026 by IDW Publishing, it's 128 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats (ComiXology). For readers with a subscription, this collection is available to access for free as part of ComiXology Unlimited. 

The blurb pretty much says it all. Godzilla's a great distraction, and while the police and other forces are arrayed fighting Godzilla, thieves can strike where they will. The characterizations are more sketched in than complete, and it's wall to wall chaos and destruction. 

It's a fun romp. The art suits the story very well and the whole is chaotic and action filled. There's not a lot of actual heist planning shown which reads less like an actual heist caper and more like a criminal spree. 

Three and a half stars. It's entertaining, diverting, and the art's quite nice.

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

The Disaster Gay Detective Agency

 

The Disaster Gay Detective Agency is a silly whimsical cozy mystery caper by Lev A.C. Rosen. Released 2nd June 2026 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

A friend gang full of 20somethings who are trying to navigate early adulthood, get drawn into investigating a murder when one of their number (Brandon, a hopeless flirt) accidentally witnesses a murder, and his latest fling fleeing the scene.

There's a definite Scooby Doo vibe, and an overwhelmingly silly fast paced action driven plot. Some of the secondary characters tended to fade into one another (but it's not vital to the plot to remember who is who, honestly). Much (most?) of the plot is written in epistolary style, with the friends' group chat, and it does get distracting after a while. 

Three stars. It's a standalone, and very silly but fun. It would be a good choice for public or home library, or maybe a fun queer friendly buddy read. 

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

Fishing Wisdom Insights from the Water's Edge

 

Fishing Wisdom is an interesting, meandering, and philosophical collection of observations and quotes collected and curated by John Baltisberger. Due out 14th Aug, 2024 from Amber Books, it's 96 pages and will be available in hardcover with a traditional sewn binding. 

The entries are arranged roughly thematically: philosophy (of fishing), being inspired, casting out, caught hook line & sinker, and funny observations. Each of the quotes in the book is accompanied by illustrations; the credits are listed (and they're comprehensive) at the end of the book. 

It's a very simple concept, well executed. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or for gift giving to a outdoorsy friend. 

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

Bark Humbug - Andy Carpenter #34

 

 

Bark Humbug is the 34th Andy Carpenter legal procedural mystery by David Rosenfelt. Released 13th Oct 2026 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

For current fans of the series, this is a good one. It's full of the same sarcastic, warm humor and the same ensemble cast as previous entries in the series. Andy Carpenter is, of course, central to the story and still trying to figure out how to stay retired and avoid working. This is such a long running and consistently well written series that saying it's "more of the same, worked around a different mystery" should be enough of a recommendation by itself. Although it's the 34th book in the series, the mystery is self contained and the necessary back-story is written in without major spoilers for previous books. I heartily recommend the whole series, but this particular entry is especially strong. 

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

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 43 minutes and is expertly narrated by series narrator Grover Gardner who manages to juggle the various accents and characters of all ages and both sexes without problems. The read is definitely enhanced by the narrator. The sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. Mr. Gardner's narration really is a high point of the entire series, and he's got to be one of the best voice actors working in publishing today. 

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

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

The Ghost and the Dead Librarian - Haunted Bookshop Detective Mystery #1

 

The Ghost and the Dead Librarian is the 1st book in a spinoff cozy/noir series by the pseudonymous duo writing as Cleo Coyle. Released 29th Sept. 2026 by Kensington on their Cozies imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2027. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This long running series with an interesting paranormal twist is getting a bit of a reboot under the auspices of a new publisher. Protagonist Penelope is in "contact" with the consciousness of a long departed police detective who was killed almost 70 years ago. The books are set up in a way that very very cold case mysteries from decades ago get intertwined with modern day mysteries and bookstore owner Penelope (with wingman Jack) saves the day by resolving the past and the present. 

The mysteries are often convoluted and a bit contrived but otherwise "fair-play". The characters are so distinct and well rendered that keeping them clear from one another is never an issue. I like the sort of noir-1940's vibe that Penelope's internal dialogue adds to the book.  Although it's the 9th book in the series overall, the mysteries are completely self-contained and it works quite well as a standalone. This would be a good jumping-in point for readers who haven't read the previous books.

The language is clean, the violence is low-key and off scene. It would make a good commute or work read. I really enjoyed the tie-ins with period pulp fiction and artwork. Lots of fun. The authors have done their research on the era. 

Four stars. Definitely worth a look for fans of cozy mysteries. 

