The Wives of Henry VIII: Rethinking the Stories Behind the Symbols

 

The Wives of Henry VIII is a layman accessible, well annotated, and fascinating monograph and  re-examination of the monarch's wives as real historical personages, through a more modern lens, written by Jessica Carey-Bunning. Released  9th April 2026 in by Pen & Sword, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

The author is a historian, and although this volume is meticulously annotated (and the chapter notes alone are likely worth the price of the book), it's not dry or written in overwrought academic language. The history is rendered into a comprehensible story; and in this case it's true, to the best of the extant historical records from the time period. It's rich in detail and symbolism, and the author has collated it into a readable whole. 

Four and a half stars. Well annotated throughout, the historical notes and references will provide hours of additional reading. Recommended for public and school library acquisition, home reference, gift giving, and for fans of history/historical re-enactors/SCAdians. 

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

Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop - The Highland Bookshop Murders #2

 

Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is a Scottish cozy shopfront mystery and the second book in the series by Jackie Baldwin. Released on 17th Feb 2026 by Storm publishing, it's 272 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. The first book in the series is also currently available on KU, and there's a third book due out in Dec 2026.

For readers who love small-town cozies, mysteries, and light UK crime fiction, this one ticks a lot of boxes. It's capably written with an intelligent and appealing bookstore owner drawn into a murder which she stumbles into when she's delivering books to a shut in customer. The action does move resolutely forward, and it never drags, so although simple, it's an enjoyable and engaging read. There is no bad language or triggering content and the climax and denouement were satisfying and included a few twists. 

It works well as a standalone, and it's not necessary to read the books in order for continuity. 

Four stars. This is an enjoyable bookshop cozy. Fans of the genre will find a lot to like here. The second book is out and it's a continuing series. It would make a good short binge/buddy read. 

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

The Magical Map of Meows: A Bilingual (Spanglish) Adventure Story Teaching Global Meows and Cultural Curiosity

 

The Magical Map of Meows is a delightful multilingual (mostly Spanish and English) adventure story for young readers by Colette Smith, and illustrated by Nicole Nielsen. Released 19th Nov 2025, it's 42 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is such a cute, colorful, and appealing book. It's an adventure in rhyming couplets with easy to understand language, along with individual words written naturally into the text in Spanish. Mimi the kitty has made a magical map for her favorite human and they take off on an adventure south in Mexico. New Spanish words are introduced organically, and are easy to understand in context. 

The art is colorful  and immersive, with lots of small details inviting a closer look.

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

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

At Midnight Comes the Cry - The Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries #10

 

At Midnight Comes the Cry is the 10th Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne series by Julia Spencer-Fleming. Released 18th Nov. 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 4th quarter 2026 from the same publisher. 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 books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

Although it's been a very long running series (book 1 was published in 2002), it won't be a problem to keep the characters or their relationships straight. The author provides the necessary backstory in the narrative, so new readers won't need a dramatis personae list to keep them sorted either. It would work moderately well as a standalone. The similarities in the (very) cold case murders and the modern day are well done and the writing in general is very capable and engaging.

Much of the book is concerned with the Reverend Clare, husband Russ, their infant son, and their day to day struggle to manage professional and family life. The author has a deft touch with suspense and characterization and overall the book is quite good. There are some dark themes which are potentially triggering such as trauma, sobriety, racism, alt-right/militia, etc. The language is rough(ish), with multiple usage of damn, hell, and similar and a couple of "f-bombs" used in context. Although it does work well as a standalone, the returning characters have a long history with one another and relationships which have developed over the course of the series, and minor spoilers should be expected if read out of order. 

Four stars. Well written and engaging. Likely moreso for prior fans of the series who have built up a relationship with the characters.

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

The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories

 

The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories is a collection of 9 previously-published short fiction pieces by Beka Gremikova. Released 30th Nov 2026, it's 262 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. 

The stories run the gamut, from warmly silly, to quite considered and serious. The author is a gifted wordsmith, and all of them are well written and constructed. Some are retellings of classic fairy tales (titular story, a retelling of HCA's The Little Mermaid), some are classic-adjacent, and a few are entirely whole-cloth fantasy/science fiction stories. 

All are readable and engaging. 

