The Baby-Snatcher

 

The Baby-Snatcher is the 6th (and final) Inspector Ramsay standalone mystery by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1997, this reformat and re-release 25th March 2025 by Macmillan is 324 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

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

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 2 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Simon Mattacks. He has a beautifully modulated classically trained light baritone voice and does a great job of delineating a range of characters of both sexes and a number of regional accents, shifting quickly and flawlessly. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

There's not a ton of continuity in this series, and it works very well as a standalone read. This book is also quite intricately plotted, but there aren't any major spoilers if they're read out of order. The denouement and resolution were satisfying, if melancholy. 

This series is definitely not as polished as her later work, but there are glimpses of the style and development which later gave rise to Vera and Shetland. It has "good bones" and works very well, despite the pervasive sadness which threads throughout the entire series.

Four stars. Well worth seeking out for fans of moody atmospheric British crime.  

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

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

 

A Bird in the Hand is the 1st book featuring amateur birdwatching maven George and his wife Molly, written  by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1986, this reformat and re-release 6th Jan 2026 by Macmillan is 226 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This series is full to bursting with "twitchers" (bird-watchers) and the birding scene in the UK. The violent death of a locally famous birder draws George Palmer-Jones into the investigation since he's able to navigate the local birding scene and understand the social norms of the group, which is unfathomable (and impenetrable) to outsiders.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 20 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Sean Barrett. He has a beautifully modulated classically trained gravelly baritone voice and does a great job of delineating a range of characters of both sexes and a number of regional accents, shifting quickly and flawlessly. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

It works very well as a standalone. This book is also quite intricately plotted, but there aren't any major spoilers if they're read out of order. The denouement and resolution were exciting and well crafted. It is absolutely full of nature, birding, and the eccentric folks whose lives revolve around collecting checks on their lists.

This series is definitely not as polished as her later work, but there are glimpses of the style and development which later gave rise to Vera and Shetland. It has "good bones" and works very well, despite the pervasive melancholy which threads throughout the entire series.

Four stars. Well worth seeking out for fans of moody atmospheric British crime.  

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

 

Big Corpse on Campus - University Police #3

 

Big Corpse on Campus is the third campus procedural with returning characters by Karis Walsh. Released 10th June 2025 by Bold Strokes Books, it's 242 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references.

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

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

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

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

Three and a half stars.  

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

 

Magic & Manners - Curtsies & Consequences #2

 

Magic & Manners is the second book in a historical romantasy series by Melissa Constantine. Released 9th June 2025, it's 267 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references.

 This book follows strongly on from the first, and if read out of order, the large cast and back story might lead to difficulty in flow and mild frustration. Otherwise, it's a fun, lighthearted, drama filled romp full of flirting, skullduggery, and longing. There's lots of drama and very little kissing. 

There is no spicy content, and it would be fine for a YA audience. 

Four stars. Light, romantic, magical content,  no definitive HEA (open ended for more books in the series). 

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

 

Raise Your Glass 28 Stained Glass Projects, Patterns and Tutorials

 

Raise Your Glass is a well written and curated instructional guide for stained glass technique with tutorials by Neile Cooper. Due out 21st April 2026 from Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The photography is stellar with clear colorful pictures and accessible tutorial explanations. The author provides project lists with tools and supplies and step by step instructions. The book feels like a small, well organized workshop with a well spoken and competent teacher. The projects are varied and attractive and are a mix of more traditional looking and modern. 

There is a significant outlay in tools and supplies for stained glass work, but Ms. Cooper does a good job of listing the necessities as well as some more optional (but handy) tools. Safety is emphasized throughout.

This would be a good guide for home hobbyists, as well as a useful addition to maker's spaces, studio libraries, group/guild studios, or for gifting. Gorgeous inspiration pics throughout the volume.

Five stars. 

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

The Menu of Happiness - 鴨川食堂 #3

 

The Menu of Happiness is the third book in Japanese food story genre by Hisashi Kashiwai. Released 14th Oct 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Putnam imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is such a comforting, nostalgic, and sweetly uplifting collection of related stories. Originally published in Japanese in 2016, the translation work by Jesse Kirkwood is seamless and manages to flow very well in English without losing the indelible Japanese cultural and food-related nuances. 

The stories are related by a common thread: seekers find the restaurant run by a father and daughter duo who specialize in recreating meals for their clients from the clients' own memories and recollections. 

Despite the lack of danger or dramatic tension, the stories are moving and told effectively. Food manga and food-centered narrative is a popular subgenre in Japan, and this is a wonderful collection. 

Four stars. Utterly charming. There are 3 books extent in English, and a fourth due out from the same publisher in 4th quarter 2026. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition or a nice binge/buddy/bookclub read. Highly recommended and relaxing.

