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. 

 

Female Indigenous Heroes - 51 North American Women from the 1800s to Today

 

Female Indigenous Heroes is a well written and researched illustrated collection of short biographies of Indigenous women luminaries collected and curated by Dr. Katrina M. Phillips. Released 28th July 2026 by Callisto on their Kids imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. 

This combines an impressive array of native women across the entire spectrum of the arts, science, politics, law, history, and the humanities. Each short biography is 2-3 pages with a painted portrait, lifetime dates, and historical bio.  

The author has also included useful appendices, including a glossary and short resource bibliography for further reading. 

Five stars. Giving credit to competent, brilliant, accomplished Indigenous women increases knowledge and exposure to a group of people who have been marginalized unfairly. Representation is so important. This 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.

Quest of the Drowned Lands - Legendary allies #2

 

Quest of the Drowned Lands is the second book in the Legendary Allies series for middle grade readers by Linda Trinh. Due out 22nd Sept 2026 from Annick Press, it's 172 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

Set in a fantasy world inspired by Vietnamese folklore and culture, young hero Riverwise Cam is still trying to figure out their place in the world as one of a group of generational heroes who protect their world with legendary animal allies. There are themes of insecurity, isolation, cultural differences, jealousy, destructive competition, and strength through cooperation. Representation is important and this series is fun to read and shows the differences in the characters' lives and background as a strength and not a detraction. 

Without being strident, there are some nice inclusive and supportive themes in the book. Cam is gender neutral, reflected by the pronoun "they/them/their", and it's normal and accepted (which it should be). There's a fair bit of non-judgemental open and honest discussion about mental health and struggles. 

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

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

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

 

Write a Novel in 100 Days: The Busy Writer's Guide to Finishing Your Book Fast

 

Write a Novel in 100 Days is a practical pep-talk for writers and other creatives for gearing up and *producing* work to a time-schedule by Kim Purcell. Due out 22nd Sept 2026 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

For all aspiring (and current/blocked/would-be) authors, this is a resplendent collection of actionable lists, practical tips, and blockade sweeping advice on how to carve out *effective* writing time, create more, with fewer delays and excuses. 

The chapters are arranged logically and thematically: 10 tips to finish your book (lots of consistency work here), idea development (days 1-4), characterization & world building (days 5-8), story architecture (9-12), beginning (hook, description, theme, etc days 13-16), tension and other groundwork), Act 2 (days 29-56, lots of *specific* to-do lists here, developing and refining), Act 3 (days 57-84, lots of lists for refining, tension, climax), Act 4 (days 85-100), cleanup, editing, and next steps. 

Very organized, and very accessible. It's aimed at writers, but there's LOTS of good specific advice here for other work and creative tasks, and presentations. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, or for ancillary/support text for writing groups or classroom instruction. 

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

The Spellbound Cottage - Spellbound #1

 

The Spellbound Cottage is a charming and whimsical series opener by debut indie author Genevieve K. Thomas. Due out 5th Oct 2026, it's 336 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a very sweet, (mostly) low-stakes, relaxing, and fun romantasy. Bea is a bit of a buttoned-up, type-A personality, with a newly minted art degree, a huge to-do list, an inheritance from her grandmother, and coming off a recent heartbreak, without a whole lot of firm plans for her near (or far) future. She buys an abandoned cottage with the plan of fixing it up and living there. As it turns out, that's going to be a lot more of a challenge than she first imagined, given the place is literally falling down, with a large oak tree growing up through it like a conjoined twin full of squirrels, a grumpy enchanted/sentient garden gate, a pixie infestation, and an actual ghost in the attic. 

There's lots of warmth, found family, and a proximity romance, along with magic, cooking, and enough baking to feed an army. There are also hearth dragons, and they are as cute and charming as expected. 

It might err on the side of too saccharine, but for readers who really enjoy sweet, low stress romantasy, it's mostly perfect. The writing and descriptive prose are well done, and the book is peppered throughout with cute incidental art full of small to-do lists and little sketches.  

