The Feather Wars: And the Great Crusade to Save America's Birds

 

The Feather Wars is a well written monograph on bird conservation, with a particular focus on American history, written by James McCommons. Released 17th March 2026 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 416 pages 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 both well written and layman accessible. The author has a solid, engaging, forthright style of writing and a logical process. The subject matter (despite the lens of passing years) is grim, full of hubris and arrogance. 

The book covers a large amount of time, more or less chronologically. The chapters are thematic, written around specific species (Ivory Billed woodpecker, passenger pigeon, wood duck, trumpeter swans, and dozens of other species which either became extinct, or nearly so, because of human driven causes). 

As stated, the book is copiously annotated and the chapter notes provide a wealth of further reading for readers wishing to deep dive in the material. There's also a collection of facsimile archival photos and documents from the time period, reproduced in color. 

I enjoyed this read immensely. I would heartily recommend it for lovers of science philosophy and conservation history, but maybe not so much for readers looking for "just the facts, Ma'am". This has been one of my better nonfiction reads for 2026. 

Four stars. 

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

 

Table 4 at The River Cafe: Conversations about Food and Life

 

Table 4 at The River Cafe is a collection of glossy edited interviews with very famous people about life and food by Ruthie Rogers. Released 17th March 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Gallery Books imprint, it's 384 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.

This is an interesting glimpse into a rarefied world of privilege and material wealth which most of the world will never see. There aren't many recipes (there are a few), but it's not primarily a cookbook. What it does, and does pretty well, is to give that glimpse behind the curtain into the life and acquaintances of the author. In just one page of the introduction she mentions meeting/feeding/talking with and entertaining Mel Blank, Nina Raine, Judy Dench, Ralph Fiennes, and Ian McKellen. Uncharitably, it could be called cover-to-cover name dropping, but honestly, a lot of the interviews and conversations with luminaries manage to show a likeable humanity. It's not all gloss. 

It's possibly (probably) the editing process, but almost all of the entries were very much of a sameness. It's unclear if that's because they were made to sound processed and homogeneous, if she follows the same formula for all her interviews, or if being really really wealthy and REALLY famous (Victoria Beckham's in there as well as Paul McCartney, in fact, there are precious few who don't have honorifics like Sir, Lord, Lady, etc in their names) -knocks- the edges off and makes them the same. At the end of the day, they mostly sound alike. Not necessarily a bad thing, but interesting nonetheless. 

Privilege and celebrity. It's very well photographed throughout.

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

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

 

All the Ice Cream in the Land

 

All the Ice Cream in the Land is an appealing humorous illustrated fairy tale written and illustrated by Emmy Kastner. Released 5th May 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Young Reader imprint, it's 56 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Told in ever increasingly silly follow on situations, reminiscent (but not derivatively so) of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Princess Roselyn's loyal parents and subjects jump into ever increasing silliness to satisfy her "desire" for ice cream, without ever actually letting her express her own desires. 

It's cute, and well illustrated with lots of appealing small details which invite readers to take a closer look, and there are probably some good takeaways here about letting people express their wants/needs instead of jumping to anticipate them. Mostly it's just a really appealing, cute book for preschool to elementary school kids and their caregivers.

Four stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting. 

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

Mortedant's Peril - The Trials of Irody Hasp #1

 

Mortedant's Peril is a darkly engaging fantasy mystery series starter by R.J. Barker. Released 19th May 2026 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 432 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.

Well written and paced, with nicely thought out creepy world building, the author has done a good job of balancing the fantastic/bizarre against a system of tedious government bureaucracy complete with small minded petty rivalries and corrupt, self-serving middle managers. 

Into the whole, a huge political conspiracy including murder and violence. The author manages to balance the disparate threads (characters, city-state, technology, religion, day-to-day grind of paying the bills and putting food on the table) without any of them overpowering the others. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 16 hours, 10 minutes and is capably read by Joe Eyre. He has a well modulated emotionally expressive voice and does a very good job of rapid character voice shifts in the dialogue. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read.  

