Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?

 

Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is a warmly humorous memoir full of reminiscence, humor, and some pathos by Dame Judi Dench. Due out 3rd Nov 2026 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 368 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.

The format here is more of an extended conversation between the author and her long time friend Brendan O'Hea. They play off one another and it's a delight to read/listen to. She's very very funny, as everyone knows, but what is especially impressive is her wit and encyclopædic memory for story and narrative. It's a transportive and really engaging read/listen.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 15 minutes and is read by Mr. O'Hea, Barbara Flynn, and Dame Dench herself. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read. 

Four and a half stars. She's a wonderful actor with a lifetime of experience. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, book club, or buddy read. 

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

Fishbone Cinderella

 

Fishbone Cinderella is a haunting magical realism multi-generational fable by Elizabeth Lim. Released 23rd July 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 448 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

Full of history alongside the magical elements, the author does a masterful job of interweaving the mundane pitfalls of all mother/daughter relationships with the extra challenges of an ancient familial curse, fate, and invisibility. She uses multiple timeline PoV very effectively, and poignantly, demonstrating the difficulty, danger, and violence women experienced in the past down to the current day. 

Strong (strong!) content warnings for violence, sexism, racism, war, sexual content, child abuse, emotional abuse, child loss, and terminal illness. It's not an easy read, but it is beautifully well done, with nuanced, believable characters and a solid message. 

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, book club study, or a buddy read. 

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

Missing in Soho - A Misty Divine Mystery #2

 

Missing in Soho is the second campy drag-filled cozy whodunnit featuring the inimitable Misty Divine by Holly Stars. Due out 2nd June 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 384 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 well written cozy featuring a drag queen amateur sleuth whose alter ego Joe is a mild mannered guy living in London. When Misty/Joe literally stumble over a crime which has repercussions for the entire LGBTQIA+ community, Misty decides to get to the bottom of the conspiracy herself, even if it costs her dearly in the form of her partner and her own safety.

The plotting and mystery construction are sound, and the characterization is over the top and full of flamboyant dramatic drag queens and a host of non-drag quirky characters who run the gamut from sympathetic to loathsome. One of the most impressive technical details is the author's mostly seamless use of nonbinary pronouns. For readers who *really* don't like the use of singular "they" (get over it, please), the constant use will likely grate. It is noticeable, but fades over time and doesn't distract much, but it is there. 

The denouement and conclusion are well crafted, a tiny bit predictable, but overall fair-play and within the rules. It's a strong follow-up to a strong debut and it will be nice to see how the characters and series develop even further.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library, home library, gift giving (to a drag friendly mystery fan), or a buddy read. Content warnings for homophobia, religious extremism, transphobia, alcohol, political nastiness, and light warnings for language, sexual content, and alcohol use. 

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

 

Hammered Flowers: Printing on Fabric, Paper and Wood

 

Hammered Flowers is a tutorial and inspiration guide for utilizing flowers and botanicals for contact transfer printing on fiber (fabric/paper/wood) written and curated by Michelle Moore. Released 12th May 2026 by Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in paperback 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 with lots (and lots!) of clear color photos. The projects range from whimsical enhanced paintings (flower petals used as skirts in goache/watercolor paintings)and graphic arts to practical and creative projects like socks with pressed/hammered flowers (cosmos in this case).  

Four and a half stars. Many beautiful textiles along with photos showing clothing and decorative projects using the finished fabric.

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

Murder on the Clock - Mercy McCarthy Mystery #4

 

Murder on the Clock is the fourth Mercy McCarthy village cozy by Lucy Connelly. Released 5th Sept 2025 by Bookouture, it's 290 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.  For Kindle+ subscribers, this book is currently included in the K+ subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on K+. 

This is an Irish cozy in the classic golden age style, well constructed and engaging. There's a fair bit of continuity in the series and although it could be read as a standalone, it would be better read after at least being familiar with the background in the first book (expat main characters in Ireland, etc). The secondary characters are mostly well fleshed out, with believable motivations. 

The language and content are clean (perfectly safe for work/commute reading) with the possible exception of one very mild curse (bloody), and some references to blood/bleeding (it's a murder mystery). With 5 books extant and two upcoming releases from the same publisher in 2026 & 2027, it would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read. The author seems to be keeping up with a semi-annual publishing schedule. 

They're light and engaging cozy mysteries. Lots to enjoy for fans of Murder She Wrote or other small town mysteries. Seriously, Shamrock Cove has survived 4 murders in the span of a year, who's next?

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public libraries, home use, or gifting. 

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

Women of the Middle Ages: A Window into the World of Medieval Women

 

Women of the Middle Ages is a well written, layman accessible, and nicely notated monograph on the lives of women in the middle ages by Luke Daly. Released 14th May 2026 by Pen & Sword on their History imprint, it's 224 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 and references throughout. 

The author is a doctoral candidate in history and writes well and engagingly on the period. The book is very well annotated throughout and the chapter notes alone are likely worth the price of the book, just for later reference. The text is accessible for modern readers, and not just for academics and historians. Obviously it's a niche subject, but it reads very well for anyone interested in even ancillary history.

The subject content is enhanced by the inclusion of a cross referenced index (with active hyperlinks in the ebook format), chapter notes and bibliography.

Four stars. This is well and deeply researched and interesting book. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library reference.

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

 

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

 

The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly is the third cozy mystery featuring Berit & DCI Ahmed by Katarina Bivald. Released 25th Aug 2026 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Godzilla: Heist - Godzilla Heist #1-5

 

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

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

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

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

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

The Disaster Gay Detective Agency

 

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

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

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

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

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

Fishing Wisdom Insights from the Water's Edge

 

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

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

It's a very simple concept, well executed. 

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

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

Bark Humbug - Andy Carpenter #34

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore

 

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is a cute romantasy by Emily Krempholtz. Released 18th Nov 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

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

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

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

The Underachiever

The Underachiever is a funny near-future YA science fiction adventure by David. A. Price. Released 15th Oct 2025, it's 254 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Ghost Conquers the Castle is the 5th paranormal cozy mystery featuring Adriana (a ghost) and her great-great-niece Genie (living), by Carmen Radtke. Originally released in 2024, this reformat and re-release 10th Nov 2025 is 220 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

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

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

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

The Midnight Carnival

 

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

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

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

Four stars. Warm like hot chocolate. 

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

My Fair Frauds

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Under a Spanish Sky

 

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

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

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

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

Witches of Dubious Origin - Books of Dubious Origin #1

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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