Murder in My Backyard - Inspector Ramsay #2

 

Murder in My Backyardis the 2nd Inspector Ramsay standalone mystery by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1991, this reformat and re-release 6th Jan 2026 by Macmillan is 288 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. 

Kind village notable, Alice Parry, meets a sticky end with a knife in her back, despite nobody having a bad word to say about her, and it's left to quiet, compassionate, intelligent Inspector Ramsay and his team to get to the bottom of the entwined crimes. It's a recurring theme in this series that the stories are quite sad in places and this one is no exception; it deals plainly with isolation, rampant capitalism, unscrupulous land development, and other distressing facts of modern life. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 48 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.

Although it's the second book in the series, 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 satisfying. 

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. It would make a good binge/buddy series read as well. 

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

Murder in Miniature: A Maple Bishop Mystery - Maple Bishop #2

 

Murder in Miniature is the second historical cozy mystery to feature miniaturist Mrs. Maple Bishop, written by Katie Tietjen. Released 23rd Sept. 2025 by Crooked Lane, it's 288 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.

This is a solidly plotted, character driven historical mystery set in 1947; with post WW2 still a recent memory, in rural Vermont. MC Maple is intelligent, possibly neurodiverse (she's quite socially inept), and works as a miniaturist as well as a special consultant to the police, recreating crime scenes. 

The book is loosely written around a framework of real historical people and events, quite skillfully blending fiction with history. The main character is loosely based on early forensic scientist Frances Glessner Lee.

Highly readable and engaging, well plotted, and with a satisfying denouement and resolution. It's the second book in the series although it works well enough as a standalone. There will be some minor spoilers for the 1st book if read out of order. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition or a short binge/buddy read. Content warnings for historically accurate raging misogyny and racism. 

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

Murder in Venice - Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #13

 

Murder in Venice is the 13th Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 3rd Nov. 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 234 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, large print, 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 other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This time, expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are drawn into helping with a staged murder mystery night (scripted and harmless) and instead wind up in the middle of a deadly serious "game". Dan's ostensibly along to facilitate translations in English for the police and witnesses, but his insights are valuable and he and Oscar are, as always, central to the story.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well controlled and believable. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, so it works well enough as a standalone, but the writing and mystery are so well planned and executed, that it would make an excellent binge or buddy read. 

It's not derivative at all, but it reminded me in a lot of good ways of Leon's exceptional Brunetti books as well as Walker's lovely Bruno, chief of police books. Fans of those authors will find a lot to enjoy here. The scenery, food, and setting are as much a character of the book as the actual people (and non-humans). 

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home library, or a long binge/buddy read.

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

 

After Midnight: Thirteen Tales for the Dark Hours

 

After Midnight is a well curated collection of short fiction by Daphne du Maurier. Released 30th Sept. 2025 by Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 528 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 an excellent sampling of du Maurier's darker short works, including both more famous titles (The Birds, Don't Look Now) and works which will likely be new reads for all but the most die hard fans of the author. 

The collection also includes a delightful (and insightful) introduction by Stephen King. It's not scholarly or full of historical tidbits, it's a simple and heartfelt direct appreciation in his own voice. 

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent addition to public or home library, and gives a good overview over du Maurier's shorter ouevre. Quality literature and entertaining well written dark/spooky stories which have held up surprisingly well over the decades. The King intro is a nice bonus.

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

 

Cat Tales

 

Cat Tales is a collection of vignettes from Cats' PoV collected by Herbert S. Rolfes. Released 20th Sept 2025, indie published, it's 231 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

This is a whimsical collection, written by an author who is clearly fond of feline companions, and who is writing for a cat friendly audience. They're sweet (possibly saccharine) and it's not entirely clear if the incidental illustrations are AI generated or not (there are no artist credits and they appear to be AI generated or enhanced (see cover art)). Sample texts were run through AI detection and came up as human written.  

It's a cute book full of short cat-centric anthropomorphic stories.

Three stars. Potentially a good choice for bedtime story-time or story circle. 

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

The Widow Hamilton: An Eliza Hamilton Mystery #2

 

The Widow Hamilton is the second book in a cozy(ish) historical mystery series by Mollie Ann Cox. Released 10th Feb 2026 by Crooked Lane, it's 336 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.