Four and a half stars. Wonderful work. This is the second collection of short works by the author.  It would be a great choice for public or home library acquisition.

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

Revenge, Served Royal - Lady Petra #3

 

Revenge, Served Royal is the third Lady Petra historical mystery by Celeste Connally. Released 11th Nov 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a very well written engagingly constructed mystery with an intelligent female protagonist set in the Regency era. The author makes a solid attempt to maintain period accuracy without too much anachronism. This outing sees Lady Petra and the ton's illuminaries at Windsor Castle for new Queen Charlotte's inaugural pâtisserie competition. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 23 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Eilidh Beaton.  She has a clear, light, upbeat voice - not RP English, and quite modern sounding, but not distractingly so. She does a good job delineating the characters and it's not difficult to keep them straight during the read. 

Part of a continuing series, the 4th book is due to be released by Minotaur in 4th quarter 2026. 

Four stars. This would be a good choice for public library acquisition, gifting, home library, as well as a solid recommendation for a mystery bookclub discussion or binge/buddy read. 

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

Bidding for Murder - Stamford Mysteries #3

 

Bidding for Murder is the third Stamford mystery by E.C. Bateman. Released 6th Nov 2025 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's 384 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. 

Cozy mysteries set in and around the antiques trades are wildly popular, and this is a good one. MC Felicia is in the trade, and once again is drawn into investigating a sudden death which is soon followed by bodies left, right, and centre. The first books in the series were lightly humorous, but this installment has a more serious vibe (could be the body count).

There's a distinct Agatha Raisin vibe, and fans of MC Beaton, Deanna Raybourn, and Richard Osman will probably like this series as well. The resolution and denouement were as expected. This is the third book; if read as a standalone, expect minor spoilers for the earlier books in the series.

Three and a half stars. It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, home use, or possibly a binge/buddy read.

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

An Amateur Witch's Guide to Murder

 

An Amateur Witch's Guide to Murder is a standalone urban fantasy horror novel by K. Valentin. Released 14th Oct 2025 by Alcove Press, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a darkly funny black paranormal comedy with queer friendly representation, lots of chaos, demon possession, murder, and mayhem. Content warning for suicide, (human) cannibalism, family abandonment, graphic on page violence, descriptions of blood, gore, dismemberment, and lots of descriptive body horror, and rough language. 

Four stars, with the above codicils. The characters are appealingly incompetent weirdos, and the story arc is messy and intricately knotted. There's some light foreshadowing for future installments/adventures for the trio in future. It would make a good choice for a halloween themed buddy read, or home or library selection.

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

A Secret at Windmill Cottage - Dune Island #8

 

A Secret at Windmill Cottage is the 8th standalone Dune Island mystery romance by Kristin Harper. Released 16th Sept 2025 by Bookouture, it's 270 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's an element of family saga to the stories in this series. Each is self contained and a complete story, set in and around the same area of New England. There are gentle themes of second chances, romance, healing, and a redemption arc for the main character. 

The story arc is well written and engaging, with well delineated believable characters and settings. The language is clean, without on-page violence and a without too much dramatic tension. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for a binge/buddy read, or possibly a solid book club selection. 

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

Sandbakkels and Sin - Cash Kristiansen Mysteries #1

 

Sandbakkels and Sin is the first Cash Kristiansen cozy mystery by George Robstad. Released 3rd Jan 2025, it's 254 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. The second book in the series is also currently available on KU.

This is a queer friendly, engaging, well written small town mystery with an appealingly intelligent protagonist. He's a consultant at an investment firm in the city, and his methodical, structured way of thinking serves him well when he's drawn into a mystery back in the rural area he's been away from for years. A frantic call from his aunt brings him back to Salt Cliff Isle, but the peaceful tranquil town he remembered from his youth has changed.

The series titles have a Scandinavian vibe from the baked goods at the Fjord & Fika cafe. The characterizations are well rendered and three dimensional. The main protagonist is gay, and the author does a good job of *not* making it his whole personality. It's not preachy or strident, and that's refreshing. There are themes of found family, and a good character arc. The pacing is sedate, and the vibe is definitely cozy (too cozy?). The denouement and resolution are a bit over the top, but not too much. 