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 48 minutes and is read by Roisin Rankin. She has a breathy very youthful voice and does a good job with a number of accents and a range of ages, most notably very competent with handyman Angus' Irish accent and a number of fantasy-standard generic British ones. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.  

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library, or for a nice buddy read. Clean language and content. (Safe for work/commute reading). 

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

A Field Guide to Death and Deceit - Harry & Emma #2

 

A Field Guide to Death and Deceit is the second Harry & Emma mystery by Dr. Michelle L. Cullen. Due out 15th Sept 2026 from Crooked Lane Books, it's 336 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 and references throughout.

This is a well written and engaging amateur sleuth murder mystery featuring an anthropologist and his bonus-daughter/former caregiver, who's a smart and capable registered nurse and an assistant in his international aid work. The characterizations and interplay between the characters have the starring role. There's a lot of verisimilitude in the way the author depicts the very human, often flawed characters, and does so with warmth and compassion. The plotting and mystery are a little patchy, blending multiple law enforcement agencies stepping on one another's toes, loads of betrayals and double crossing, huge real estate scams and money laundering schemes, thieves falling out with one another, and a graphically violent farm-implement death which sets the whole thing in motion. 

Although it's the second book in the series, it works well as a standalone, and the story is self-contained in this volume. There are some character developments in this book which will be minor spoilers for the first book if they're read out of order, but nothing major. 

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

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

The Thief and the Labyrinth - World's End Bureau

 

The Thief and the Labyrinth is the 6th (and final?) book in the World's End Bureau historical paranormal mystery series by Alys Clare. Due out 6th Oct 2026 from Severn House, 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is an engaging and very well written paranormal historical mystery series. The characterizations are deep and realistically portrayed and the relationship between MCs Lily and Felix continues to develop, but isn't center stage in this missing persons/runaway daughter case. The paranormal aspects are also interesting, not overly outré or ridiculous. 

The climax and denouement are satisfying and complete. If this -is- the final book, it's ended satisfactorily, with most of the overarching plot elements resolved. 

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

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

The Devil in Oxford - Ruby Vaughn #3

 

The Devil in Oxford Hall is the third Ruby Vaughn historical mystery by Jess Armstrong. Released 5th Nov 2025 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, 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 throughout.  

This is a creepy/atmospheric mystery set in the interwar period. It's a fusion of genres: mystery, dark broody gothic tale, even a dash of romance, and it manages to coalesce them into a thoroughly enjoyable read. It's surprisingly cohesive, well constructed, and with a moving gravitas.

Although it's not derivative at all, fans of cerebral academic mysteries will find a lot to like here. There are hints of Shirley Jackson, Daphne du Maurier, and Diane Setterfield, though again, it's its own creature and should be appreciated as such.  The artifacts, rare books, and antiquities are interesting and give a nice continuity to the series. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 39 minutes and is very capably narrated by Emma Love. She has a beautifully nuanced voice and manages a credible job of the extremely varied accents (American, West Country, RP, etc) with no discernable hiccups in the dialogue. Her voice is light with bright tonals and isn't obtrusive at all, letting the prose take center stage. It's a challenging read, and she does a great job.

Four stars. Well worth a look. The fourth book in the series is due out 4th quarter 2026 from the same publisher. This would be a good choice for public library acquisition, buddy read, or bookclub selection. Although it's the 3rd in the series, it works well enough as a standalone.

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

 

A Judgement of Powers - Inheritance of Magic #3

 

 

A Judgement of Powers is the third Inheritance book by Benedict Jacka. Released 4th Nov 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace 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 throughout. 