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

Deviously Delicious

 

Deviously Delicious is a paranormal mystery series opener by T.J. Deschamps & Beth Whiteman. Released 31st May 2025, it's 241 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. 

Two amateur sleuths thrust blind into a situation they were unqualified and unprepared for as a direct result of their side cleaning business partnership. It's the first book in the series, so the pacing is a quite slow in places due to the -intricate- world and character building. The authors repay the effort however, and the whole makes a solid base for further adventures. 

It's told in third person, with a cast of eccentric/odd/quirky characters, most of whom are hiding, or entirely unaware of, their true natures. It's got a small town vibe and is set in a rural coastal town in California.

The authors are adept at building a creepy threatening isolated vibe, and although it's not too scary for most readers, there are some content warnings for abduction, light body horror, and geneeral creepiness. 

The mystery and denouement are mostly self contained in this volume. No current publisher info available for the publication date of the second book. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for fans of "supernaturals hiding among us" like Willingham's Fables and similar.

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

Plant Myths & Misconceptions: 40+ Amazing Plant Facts

 

Plant Myths & Misconceptions is a cute, full-color photo collection full of plant info collected by Kizzi Roberts and Carrie Rodell as part of their Fact Checkers series. Released 26th March 2026, it's 32 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

This is a fun, vibrant, and accessible collection of cool facts for ~7-12 year old readers. It's written in a question/answer style with 2 page fully photographed plant macro shots and text in highlighted text boxes throughout. 

Lots of cool scientifically correct info and questions such as "do flowers always smell nice?" (No! sometimes they smell awful to attract carrion eater pollinators) and "do bananas grow on trees?" (Nope! Banana "trees" are actually non-woody plants, more like herbs). The authors/publisher have also included a short glossary at the end with terms used in the text. It doesn't include an index (but it's a very short book).

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or classroom library acquisition. It would also make a good gift for a young friend or for home library.

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

: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books

 

Every Day I Read is a warmly contemplative and philosophical collection of short essays by Hwang Bo-Reum about readers, reading, literature, and engaging with the written word. Written in Korean and released in 2021, this English Language translation from Bloomsbury is 240 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. 

This is such an appealing and inviting book. How (and importantly *why*) we read, how to recognize and battle reading slumps, book clubs, building a reading habit, TBR piles; in total 53 ways to engage with and maybe improve an active reading lifestyle. 

The author is widely read and experienced and incredibly egalitarian in her reading choices. She slips between Greek philosophy to Russian literature and modern nonfiction effortlessly. She makes a lot of salient points about engaging with others in our reading, finding, and enjoying books from authors new-to-us, as well as guilt-free joy in abandoning books that just aren't working for us (perhaps the right book at the wrong time). 

The translation work by Shanna Tan is seamless, and it doesn't read as if it were translated (except that the pacing and vibe are definitely not western in style or feel). 

This is one that readers will want to engage with, with a pen and paper to hand to jot down notes and titles for exploration. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 3 hours 49 minutes and is beautifully read by Rosa Escoda. She has a light, well modulated voice and uses RP (BBC voice) for this read. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. A worthwhile read. It would be an excellent choice for home or public library acquisition, or for buddy/bookclub discussion.

 

Murder at Cinnamon Falls

Murder at Cinnamon Falls is the first book in a small town amateur sleuth mystery series by R. L. Killmore. Released 7th April 2026 (in the US) by HarperCollins on their Avon imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a very slow burn romance with small-town vibe. It's more sedate in pacing. The author has a good voice and the prose is engaging, but the main characters are often annoying and... overpowered by the trope-y second chance romance. 

It's a bit more graphic and full of murder than usual for the genre. Most of the violence is off page, but still, the body count is surprisingly high for a shopfront small-town cozy romance mystery. 

Three stars. There are currently two books out in the series with a third due out in Aug 2026. It would make a good public or home library choice as well as a possible buddy/short binge read. 

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

Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider

 

Selma is an adorable illustrated story for the youngest readers by Tini Malina. Originally released in German, this English language translation from NorthSouth Books is 48 pages, fully illustrated, and available in hardcover format. 

Selma has thousands of brothers and huge dreams! Nobody is going to keep her from achieving them, no matter how many times she hears that she'll never catch the juiciest flies with her creative webs. 

The art is simple and effective, full of movement and detail. Selma's little artist's beret is so cute (and she wears it throughout the story). 

The translation work, by Tammi Reichel is seamless, and scans very well and doesn't read as though it has been translated. 

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, classroom use, or story circle. 

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

The Unofficial KPop Demon Hunters Handbook

 

The Unofficial KPop Demon Hunters Handbook is a fun up-to-date trivia and factoids collated and curated by pop culture icon Princess Gabbara. Released 10th Feb 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Adams Media imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in paperback format. 