Four stars. There's a second book out now, with a third in the works. It would be a good choice for a nice mini-binge or buddy read. 

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

The Last Death of the Year - New Hercule Poirot Mysteries #6

 

The Last Death of the Year is the 6th modern classic mystery featuring Poirot, by Sophie Hannah. Released 28th Oct 2025 by HarperCollins on their William Morrow imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

The plotting is very slow, built up over time and quite disjointed in places. There are no really sympathetic characters; they're all superficial oddballs, and the denouement is less of a crescendo than a scattershot collection of "facts" which have very little resemblance to the standards Christie employed. There were a number of outlandish plot twists which interfered with the suspension of disbelief (no spoilers - never fear), but in the end plot threads resolve, clues are sort of sorted, mysteries are mostly tied together, albeit haphazardly, and Poirot sallies forth in search of the next mystery. 

Readers in search of classic mystery fare will find this one fits relatively well as an homage to the genre. Despite featuring Poirot, this one is more enjoyable without trying to read it as part of the canon.

Three stars. Not Christie, but quite readable.

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

 

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas

 

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas is a tongue-in-cheek holiday themed murder spree in the classic vein by Natasha Bache. Released 9th Oct 2025 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's 354 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. 

With nods and winks to closed suspect pool/isolated setting mysteries of yesteryear (And Then There Were None, A Pocket Full of Rye), as well as blackly sarcastic modern offerings (Knives Out, An Unwanted Guest), the author does manage to ramp up the tension whilst bumping off the most dysfunctional family in modern history one by one.

Somewhat predictable, but satisfying denouement and resolution (there weren't many people still alive at the climax). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 45 minutes and is capably read by an ensemble cast. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for a buddy/mystery book club read, or for public or home library acquisition. 

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

 

Undead and Unwed

 

Undead and Unwed is a cute romcom paranormal story by Sam Tschida. Released 28th Oct 2025 by Quirk Books, it's 320 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. 

This is a Hallmark movie set in Vermont, with a twist... the heroine is a 300 year old vampire, she's accidentally turned her influencer neighbor into one too, and she's inherited a falling-down-(literally)-bed&breakfast from her recently departed aunt. It's full of tongue in cheek sarcastic humor and little cultural references, lots of romance, and tied up with a HFN ending (potentially hinting at future installments). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 8 minutes and is capably read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw.  She has a bouncy, young voice which complements the vibe of the book. She does a good job delineating the various characters and keeps them distinct, as well as excellent comedic timing. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

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

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

Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers - Death by Chocolate Mystery #9

 

Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers is the 9th "Jake" Tiptree baking-shop amateur cozy by Sarah Graves. Released 28th April 2026 by Kensington on their Cozy imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in 2nd 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 is a standalone mystery in a long running series featuring many returning characters in an ensemble cast. There's a very light paranormal element, but it doesn't play a significant role in this particular story. It's set in coastal Maine, and the main protagonist, Jake, runs a bakery and has quite a storied past, although these days she mostly confines herself to baking in between solving murders. 

It's very light, well written, with (mostly) believable dialogue, a "caper" feel, and an over-the-top, satisfying denouement and resolution. Although it works well as a standalone, the characters do have a significant shared past, and some minor spoilers should be expected if read out of order. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for fans of light small town American cozies, or a binge/buddy read. 

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

Murder on the Cornish Train - Cornish Murder Mysteries #1

 

Murder on the Cornish Train is the first book in a mystery series by J.M. Hall. Released 28th May 2026 by Hachette on their Hodder & Stoughton imprint, it's 384 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.

Despite the cover, and blurb, and vibe, and marketing, this isn't a cozy, it isn't a historical mystery, and there's no murder/death until past the halfway point. There is a fair bit of philosophizing and rumination about the nature of grief, and life, and general *stuff*. The plot is character driven, and the cast is quite diverse, and generally interesting, but cozy mystery fans looking for a closed suspect group and Poirot gathering everyone in the dining car for the denouement are going to be sorely disappointed. 

Three and a half stars. There is currently no available publishing info for book 2. It would maybe be a good choice for a reading challenge/buddy read. 