Four stars for both the print and audio versions. It would be a good choice for public or personal library acquisition, or possibly a buddy read. It's the first book in a series, but there's currently no release info for book 2. Light content warnings for violent death, racism/classism, and physical abuse. There's no sexual content, no romance, and no spice.  

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

Brick Stitch, Peyote, and Other Bead-Weaving Techniques

 

Brick Stitch, Peyote, and Other Bead-Weaving Techniques is a very well written and beginner accessible tutorial guide with projects by Lucie Fossemalle. Originally published in French in 2019, this English language translation reformat and re-release by Fox Chapel, released 24th Feb 2026. It's 80 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The book's intro includes very clear, well illustrated technique building, including basic instructions for brick, peyote, some metal/wire work, and loom weaving. The step-by-step illustrations are clear and simple enough that a beginner could learn them. The intro is followed by 11 appealing and varied project tutorials. Each tutorial includes color photos of the process as well as finished project photos. There's a list of tools and supplies and clear macro photos to help. 

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library, shared studio and makers spaces, activity groups, and for the home reference library as well. It could perhaps be a bit longer, but overall an excellent addition with really attractive projects.

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

Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece

 

Athens and Sparta is an exceptional layman-accessible monograph about the rivalry between the two city-states in ancient Greece written by Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy. Released 12th May 2026 by Hachette on their Basic Books imprint, it's 640 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.

It's not an exaggeration to say that ancient Greece shaped human civilization from the ancient world through the modern day. Fundamental concepts of society, democracy, personal responsibility, national identity, and culture have clear threads from the ancient world down to the modern. Dr. Goldsworthy does a good job of illustrating how those concepts and the rivalries profoundly shaped the ancient world and shaped the course of history. 

The book is sparsely, but well, illustrated throughout, with maps and facsimile documents. The author is an academic, and it shows in the meticulous annotations throughout. The chapter notes and bibliography alone are likely worth the price of the book. The language is layman accessible and readable throughout. 

Five stars. Very well written, in depth, and interesting. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school acquisition, as well as a solid reference for the home. 

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

Queen Esther

 

Queen Esther is the 16th sprawling epic narrative by John Irving. Released 4th November 2025 by Simon & Schuster, it's 432 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in early November 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 and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

Irving is a titan of contemporary American fiction. Owen Meany, Cider House Rules, Garp, Hotel New Hampshire, all are classics, full of wit, whimsy, and a little wryly dark almost unhinged humor. This book doesn't perhaps do credit to his oeuvre, but still manages to have moments of clarity and wit. Unfortunately, for most of the book, it simply gets in its own way. Instead of reading about the titular Esther herself, we're sent haring off after her son and his coming of age. There are tantalizing glimpses of Esther throughout, but that's all they really amount to. 

Clearly, given his ability and undeniable narrative chops, this is an entirely conscious choice on the author's and publisher's part, but it's frustrating nevertheless. He deals well with the themes of Anti-Semitism, found family, grief, loss, and survival in a often very harsh world... The pacing is, however, glacial. 

Three stars, one for -die-hard- Irving fans. For readers new to his work, look to one of his better known books for an introduction, then maybe revisit this one later. 

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

The Hidden Staircase: Nancy Drew Mysteries Book 2: A Classic Girl Detective Haunted Mansion Mystery

 

The Hidden Staircase is the second Nancy Drew mystery in the perennial classic series by pseudonymous Carolyn Keene. Originally published in 1930, this revised and reformatted edition by Dover is due out 16th June 2026. It's 160 pages in this edition and will be available in paperback. 

This is a lovely revisit to a classic series for middle grade readers and generations of mystery lovers have gotten their introduction to the genre side-by-side with feisty intelligent Nancy Drew and her friends and family. Although written by a stable of contemporary authors, the publishers did a great job with the continuity and characterizations. 

Although it's the second book in the series, it works fine as a standalone. It's great to see these classic books repackaged for new generations of readers. Although aimed at middle grade readers, revisiting the story will be a lovely nostalgic trip for adults too. 