KPop Demon Hunters is a worldwide phenomenon. The wildly popular show has a strong vibrant base and fans who eat up anything associated with the fandom and lore. This handbook is absolutely stuffed full of writing prompts, activities, puzzles, and trivia. The vibe throughout is fun, very young (mostly kid-friendly) and casual. There are no photographs or curated/styled content. There are some bonus recipes. 

Three and a half stars. This would be a fun choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving. 

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

The Dreadfuls

 

The Dreadfuls is a very well writtetn YA historical horror/mystery by A. Rae Dunlap. Released 31st March 2026 by Kensington, 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 and references throughout.

Brooding, atmospheric, and by turns darkly sarcastic and humorous, the MC is roughly 15(?), FULL of angst, and unwillingly sent to a reform/boarding school for wayward young women. It's marketed as an adult historical mystery, but works much better for the older range of YA audiences. There are themes of (awkward) found family/allies, non-graphic f/f love/lust, unjust punishment and censorship, misogyny, anti-semitism, sexism, and more - historically justifiable for the time period, but uncomfortable to read in places. 

There is graphic violence and body horror (including dismemberment and disemboweling), domestic violence (on page), and corporal punishment. Despite having an LGBTQ+ label, the representation is implied and never explicit. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 49 minutes and is capably read by Anna Burnett. She has a well modulated alto voice for this read and does a capable job with the wide variety of regional character accents both male and female and a range of ages. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Three and a half stars. Well written, a bit splattery, with a satisfying denouement and resolution. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, home readers (true crime/historical crime), or a buddy read.  

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

The Zookeeper's Dragon: A Magical Modern Fantasy Tale for Grown-Ups

 

The Zookeeper's Dragon is an eccentric cozy fantasy by Carolyn Mathews. Released 19th Jan 2026, it's 217 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.

There are elements of magical realism, romance, family drama, and fantasy, and it's never clear what the author's intentions really were; it meanders quite a lot. Although it would've benefited from a thorough (ruthless) professional edit, it is engaging and readable in its current state. There's a cute baby dragon, lots and lots of odd (woo-woo metaphysical) side journeys, some grown up cosmic dragons in a sort of spiritual guide council, trippy interactions, a parrot, some bad guys straight out of the Disney Villain playbook, and a really hapless zookeeper.   

The climax and denouement are tacked on and honestly don't match the rest of the book. 

There are some good ideas here, but they're mostly underdeveloped. Despite the cute baby dragon on the cover, it's not a children's book at all, and although there's only implied sexual content (fade to black), the language is adult and there are scenes of violence (R-rated). 

Three stars. 

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

A Disorganised Death - Decluttering Mysteries #5

 

A Disorganised Death is the fifth book in the decluttering mystery series by Simon Brett. Released 7th April 2026 by Severn House, it's 192 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in Oct 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

The author writes entertainingly and well. All the parts (and they are varied and numerous) fit together and do precisely what they're meant to do. The characters are (mostly) believable and well rendered. Although this series isn't fluffy enough to fit firmly into the cozy mold, it's not terribly gritty, either. In short, it's a modern British murder mystery with a well plotted story arc, some not-too-graphic crimes, some humour, and an interesting/edgy denouement and resolution.

A fair bit of the book does revolve around mental illness (expectedly since the protagonist is a de-clutterer and works with professional local social services to help clients, many of whom are battling illnesses). The author manages to treat the subjects sensitively, but some readers could conceivably find some of the subject matter and situations triggering. This book also delves quite deeply into depression and bipolar cycling with a strong element of suicidal ideation and attempts as well as series back history (the MCs husband passed away from suicide years earlier).

North American readers should be aware that it's written in British vernacular (wellies, lift, flat, etc), but this shouldn't pose any problems in context.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and is narrated by the author himself. He has a well modulated RP accent and does a pretty good job of the various regional accents, but during the read he *often* has a sort of ingressive vocalisation (an odd emphasis sound with an inhalation whilst reading - almost a tongue/tooth click). Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. The male voice narrating the female PoVs isn't distracting, but the odd vocalisations are.

Three and a half stars. With five books currently extant in the series and with such a prolific author, this would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read. Recommended for fans of not-terribly-fluffy modern cozies. Fans of M.C. Beaton, G.M. Malliet, and Anthony Horowitz will likely enjoy these also.

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

 

Castle Waiting, Vol. 1

 

Castle Waiting is a beautifully scripted comic graphic novel by Linda Medley. Released 17th June 2006 by Fantagraphics, it's 472 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. For readers who are subscribers to ComiXology unlimited, this title, as well as volume 2, are currently available in the subscription to borrow and read for free. 

This is a mash-up of numerous fables and fairy tales which form a solid latticework for an entirely original and entirely engaging tale of found family, acceptance, love, generosity, and the full spectrum of human emotions, alongside a dash of supernatural good vs. evil where the lines are more blurred than they might seem. 