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

 

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore

 

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is a cute romantasy by Emily Krempholtz. Released 18th Nov 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace imprint, it's 368 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. 

Chock full of whimsy with a few deeper messages about nature, innate goodness, and a grumpy forced proximity romance, it's got a lot going on. The pacing isn't always even, and the back story sometimes feels a bit extraneous to the plot, but overall, it's readable and diverting. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good YA choice, but there are some spicy bits and a boatload of trauma, so a bit iffy for the younger end of the age range at least.  It would be a good pick for public or home library, or possibly a good buddy read.

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

The Underachiever

The Underachiever is a funny near-future YA science fiction adventure by David. A. Price. Released 15th Oct 2025, it's 254 pages and is available in hardcover, 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. 

A surfer bro, wealthy but lazy, and a smart Luddite (anti-tech) girl who sees AI for the existential threat it is have to team up to save humanity from sentient machines. The vibe is modern  with some surprisingly wholesome and heartwarming nods to gentle satirists of yesteryear including Wodehouse. It's not derivative at all, and it is fun and humorous. 

There's some romance, but it doesn't dominate the plot and the balance (especially with the sharp humor) is very finely tuned and works really well. 

Four stars. It would be an excellent, timely, book club selection, a solid public library choice, or a buddy read. 

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

Ghost Conquers the Castle - Genie and Adriana Darling Mysteries #5

 

Ghost Conquers the Castle is the 5th paranormal cozy mystery featuring Adriana (a ghost) and her great-great-niece Genie (living), by Carmen Radtke. Originally released in 2024, this reformat and re-release 10th Nov 2025 is 220 pages and is available in ebook format. 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.

Holiday themed and set in the Scottish Highlands, it's a destination cozy.  Although it's the 5th book in the series, it works well as a standalone, and the author provides the necessary backstory without info-dumping unnecessarily, especially given the ghost-status of one of the main characters. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for a long binge or buddy read.  

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

The Midnight Carnival

 

The Midnight Carnival is a cozy romantasy by Kenny Gould. Released 14th Oct 2025, it's 234 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

This is such a sweet, warmly written story, full of found family, some romance, lots of wish-fulfillment, and a hapless protagonist, Max, who's an appealing every-man it's easy to cheer for. Having found a million dollars under the bathtub during a home-renovation project, Max's natural inclination is to drop the windfall in a cash purchase of a local abandoned carnival park. He careens from crisis to crisis, picking up help and allies along the way. 

Readers should bring a prodigious suspension of disbelief to the read. Sufficiently armed and willing to go along for the ride, it is a warm and comforting story. Definitely one for fans of the genre, it's a quick read, and would make a nice choice for a buddy read.

Four stars. Warm like hot chocolate. 

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

My Fair Frauds

 

My Fair Frauds is a quick historical cozy heist/mystery by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne. Released 2nd Dec 2025 by HarperCollins on their Muse imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in library binding, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents and page/content search.

This is a nice elaborate caper mystery with anti-heroines in the lead roles getting revenge on a list of hiss-worthy robber barons. Set in gilded age New York, it's full of glittering china, candlelight, and shenanigans. The authors do a good job with the historical setting, and it moves along at a good clip. Despite the almost 400 page count, it engages and is a quick and entertaining read. 

There's a strong theme of found family, justice, written around a loose framework of actual history and an elaborate heist. Definitely for fans of The Gilded Age and Ocean's 8.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or a buddy read.Some (not graphic) content warnings for attempted sexual assault. 

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

 

Under a Spanish Sky

 

Under a Spanish Sky is a well written and engaging historical romance by T.A. Williams. Originally published in 2017 with the title Chasing Shadows, this reformat and re-release was published 26th Sept 2025 by Boldwood. It's 314 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

T.A. Williams is well known for beautifully descriptive settings, and this adventure romance is set along the Compostela pilgrimage and told in a narrative dual timeline, current day and a fictional medieval past. The settings are immersive and very well written. Both couples, current and past, have tragedy which pulls them together along the route. The author does a good job weaving the storylines together. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, for a short buddy read, or possibly a group read selection. The history and settings are well researched and captivating.

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

Witches of Dubious Origin - Books of Dubious Origin #1

 

Witches of Dubious Origin is the first book in a bookish fantasy library series by Jenn McKinlay. Released 28th Oct 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in paperback, library binding, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

MC Zoe, staunchly logical and firmly planted in the "real world" encounters a family grimoire under mysterious circumstances, which leads directly to an encounter with a shadowy organization of occult librarians running a library of books of similarly dubious origins. 