This is an interesting darker cozy historical mystery featuring a fictional story interwoven inside a framework of real historical events and people. Eliza Hamilton's fame and relative status didn't save her from real threats of poverty after the loss of her very famous husband. Her benevolent work and the women with whom she interacted in the course of her days were varied and interesting. Many of the darker realities of life as an unprotected woman in the 19th century are written in stark and sobering terms (and much of it was historically so much worse - the author takes a generous artistic license describing the day-to-day realities)). Some of the characters were so self righteously loathsome and two dimensional that it detracted from the overall read.

The actual mystery is well constructed, and the descriptions and characterizations have depth. The ending and "whodunnit" were a bit overwrought and readers should bring a healthy suspension of disbelief. 

Three stars. 

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

The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset: A Complete Guide to Healing Your Immune System

 

The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset is a tutorial and recipe reference specifically aimed at a 30 day "reset" and food planning with recipes and info by Dr. Josh Redd. Released 6th Jan 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Simon Element imprint, it's 272 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This book is a nice resource for folks exploring options to counteract some of the effects of a less-than-optimal diet's effect on the human body. The books introduction explains the prevalence and growth of inflammation related symptoms. The second part of the book covers the actual 30 day "reset" including exercises and activities. The third part includes the actual recipes and food plans. 

The book has a nice, easy to follow layout.

Each of the recipes includes an introductory description, ingredients listed in a bullet point sidebar (imperial (US) measurements only. Nutritional info is not included.

The recipe ingredients themselves are easily sourced and will be available at most well stocked grocery stores. There are a very few ingredients which might be a little more difficult to source, but definitely nothing that is 'way out there'.

All in all,  well written, beautifully presented food, made from (mostly) unprocessed raw ingredients which are easily sourced and taste good.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition or home use. 

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

Birds of the Chesapeake Bay

 

Birds of the Chesapeake Bay is a well written, accessible guide written and collated by Howard Youth & Gemma Radko. Released 31st March 2026 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

A general introduction, covering the area and local features is followed by a broad chapter on bird families. The bulk of the book contains chapters for each local bird family, further split into field characteristics and distinct local species. The book is full color throughout, logically arranged, and each family has info on genus, habitat, vocalizations, and other ID info.

The authors/publisher have included a number of resources and links in the appendices including popular (and less popular/crowded) sites and organizations for social birding and ornithological info. There's a humorous, casual, welcoming vibe throughout. 

Five stars. This is a good guide, and would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, or for birding/activity groups. 

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

Three Bengal Kittens - Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery #4

 

Three Bengal Kittens is the fourth Dr. Bannerman veterinary mystery by Dr. Philipp Schott. Released 14th April 2026 by ECW Press, it's 256 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 nice follow up to the other books in the series, featuring an amateur sleuth who is also a veterinarian and high functioning neurodivergent protagonist alongside his trusty canine sidekick Pippin, a husky/lab/border collie mix with a gifted sense of smell and an unusually high degree of intelligence to go with it. Dr. Bannerman struck me as an odd guy, generally likeable but also stubborn and often pedantic. Readers who enjoy nerdy culture references with which the author liberally sprinkles around in the story will find a lot to enjoy here. Additionally, it's cool that Bannerman's wife is also a nerdy fibre artist and knitting designer.

The book is well plotted and moves along at a good clip; definitely action driven and engaging. Unusually in this case, the characterizations are above average and believably rendered. There were a few places in the book where the dialogue didn't ring true at all, but all in all, well written and enjoyably readable. This episode tangentially touches on the war and ethnic cleansing in the Bosnia/Herzegovina conflict and right wing paramilitary groups. There are frank discussions about mental health, including some uncomfortably explicit descriptions and dialogue about psychotic episodes and dissociation/hallucination.

It's not really a cozy mystery at all and shares more in common with modern medical thrillers than "James Herriot". The author is clearly familiar with rural Manitoba and he does a great job describing the weather, the area, and the history of the place. There is some on-page violence as well as some mildly graphic descriptions of mental health gaslighting, suffocation/murder, poisoning, and ethnic violence. Language and dialogue are mostly PG rated shading toward the R-rated end of the spectrum. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 51 minutes and is capably narrated by series narrator Miles Meili. He has a rugged and rough-edged baritone which suits the dialogue very well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. 

Four stars. Very enjoyable, looking forward to seeing what comes next for Peter, Laura, and Pippin (&co). The author/publisher have included a sneak peek at the fifth book in the series, Five Icelandic Ponies at the back of the book.

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

 

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.