It's such an original and endearingly cozy epic tale and the art is intricately rendered in black & white, with full color chapter/scene frontspieces. 

Altogether delightful. Although it's not derivative, stylistically it goes to the same place in my heart as P. Craig Russel, with a little Rackham-esque feel as well. 

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition. 

The Witching Moon Manor - The Spellbound Sisters #2

 

The Witching Moon Manor is the second cozy fantasy in the Spellbound Sisters by Stacy Sivinski. Released 7th Oct 2025 by Simon & Schuster on their Atria imprint, it's 336 pages and 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 low-stress cozy romantasy with a trio of magical sisters (triplets) who run a popular tea shop. The setting, a house in an alternate magical Chicago, is *literally* a character, full of opinions (it redecorates itself regularly) and rearranges its features to suit its own whims.

Lots of tea-leaf reading, romance, gossip, and some adventure as the sisters try to figure out what paths to follow in their own lives. The pacing is... whimsical... and exceptionally meandering. There's no violence and the language is squeaky clean. It's written in a nostalgic style which recalls the early 20th century, and some of the dialogue reflects this (undoubtedly intentional on the author's part). 

Three and a half stars. Definitely one for the fans of cozy fantasy. It would make a good buddy read. 

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

 

Instant Noodles and Beyond: A Comic Book with Recipes for Souped-Up Ramen, Mac & Cheese, and More

 

Instant Noodles and Beyond is a well written, illustrated, versatile cookbook with recipes developed (and illustrated) by Robin Ha. Due out 26th Aug 2026 from William Morrow on their Harvest imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback/softcover and ebook formats. 

This is precisely what is promised on the cover: a graphic novel about everyone's favorite go-to instant noodles along with lots (and LOTS) of extra accompaniments, glow-ups, sides, and homemade condiments. The first section contains an interesting history with comments on ramen's development and differences in different countries to basic prep info and pantry lists. The recipes aren't arranged thematically, but it's a fun book to page through and read more or less cover to cover. 

Recipe ingredients are given in a bullet list highlighted text bar (with a cute notebook paper graphic). Measurements are in imperial (American) units. Ingredients will be readily available in any grocery store in North America, though some will require an international grocery/Asian food store. 

The book could use some better organization; the recipes aren't arranged in any real discernable order, there's no table of contents, so readers will want to employ post-it tabs or some other method of marking favorites. The author/publisher have included a cross referenced index, so that helps. 

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library or home use. It's a solid recipe book which will be used. It would make a superlative housewarming gift to a friend or family member living on their own - college student, new graduate, newlyweds, kids flying the nest, etc. 

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

Feast for the Ravens - A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #13

 

Feast for the Ravens is the 13th book in Sarah Hawkswood's excellent medieval Bradecote & Catchpoll mystery series. Released 18th Sep 2025 by Allison & Busby, it's 288 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. 

This is an intricately crafted and well engineered mystery. The author has wrapped it around a meticulous and accurate historical framework so well and seamlessly that it's not at all clear where real actual history shades over into fiction. The plot and background are self contained in this volume and it's not necessary to have read the previous books to keep up with the story here. The pacing is occasionally a trifle measured/slow, but the whole is seamless and readers who enter the series with this book will not feel lost or confused; it works very well. 

It's set in 1145 so the investigation is obviously different from modern procedurals. The language is fairly clean, and the prose is well done and the characters fully fleshed out and three dimensional with believable motivations and actions.

Heartily recommended for readers of the historical murder mystery genre, especially fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Ellis Peters, Candace Robb, and Susanna Gregory (and similar). Fans of well written character driven mystery from any period will find much to enjoy here. Since there are now 13 books extant, it would make a fun buddy/bookclub/binge read for fans of the genre as well as an excellent public or home library selection. 

Four and a half stars. It really is an excellent read. Content warnings for violent death, violence, and SA. 

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

 

The Book Witch

 

The Book Witch is a standalone bookish mystery fantasy by Meg Shaffer. Due out 7th April 2026 from Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, large print 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. 

Although inevitable comparisons will be made between this book and Jasper Fforde's excellent Thursday Next series, this one's not at all derivative and they both are warmly cozy love letters to the lifelong love of reading and the perennial desire to disappear between the pages of the books we come back to over and over. 

It's got a YA vibe, but it's perfectly enjoyable for all ages (some content might be distressing or confusing for younger readers). Although not stated explicitly, clearly the author has an ongoing infatuation with the inimitable pulps of the 1940s-70s...  The Duke in this book is more than a light tip of the hat to John Creasey's prodigious output and The Toff and The Baron (books which -still- turn up quite often in second hand bookstores and resale shops). 

Four and a half stars. It's unusual and somewhat campy in places, but still a worthwhile read and a delightfully engaging escape.  It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home library, or a buddy read. 

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