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

Slayers of Old

 

Slayers of Old is a funny standalone fantasy by Jim C. Hines. Released 21st Oct 2025 by Penguin Random House on their DAW imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in Sept 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Retired "chosen ones" come out of retirement to save the world. Again. It's really a fun romp and the characters are appealing and well written. There are humorous bits which surprise a chuckle (in a good way), and the story narrative is well constructed and engineered with a very satisfying denouement and resolution. It's surprising how much solid philosophical food for thought the author has managed to sneak in without ever once resorting to being strident or preachy. 

Four stars; it would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition. It would also make a  good buddy or SF/F book club selection. 

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

Murder in the Winter Woods - Julia Bird Mysteries #8

 

Murder in the Winter Woodsis the eighth Julia Bird village cozy mystery by Katie Gayle. Released 25th Sept 2025, it's 2564 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is such an engaging modern village cozy with a genuinely appealing female amateur sleuth who's in her late middle age, intelligent and earnest and generally well meaning. Despite a long career in social services in London, she maintains a mostly positive outlook on life. Having acquired a cozy cottage in a cozy village in the Cotswolds, she's built a life around her new life with fulfilling relationships, love, and a support network. The unexpected violent death of a local man (which she and her partner discover on a winter walk) once again draws her into amateur sleuth mode.

The author has a deft touch with humour, and the characters are well rendered and (mostly) believable within the allowable framework of the genre. The dialogue flows well and freely, without awkwardness or unnatural/stilted language. The usual small town eccentric characters are present and the plot moves along at a good pace.

Instead of the usual trope-y antagonistic and incompetent local police force, protagonist Julia has an unexpected ally in the form of young DI Hayley Gibson. They strike up a surprisingly good cooperation to solve the mysteries.

The main mystery is self contained in this volume, so it works well as a standalone. There are currently eight books extant in the series making it a good candidate for a long weekend binge read or buddy read. Genuinely well written and fun to read.

Four stars.

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

 

How My Fake Alien Boyfriend Learned to Cook and Saved the Family Business

 

How My Fake Alien Boyfriend Learned to Cook and Saved the Family Business is a fun light NA SF/romance  by Lacey Hawthorne. Due out 31st Aug 2026, it's 290 pages and will be available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a cute romance with a lot of heart and a fun storyline, mostly told in alternating PoV between the two main characters, Kal, an alien undercover on Earth (through a series of embarrassing workplace mishaps), and Lola, a human living in Appalachia trying her best to save her family's restaurant. 

There's no spice (which, given that one of the MCs is an actual tentacle-waving alien is probably a good thing), and the language is relatively clean (a few f-bombs, but nothing worse). It's perfectly safe for reading on the bus or work-breaks. 

Both characters are flawed, three dimensional, very sweet in their own ways, and, well, human. 

Four and a half stars, extra stars for fans of light romance and interspecies romance (without spice). 

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

Juneteenth - Holiday Fun

 

Juneteenth is a volume in the Holiday Fun series by Kim Thompson. Released 30th July 2026 by Rosen Publishing on their Norwood House imprint, it's 24 pages and is available in paperback, ebook, and library binding formats. 

This is a colorful easy to read book for the youngest (kindergarten-primary school age) with a simple age appropriate introduction to the holiday and how it came to be and why. Included in the book are highlighted words and important concepts as well as a short question and answer list and glossary in the back of the book. 

The series also includes holidays from numerous cultures such as Holi, Thanksgiving, Earth Day, and others. 

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

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

I Want to Be a Scientist

 

I Want to Be a Scientist is a cute illustrated book for kids exploring some of the possible careers for scientists written by Štěpánka Sekaninová, and illustrated by Honza Smolik. Released 10th March 2026 by Albatros Media, it's 56 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

The perennial question "what do you want to do when you grow up" never stops... and kids are naturally curious and imaginative. This is a fun book, with lots of science career options, explained in easy to understand language and accompanied by fun colorful illustrations. 

Each of the specializations gets its own chapter. They range from anthropologist to UFOlogist (interesting and objective description on the part of the author). Each of the specializations gets a 2 page spread with info about what they do, how they study, what some of their experiments are like, and other interesting facts. 

The back of the book includes some general study questions (with answers) for discussion and self-testing. There's no bibliography or chapter notes included. 

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public, classroom, or home library acquisition. 

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