There's an adventure vibe and nice "living amongst us" supernatural creatures and real magic inclusion. Zoe's staunch refusal to accept the plain evidence of her experience gets a bit wearisome (and counterproductive) after a while, and she is a bit of a wet blanket, but not completely onerously so. 

Currently 2 books in, plus a shorter work, it would make a nice weekend binge/buddy read. There's a creepy/ominous vibe threaded through the book which doesn't really mesh well with the very cozy romantasy aspects, but it's not a deal-breaker.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 42 minutes and is read by Saskia Maarleveld. She has a warm, well modulated voice for the read, and does a good job of delineating the different characters. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition. Definitely for fantasy/UF fans, and fans of bookish fantasy.  

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

Mobu's Diary: Earning Your Paté - [Mobus Diary+ #1

 

Mobu's Diary: Earning Your Paté is a fun graphic novel collection by Kathy Lam. Releeased 22 Sept 2026 by Andrews McMeel, it's 160 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a fun, slice-of-life low-stress whimsical story, entirely character driven. It meanders, often touchingly, through the daily lives, dreams and hopes of the characters and their interactions with one another. Many of the main characters are semi-anthropomorphic cats who can meow (or woof) and still be understood by the humans around them. Mobu has decided to stand on her own paws and get a part time job at a local cat cafe, despite being something of an introvert. She interacts with the local customers at the cafe to earn her own cat food. The chapters are short vignettes built around customers or things that happen at the cafe. 

Four stars. It's a delightful very short read. Quite a lot of story, without a lot of conflict or action. A relaxing and delightful experience. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition or home library. 

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

 

Black Appalachia Race, Place, and Identity

 

Black Appalachia  Race, Place, and Identity is an anthology of essays examining the impact of socio-economic and cultural Appalachia on black identity and culture. Due out 22nd Sept. 2026 from the University of Kentucky's academic press, it's 360 pages and will be available in hardcover, 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. 

This is a companion volume and follow up to Blacks in Appalachia (Turner & Campbell), published in 1985. It's a wide ranging, academic and sobering look at the special sociological challenges in Appalachia and the nuances of being a person of color there. 

Although it's an academic publication, it's generally written in layman accessible language. It's meticulously annotated throughout and the chapter notes are likely worth the price of the book for that alone. The book's essays are arranged thematically: Race & Place, Migration & Memory, Biography, Discrimination & Segregation, and Poetry Photography & Prose. Additionally, the foreword by Dr. Ronald D. Eller, and preface by Dr. William H. Turner (co-author of Blacks in Appalachia), provide overarching context for the individual essays. 

It's not always an easy read, but it's surprisingly upbeat and positive in places (culture, music, literature, resilience, Black joy). 

Five stars, the essays are widely varying, but generally significant and accessible. It would be an excellent choice for public or post-secondary school library acquisition, for home reference, or as support text/resource for classroom study for sociology, race studies, and allied fields. 

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

The Isle of Mull Murders - The Scottish Highland Killings #2

 

The Isle of Mull Murders is the second book in a gritty Scottish procedural by Daniel Sellers. Released 12th Sept. 2026 by Boldwood, it's 266 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 other book in the series is also currently available on KU. 

This is a brooding, windswept, and very atmospheric novel set in a remote area of Scottish highlands. DI Anna Vaughan and her colleagues are called in after a series of increasingly threatening vandalisms on an estate.  The irascible estate owner Robert is singularly unhelpful and obsctructive, sending them away without a resolution. They're called back after a murder, and set to untangling the convoluted hidden stories of the estate's residents. 

It's a nice classic mystery setup: isolated setting, no help immediately available, limited suspect pool, and -everyone- is hiding -something-. The writing is "Higland Noir" and while it's certainly not derivative, fans of Marion Todd, Bill Kitson, and Alex Finlay will enjoy this one as well. It's the second book in the series, but works fine as a standalone.  The denouement and resolution are satisfying and well constructed, albeit bleak. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 43 minutes and is capably read by Karen Bartke. She has a warm well modulated alto voice in this read and does a good job of delineating the male and female characters of a range of ages and accents (most Scottish). Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.  

Four and a half stars. Uncommonly good. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, as well as for a binge/buddy read. 