The author is talented and prolific. He knows how to write engagingly, and the world building here is very different from the Iron Druid chronicles. The story reads more YA(ish) than his other work, however, there are definitely non-YA descriptions and themes here, so sensitive readers should tread carefully. Happily Hobbes is back and grumpy and complaining, and is a great character in his own right (spinoff short stories, please, Mr. Jacka). Additionally and importantly, MC Stephen, who is basically an everyman James Bond with magic, now has a support "Q", his best friend Colin who is an appealingly nerdy sidekick who's also a dab hand with "real world" science he uses for good, dreaming up sigils with modern armour and weapons solutions, enhanced with drucraft.

That being said, there is also humor here, clever descriptive prose, nods to the sort of bureaucracy based urban fantasy that brings Stross, O'Malley, Aaronovitch, Holt and the other boys in the band to mind, and further explanations of a really good magic system being expanded and refined. Mr. Jacka has good comedic timing and there are several snort-worthy zingers scattered throughout the book. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 44 minutes, and is capably narrated by series narrator Will Watt. He has a well modulated classically trained voice and does a range of regional accents of both genders well and seamlessly. His cut crystal RP voices for some of the Ashford reps are also slyly humorous, taking pokes at them aping the upper class they represent. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read.

Four stars. Given the publisher, this will be on most library acquisition lists already. It's a solid follow up to the first book (which was difficult reading because of some violent themes and descriptions). There are three books extant; it would be a nice choice for a binge/buddy read. There's a LOT of continuity here, they should be read in order.  

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

 

Cozy Hobbies: Joyful Activities for Play & Leisure

 

Cozy Hobbies is a nice collection of light crafting and game activities curated by Kennedy Rose. Due out 29th Sept 2026 from Chronicle Books, it's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The author has put together a collection of almost 50 short "capsule" introductions to a wide range of leisure activities in a list that will almost certainly have something for almost everyone of all ages. The activities are written for adults, but there are many of these activities which can certainly be enjoyed by all-ages. There are active outdoor activities such as foraging, hiking, camping, and sports, as well as indoor/sedate activities such as diamond painting and tabletop gaming. There is a good overall mix of activities.  

The short chapters are not in-depth, and all are easily accessible and don't require a lot of expert (expensive) equipment to at least sample. Since it's such a wide-ranging collection, some of the hobbies are -really- lightly explained (diamond painting for example - 2 pages and VERY little info). There are many others which are more deeply explored, but some are just ... light on info. Readers could get an idea from the included lists if it's something they would like to explore more in-depth, and videos and instructions are easily available online, so it's not a glaring error. The book is light on actual actionable lists of tools and gear for the specific activities. 

The photography throughout is clear, in color, and professionally styled and rendered. The overall vibe is restful, interesting, and engaging. 

Four stars. The author isn't familiar with all the hobbies she's presenting (crochet and diamond painting to name a couple), but she -does- present them as possibilities, and the descriptions -are- enough to encourage readers to seek out more info. There's a very broad spectrum, from needle felting to tabletop gaming (!!! get your nerd on!), and this book does a fair job of introducing them. 

Four stars. It would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, for activity groups, maker's groups, and similar activity groups. 

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

 

Foraged Basketry: Weaving with Wild and Invasive Plants

 

Foraged Basketry is a very well organized and graphically appealing tutorial guide with projects for making woven containers with foraged and found materials, written by Delia Fian. Due out 15th Sept 2026 from Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a complete course, the information is arranged in a logical progression and is layman/beginner accessible. The author moves from foraging and preparing materials (vines, bark, leaves, etc) through identifying and utilizing material from invasive species, project tutorials, some woodcarving info (in a basketry context), and a wealth of supplementary info, appendices, and resource links. There are several artist profiles with gorgeous inspiration photos scattered throughout the book.

Tutorials are written with an introduction and background, materials listed in a bullet style list, followed by step by step instructions. Difficulty levels are stated in the tutorials and seem relevant (i.e., the beginner level projects do seem do-able for a keen beginner). The book is lavishly photographed in color throughout. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, for shared makers' spaces or studios, or for gift giving. 

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