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. 

The Traveling Dictionary

 

 

The Traveling Dictionary is a cute humorous dictionary for traveling enthusiasts by Ella Morton. Due out 14th April 2026 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 176 pages (print version) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

For travel enthusiasts, general dictionary nerds, and the folks who love them. Arranged alphabetically, the entries are exactly as advertized on the cover, from Adventure travel to Zombie. Words are accompanied by cute, tongue-in-cheek line drawings (see cover art).

The writing is clear and engaging, the author has a good sense of humor and ties the realities of adventuring together in an entertaining fashion. 

Four stars. This is a short pocket guide, full of fun, and very good at its stated purpose. Worthwhile for spending a couple hours browsing in the library or cafe, and definitely a good choice for gifting to an globetrotting friend/acquaintance.

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

 

Weaving Wild Baskets: Techniques and Projects Using Foraged Leaves, Grasses, Vines, and Bark

 

Weaving Wild Baskets is a tutorial and technique guide for weaving baskets utilizing found/foraged materials by Katie Grove. Due out 21st April 2026 from from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Storey are well kn0wn for the quality of their DIY and crafts publications. This is a worthy entry into that lineup. It's a fine primer with step by step instructions and copious tutorial photographs which are clear and illustrative. The author has an upbeat and casual writing style which is easy to follow. 

The introductory chapter includes a survey of styles, materials, terms, and tools with good clear photos of each. The next chapters progress through plant ID, techniques and weaving, processing materials, basket shapes and styles, and decorative features to incorporate.  The second section of the book includes photo tutorials for 10 projects which are all beautiful and functional as well as decorative. 

Each tutorial includes an introduction with finished measurements and special features in a header. Tools and supplies are listed bullet style in a sidebar (measurements are given in imperial (American) standard units). The step by step instructions are numbered sequentially. The book includes an index and abbreviated source links mostly slanted toward readers in North America, though a simple internet search will turn up tool suppliers everywhere. 

Five stars. Well written, accessible for beginning to advanced basketweavers, useful, and appealing. It would be an excellent choice for public or secondary school library, crafters and studio/makers groups. 

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

The Camping Dictionary

 

The Camping Dictionary is a cute humorous dictionary for camping and outdoors enthusiasts by Heather Balogh Rochfort. Due out 14th April 2026 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 176 pages (print version) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

For outdoors enthusiasts, general dictionary nerds, and the folks who love them. Arranged alphabetically, the entries are exactly as advertized on the cover, from Adventure to Zipper. Words are accompanied by cute, tongue-in-cheek line drawings (see cover art).

The writing is clear and engaging, the author has a good sense of humor and ties the realities of outdoor adventuring together in an entertaining fashion. 

Four stars. This is a comprehensive guide, full of fun, and very good at its stated purpose. Worthwhile for spending a couple hours browsing in the library or cafe, and definitely a good choice for gifting to an outdoorsy friend/acquaintance.

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

Havenwood

 

Havenwood is a sweetly illustrated story for young readers by L.L.H. Harms, illustrated by Aaron Zonka. Released 2nd April 2026, it's 46 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

This is such a kind and supportive tale for youngsters dealing with unwanted change in their lives. The text is accessible, written in simple direct language, suitable for young readers. The illustrations are nicely rendered and support the story well. 

It's a short book, but does a good job comforting the boy whose sister is moving away to continue her education. It's an interesting choice that he's called "the boy" in the text, possibly making it easier for readers to set themselves in the story. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for school or home library acquisition, or for gifting to a young friend who is maybe struggling with change. Potentially also appropriate for professional healthcare settings.

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

Fearless Firsts: Geniuses Who Changed How We Live

 

Geniuses Who Changed How We Live is a young readers collection of short biographies of luminaries in STEM who advanced our understanding of paleontology, exploration, nutrition, and medicine. Due out 7th April 2026 from Sourcebooks, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

These accessible short bios, written in age-appropriate text and accompanied by their biographical details, include birth and death dates, their field of expertise and innovation, along with relevant highlights of their research and how it was received at the time and later. Authors James Buckley Jr and Ellen Labrecque do a great job of finding subjects from well known and less familiar historical figures. 

The illustrations by Steffi Walthall are simple but full of color and energy and perfectly recognizable as the people they're meant to represent. 

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a curious young friend. 