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

 

The Dog Park Murders - Dog Park Murders #1

 

The Dog Park Murders is the first in a new small-town mystery/romance series by Angela Barker. Released 25th Aug 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Harlequin imprint, 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 throughout. 

Everything dogs. Wall to wall dogs (it -is- called the dog park murders). MC Juliette is an animal groomer, a bit hapless but always upbeat. It aims for humorous, and sometimes gets close, but it's more cutesy than actually funny. There's some rough language (a few "f-bombs") and some sexual innuendo, but overall fairly tame. It's got proximity romance grumpy+sunshine, and amateur sleuthing (the murder victim is found in the dog park strangled with one of Juliette's custom dog leashes), utterly incompetent local police, and a satisfying if expected denouement and resolution. There's some spicy bits, so possibly not entirely safe for work/commute read. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 31 minutes and is read by Carly Bloom. She has a warm alto voice and a neutral midatlantic generic accent, and she does a fair job with the dialogue and characters in a range of both male and female voices. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read.  

Three and a half stars. The second book in the series is due out in late 1st quarter 2027 from the same publisher. 

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

Lost and Found: A Compassionate Guide to Homeownership

 

Lost and Found is a genuinely entertaining, engaging, hopeful, supportive, and reassuring guide to home-ownership written by Mercury Stardust. Released 15th Sept 2026 by DK, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

With millions of subscribers across her social media platforms, Mercury (The Trans Handy Ma'am) is popular and practical. She has a charming and humorous way of making home repair tasks accessible and do-able. This book (her second) is logically arranged, but there's more of a memoir feel, with lots of personal anecdotes and glimpses into her home and family life. The chapters move from house hunting, through the buying process, moving, basic tools (and how to use them), to ownership and maintenance, including a myriad of stuff like utilities, weatherization, special needs for older homes, and a lot more. The advice is digestible and the info is broken up into small pieces, with salient bullet points written into highlighted text boxes throughout. 

Graphically, it's appealingly illustrated in color with sketches (some in B&W), which were drawn by the author's spouse, Ari (ZZ) Gochberg, showing them and their fur-kids (3 kitties) being wholesome and living their best lives. It was nice to get a little glimpse into their lives, but it's not only a memoir. The book is *full* of good advice for homeownership. Additionally, there are numerous QR codes scattered throughout which also link to videos and online resources. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, and additionally, it would be a -great- housewarming present for kids flying the nest into their own places or for new homeowners. Really worthwhile book.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes (but will buy copies of this excellent book for gift giving, not joking).  

The Pantomime Killer - DI Jack Dawes #14

 

The Pantomime Killer is the 14th Jack Dawes village mystery by Frances Lloyd. Due out 7th Oct 2026 from Joffe Books, it's 166 pages and will be 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.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book will be included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is a moderately gritty ensemble procedural with DI Jack Dawes and his team racing to stop attacks occurring at a local theatrical production pantomime which seem to be targeting a famous TV actress hired in specifically for the panto production. Jack's wife and her friends are also in the picture, finding connections through their social contacts and local gossip which the police miss. 

The language is very clean and there's no sexual content. The violence isn't terribly graphic, but it *is* completely over the top. Readers need to bring a strong suspension of disbelief. It's a very short book, but the denouement and resolution are self contained in this volume. It's #14 in the series, so it would make a great very long binge/buddy read. The episodes are short. Although there are lots of books in the series, they work find as standalones, with the codicil that the returning characters' relationships have developed over the course, so some minor spoilers should be expected. 

Three and a half stars. 

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

TABLET WEAVING STARTER WORKSHOP

 

Tablet Weaving Starter Workshop is a generative AI tragedy by Alexander Whelan. Released 5th July 2026, it's 136 pages and is available in paperback format. 

There are NO illustrations, diagrams, or helpful clearly explained directions. The cover is AI and for anyone even remotely familiar with actual tablet weaving, is entirely impossible (the upper left corner tablets are threaded through one another), additionally, the colors of the woven band do not in any way correspond to the warping of the cards. 

SAVE YOUR MONEY. There's an active helpful community on social media who are willing and able to help readers start and continue this ancient craft. 

One star. Do not be tempted. For readers or acquisitions personnel who are looking for resources and want books, seek out Peter Collingwood, Karisto Maikki & Pasanen Mervi, or Silvia Ungerechts. All of those are USEFUL classic and resource rich books for starting (and continuing) tablet weaving. 

Incidentally, this "author" has numerous other "books" on various topics. They're all AI generated and all shameless cash grabs.