Five stars. Lovely walk down memory lane. The publisher has released the first book in the series, this, the second is due out mid-June, and presumably the rest will follow as and when they can (public domain). Additionally, the first two books are published as part of Dover's thrift line at a friendly price point (under $10 USD). 

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

 

G. K. Chesterton on Life: Encountering His Classic Wit and Wisdom for Today

 

G. K. Chesterton on Life is a collection of quotes and writing from Chesterton's oeuvre curated by Kevin Belmonte. Released 21st April 2026 by Harper Collins on their Thomas Nelson imprint,  it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Many of the quotes are very short, snippets really. There's no in-depth commentary, but the collection is arranged lovingly, thematically, around short chapters such as: faith, philosophy, nature, poetry, wit, etc. Each chapter has a number of quips/quotes/comments, and is sparsely illustrated with facsimile photos and illustrations. 

Although the material is not presented in any context, there are numerous takeaways for modern readers. It might be a good introduction to readers unfamiliar with GKC's work, or for die-hard fans to carry around for a quick bit of inspiration. It would also be a good choice for public library acquisition. 

Three and a half stars. 

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

 

A Very Merry Murder - Malvern Farm Mystery #6

 

A Very Merry Murder is the 6th Malvern Farm thriller(ish) mystery by Kate Wells. Released 3rd Sept. 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 322 pages (ebook format) 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. 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 also currently available on KU. 

Jude is back at it again, this time when a popular national TV show is planning to film at Malvern farm. It's a testament to the author's command of character that all of the characters, including the secondaries are well delineated and three dimensional. Each is quite distinct from the others and readers won't have any trouble keeping them straight.

The author is also adept at setting, and the whole is effective and engaging. The mystery itself is well engineered and culminates in a satisfying and twisty way. The plotting is -excellent- and the mystery is very clever.

It's the sixth book in the series and although it works well enough as a standalone, the continuing characters' interrelationships develop throughout;  readers should expect some minor spoilers if read out of order.

Four stars. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Faith Martin, P.F. Ford, and J.R. Ellis will likely enjoy this one. With seven books extant in the series and an eighth out from the same publisher in third quarter 2026, it would be a good candidate for a binge/buddy read. The author seems to be on a semi-annual publishing release schedule, so there are books coming out regularly.

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

Buzz Books 2026: Fall/Winter

 

Buzz Books 2026: Fall/Winter. These semi-annual previews are available free for download from the Buzz Books website here (or Amazon here or B&N, or other retailers) and are invaluable for planning TBR lists, avoiding some books which the buzz has overhyped (or just don't fit with you personally), and one of my favorite uses, to stretch our boundaries.  I am guilty, I admit it, of walking straight toward my favorite sections of any bookstore.  I think the vast majority of us are guilty of the same... we have limited book budgets and time and want to stick with the tried-and-true authors who have traditionally delivered for us. When I find an enjoyable free way to maybe find a book which is a great fit for me without committing to a purchase first, it's a win-win.  I have found a number of debut authors this way who have gone on to become fast favorites.

These collections are a great way to get a free 'taste' sample from authors who might well otherwise fly under your radar entirely.

Aside from the generous chapter excerpts included in the book, there's always a publishing preview with notable upcoming releases along with author and publisher info.  I always find upcoming books from authors I love without having known they had an upcoming release.  Valuable timesaver for that reason alone.

Five stars; a valuable resource.

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

A Curious Kind of Magic

 

A Curious Kind of Magic is a standalone YA romantasy adventure by Mara Rutherford. Released 21st Oct 2025 by by Macmillan on their Wednesday Books imprint, it's 368 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.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a sweet and well written story with three young main appealing characters, each with responsibilities and challenges, trying to help one another and (as in real life) often getting in their own way in the process. The YA angst and hurt and misunderstandings are there of course, along with a solid adventure, lots of magical artifacts, found family, wishes, bereavement, and a curse. 