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

Little Shoes

 

Little Shoes is a sensitively told and touching picture story book by David A. Robertson about the residential schools many of the First Nations children were forced to attend. Released 29th July 2025 by Tundra Books, it's 48 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This a beautifully illustrated book about a difficult subject (the residential schools). It's specifically written and illustrated for young readers (~3-7 year olds), and does a very good job of retelling factual events in age appropriate language and pictures. The pictures, by Maya McKibben, are colorful and full of detail and suit the solemnity of the subject matter well. 

Five stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home library, or for gifting. It would also be a great pick for storytime or reading circles and classroom discussion. 

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

 

 

What's for Dinner?

 

What's for Dinner? is a cute picture book with simple text for beginning readers, written and illustrated by Larysa Maliush. Released 17th March 2026 by NorthSouth Books, it's 32 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

Although written in entirely age appropriate words and pictures, this little book is deeper than it first appears. Even preschoolers aren't too young for a little but powerful lesson on situational ethics and how to figure out how to do the right thing in a given situation. 

The illustrations are cute and simple, but full of small details inviting readers to spend some time looking. 

Four and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home library, or for gifting. It would also be a great pick for storytime or reading circles.

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

 

Printing from the Garden: Create Stunning, One-of-a-Kind Prints with Flowers and Leaves

 

Printing from the Garden is a tutorial and inspiration guide to utilizing plants and botanicals for contact transfer printing on fiber (fabric/paper) written by Alison Kelly. Released 3rd March 2026 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 192 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The aesthetic is rustically beautiful with nature inspired florals and foliage prints. The inspiration is organic and the author takes the reader through the step-by-step process in the first half of the book.  The mordanting and transfer process do use some hefty chemicals and processes, so caution should be exercised with regard to safety and ventilation/storage. 

The second section of the book includes a selection of plants to use crafting the fabrics. Each entry contains the common name, botanical (Latin) names, and photographs of the plants in various growth stages. The printing notes, in color highlighted text boxes, give specific tips about how to use the material and what parts to use. 

The appendices include further specific techniques and details for expanding the versatility of the technique. 

Four and a half stars. Many beautiful textiles along with photos showing clothing and decorative projects using the finished fabric. (No project tutorials for finished clothing or items are given in the book; just inspiration).

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

Stand By Your Pan 100 Easy and Affordable Comfort Food Recipes So Good They'll Hurt People's Feelin’s (A Cookbook to Help You Enjoy Delicious Nostalgia with Some Modern Sass)

 

Stand By Your Pan is a cookbook full of nostalgic comfort food recipes and southern camp, curated by Hannah Dasher. Released 10th March 2026 by HarperCollins on their Harper Celebrate imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

For those of us who grew up in Appalachia, this food is in our DNA. There is something so deeply satisfying and tasty about the cuisine which is also tied up with family reunions, hospitality, multi-generational cooking and comfort.  The author has a very casual voice (sassy in a good way) and style of writing, but behind the folksy tone, she's competent and effictive. These are *good* recipes, some from her own family's repertoire and for fans of southern cooking, there's a lot to like here.

The book includes a good general pantry, ingredients, and equipment lists and an introduction with basic tips for preparation, entertaining, and other necessities. The recipes are arranged in chapters thematically: appetizers, soups & breads, salads & dressings, mains, sides, sauces, and desserts. Recipes include a description, yields and prep time. Ingredients are listed bullet style in a sidebar with measurements in imperial (American) units. Ingredients will be readily available in most well stocked grocery stores in North America. Nutritional information is not included. Alternative preparations and cooking tips are included in highlighted text bars in the recipes. Most of the recipes (but not all) are budget conscious and substitution friendly. 

The photography throughout the book is abundant, in color, and clear with a distinctly retro-vibe. Serving suggestions are attractive and appetizing. There's a lot of kitsch (those orange and harvest green tupperware serving bowls everyone's meemaw had in their pantries). Very 70s-80s southern American vibe - remember that harvest gold crockpot full of Swedish meatballs from holidays past? You will.  

Four stars. This would make a good selection for library acquisition, expat southerners hankering for food that feeds their souls, and home cooks looking for new cuisine to explore, as well as for fans of the author. It is unclear from a quick comparison if some of the recipes in this collection are also previously available from the author's TikTok content.  

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