It's full of whimsy and adventure. The romantasy tropes (missed chances, enemies to lovers, second chances) are on full display. On the whole, a satisfying romp, with a good denouement and resolution. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, for romantasy fans, or possibly as a buddy read. 

 

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

 

Strange Ways to Die in the Dark Ages

 

Strange Ways to Die in the Dark Ages (~420-1327 C.E.) is an interesting and layman accessible historical monograph by Emily Bush and Carrie Ingram-Gettins. Released 28th Feb 2026 by Pen & Sword History, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Worldwide release outside the UK, 9th April 2026. 

Sometimes irreverent, there's a solid historical basis for the information contained and the authors manage to bridge the gap between dark humor and pathos quite well. They cover politically derived causes, natural causes (disease, pathogens, bad food/environmental causes), floods, starvation, accidents (so many unpleasant (and dumb) ways to die), executions,  wars, and more or less what readers would expect from the title and description.

The authors have also written a sister volume about the Tudor Era. Unlike that book, this one is more heavily annotated and the chapter notes make for a well rounded experience in the read as well as providing tantalizing ideas for further reading. This is definitely aimed at fans of the period who aren't academics themselves (at least not academically inclined -in the subject-). Professional historians will likely miss the rigor of more academic based research, peer review, annotations, or rigorous bibliographic info. It is lightly humorous and quite amusing, so gains some in that respect.

Four stars. This is an illuminating and interesting book of history and never dryly academic or boring. This would be a good selection for public library acquisition, home library, and for fans of history, culture, and the macabre. 

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

Just Another Dead Author - Berit Gardner #2

 

Just Another Dead Authoris a wryly humorous second outing for Berit and friends by Katarina Bivald. Released 12th Aug 2025 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press 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.

Writer and observer-of-life Berit is off to the French countryside to a retreat for writers, hoping for a quiet working holiday, when the awful keynote speaker drops dead at her literal feet. She's soon following her insatiable curiosity, trying to solve the murder and stay alive herself.  

The author's dry comedic timing is a wonder to behold, and the book is delightfully *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 currently 5 works in the series (book 2.5 and 5 are currently only available in Swedish).  Book 3 is due out from the same publisher in late August 2026. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 33 minutes and is masterfully read by Helen Lloyd. She has a perfect voice for the read, slightly gravelly and practical, and easily switches between numerous regional accents, from cut-crystal RP to a pretty credible regional mix, 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 both print and audiobook. 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.

 

The Keeper of Magical Things

 

The Keeper of Magical Things is a gently engaging and enjoyable cozy fantasy standalone by Julie Leong. Released 14th Oct 2025 by Penguin Random House/Berkley on their Ace imprint, it's 368 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 as well as interactive links. 

This is a beautifully written story, full of unlikely heroes, found-family, humor, small adventures,  a cat-dragon, and a magical quest. It's pure comfort reading and escapist fantasy (and sorely needed right now with everything going on in the world). It felt like wrapping up in a warm duvet with a pot of tea. 

It's not derivative at all, but fans of Travis Baldree, Sarah Beth Durst,  and Rebecca Thorne will enjoy this one as well. It's full of secondary characters with their own intricate, well rendered stories, and the whole is a nice patchwork of small adventure vignettes. Warm and escapist enjoyment. 

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 10 hours 56 minutes and is capably read by Natalie Naudus. She has a warm and well modulated voice. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read. 

The first book in the same world (but not precisely a prequel, there are different central characters, apparently), was released in Nov 2024 by the same publisher. 

Four and a half stars. A beautiful and enjoyable read.

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

Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef

 

Salt, Sweat & Steam is an unvarnished stress-and-pressure filled memoir of her education and the pressures of haute cuisine by Brigid Washington. Released 28th April 2026 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 304 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. 

This isn't a tell-all and there's nothing titillating. What the author excels at is the day to day pressure and stress of training as a chef at one of the most elite culinary schools in the world (Culinary Institute of America). She's from Trinidad, and had come out of a big life change (breakup) and although she had a degree in journalism, she wanted to pursue a culinary career path.

The most compelling parts of the book are her related experiences as a Caribbean Islander in New York, and her self-built community of other islanders, experiencing New York, as well as her clear fondness and respect for her background and history as a Trinidadian. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 4 minutes and is read by the author herself. She has a warm very lightly accented voice. Although not a professionally trained voice actor, she does a credible job with the narration. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. Recommended for fans of memoir, foodies, as well as for public or post-secondary school library acquisitions. 

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

 

Self-Help from the Middle Ages: What the Seven Deadly Sins Can Teach Us About Living

 

Self-Help from the Middle Ages is an interesting self-reflective and philosophical contemplation of modern day existence through the lens of the medieval era by Dr. Peter Jones. Released 14th April 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Doubleday imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

This is absolutely *not* "shiny happy people" instagram influencer self-help. It is a thoughtful, philosophical, accessible-but-intellectual and reasoned historical comparison of the guiding precepts from the middle ages in Europe which invites the reader to draw their own conclusions about how it should (or can) apply to self-reflection and growth. 

There's no question that modern life is tiring and damaging for all but the most privileged people today. This book invites the reader to consider the medieval analysis of the seven deadlies (pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lust) and see, through stories and historical writings left behind, what can apply to our own personal living. 

The author has a brisk and intellectual style. Although he's an academic himself, the language is layman accessible "everyday" English and engagingly simple. It's annotated well and meticulously throughout, and the included chapter notes are probably worth the price of the book for further reading. 

Well written and understandable and surprisingly deep.

Four stars. Highly recommended. It would be an excellent choice for public or post-secondary library acquisition, home use, or possibly as a solid non-fiction selection for book club analysis.

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

There's a Griffin on My Back - Mighty Moods Book 3

 

There's a Griffin on My Back is one of a beginning reader series about feelings and emotions written by Meredith Rusu. Released 10th March 2026 by 4U2B Books, it's 40 pages and is available in hardcover and ebok formats. 

The series presents different big emotions which will be familiar to everyone. It's not always easy to share the spotlight with a sibling, but that's what Robby has to do, when his little sister's ballet shifts the focus away from his time in the spotlight for his soccer talent. 

The text is simple and accessible, told in free rhyming verse. The accompanying digital art, by Martín Morón is colorful and full of movement and small action details. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library, for classroom reading circles, and for the home library. 

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

A Claim to Murder - Honey Driver Mystery #14

 

A Claim to Murder is the 14th outing for amateur sleuth/hotelier Honey Driver by (pseudonymous) Jean G. Goodhind. Released 12th Aug 2025 by Joffe Books, it's 268 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. 

Despite being the 14th book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. There are some fairly silly and over the top developments and plot twists, but it's a village cozy. The "over the top" characters and dialogue were mostly on the right side of charming and didn't shade over into annoying, so it was a fun read. Honey and partner Steve are back in Bath after losing their boat, only to find their skeezy insurance agent has come to a sticky end. Cat lovers will enjoy the appealing addition of a Bengal cat to the cast of characters. 

The ending is a bit of a muddle and felt quite rushed.  

Three and a half stars. Charming. It would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read. 

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

 

Luca the Dragon Vet - 1

 

Luca the Dragon Vet is the first volume in a new nichijou-kei (slice of life school manga) by Yuna Hirasawa. Originally published in Japanese in 2023, this English translation and reformat from Kodansha is 208 pages and will be available in paperback format. Projected release date 28th July 2026, with book 2 releasing in mid 4th quarter 2026 from the same publisher. 

This is a well written and engaging manga. MC Luca and the other vet students are responsible and driven. They're from widely divergent backgrounds, but they want to dedicate their lives to healing and supporting dragonkind. There's excitement and danger from practically the first page. 

There's also some mystery surrounding Luca's father's death, which adds depth to the storyline. The magical school, the friend group interactions, and the dragons (always the dragons!) add depth and whimsy. Although sometimes high-stakes and exciting, there's a lot of fun and adventure had. 

The art is intricate and detailed with lots of energy and action.  

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home library, or gifting to a manga-reading friend. 

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