Painting Cats: Curious, Mindful & Free-Spirited Watercolors

Painting Cats is an appealingly quirky and accessible technique and tutorial guide by Terry Runyan. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Quarto on their Leaping Hare Press imprint, it's 144 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The author writes in such a fun way that will inspire readers to grab supplies and paint along. There are numerous lessons highlighting spontaneity and fun as well as usable techniques to increase expertise. She spends a fair amount of content explaining why she enjoys painting cats, introducing some of her own cats, and showing readers how to use watercolors (her preferred medium) to give similar results or to adapt them to other media. 

The chapters are arranged thematically: why cats, why watercolor, supplies, let's paint cats, color, techniques, storytelling (LOTS of good tutorial info here), and further exploration. The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated resources/links list for readers in the back of the book. The style is naive and folksy. It's very colorful and very appealing. 

Five stars. Lots of good info and just a really fun book. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, more formal class/workshop use, makers' groups, or for the home artist's studio. 

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

Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs Illustrated: A Formal Writing System Used in Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs Illustrated is an interesting illustrated collection of line drawn hieroglyphs with explanations curated and written by Trevor Naylor. Released 14th Sept 2023 by Amber Books, it's 160 pages and is available in hardcover format. North American release is due out in early Nov, 2023. 

The hieroglyphs are arranged in thematic chapters: A general introduction with history, life & land, religion & ritual, pharaohs & power, royal cartouches, gods & myths, the afterlife, key discoveries, and a chapter with facsimiles of contemporary letters. 

The book is well illustrated throughout, with many colour photos and facsimiles of historical documents, illustrations, and buildings. The author writes accessibly and knowledgeably about the subject. The actual hieroglyph illustrations are simple and line drawn and would be fun to use as a study guide for learning and copying. 

Five stars. Very interesting. It would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, gift giving, and home use. 

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

Logic Puzzles for Brain Fitness: 90-Day Challenge to Sharpen the Mind and Strengthen Cognitive Skills

Logic Puzzles for Brain Fitness is a well rounded assortment of 90 logic puzzles, sudoku, number sudoku, battleship, and others collected and curated by Lana Barnes. Released 19th Sept. 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in paperback format. 

This is set up as daily exercises, one per day for 90 days, along with a chapter of bonus puzzles to round out the numbers to 108. The puzzles are varied and most are easy to moderate difficulty. The author/publisher have included a complete answer key in the back of the book.

The puzzles are set up with the puzzle info on one page and a solving grid on the opposite page (for the logic puzzles). The typeset is easy to read, large print, and high contrast. 

Five stars. Does precisely what it claims. Readers know what to expect and this is precisely that. This would make a good selection for travel reading, vacation, and gift giving. 

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

Art of Custom Sneakers: How to Create One-of-a-Kind Kicks

Art of Custom Sneakers is a cool tutorial and technique guide for painting custom shoes/sneakers by Xavier Kickz. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Quarto on their Rockport imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The author has a popular youtube channel and writes with a very easygoing and encouraging voice. The tutorials are fun, mostly easy to follow (some are more advanced), and full of bright catchy colors. The book, in its entirety is line drawn with color illustrations, but no photography. There are QR links throughout which lead readers to fully filmed tutorial and related technique videos. 

This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving. For readers who also enjoy thrifting and upcycling, this book is a treasure chest *full* of excellent tutorials for upcycling and recycling otherwise unused shoes (and potentially other items like canvas or leather  bags and backpacks).

Four and a half stars. Dinged a bit for not having any photos included, but thematically it works and the QR links are only slightly awkward (it was clearly an intentional editorial decision on the part of the author/publisher).

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

Writing in Color: Fourteen Writers on the Lessons We've Learned

Writing in Color is a well curated anthology collection of essays on writing and craft by authors of color edited by Nafiza Azad and Melody Simpson. Released 22nd Aug 2023 by Simon & Schuster on their Margaret K. McElderry imprint, it's 256 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.

Finding the way as a writer (which is a somewhat solitary and often fraught occupation) can be difficult. Getting a book to print is almost -always- a long and difficult process. Doing so as a writer with a minority voice can be overwhelming. That's one reason that community strength and experience is even more important. 

This is a book for everyone: writers, and women, and people of color, and allies, and readers. Everyone who loves books and wants to understand more of what the challenges are and how to compensate and overcome them.

Diversity is critically important to shaping society and the next generations of readers (and writers). These experienced authors provide a glimpse into their own encounters in the overwhelmingly white-centric, market driven publishing industry. 

It's a fast read, and as with any collection, there are essays which resonate more and hit harder. They were all worthwhile to read however.

Five stars. Really interesting viewpoints and valuable information to know, both for writers -and- readers. 

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

Eight Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success

Eight Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success is a clearly written and accessible parenting guide for navigating challenges and turning them into teachable moments written and curated by Michelle Icard. Released 22nd Aug 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Rodale imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

This books accessibility and "do-ability" for regular everyday parents, facing inevitable challenges raising tweens/teens, is clear eyed and impressive. She gives usable advice for turning crises into teachable moments. She is humorous, clever, and much of her advice is *logical* and when we're in the middle of an emotionally overwhelming situation with our kids, it's good to be prepared beforehand. The situations she covers will be familiar to virtually every parent: issues with rebellion, consideration, personal hygeine, academic performance, family issues, and more. 

She deconstructs the background and underlying dynamics in each situation, and gives concrete, sensible advice about how to react and how to positively handle each. Her advice is general enough to be applicable to more than just these 8 situations.

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, as well as for school counselors, foster parents, advocates, and similar, for people who work with kids in challenging and difficult situations. 

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

Take the Honey and Run - A Bee Keeping Mystery #1

 

Take the Honey and Run is the first book in a new cozy series by Jennie Marts. Released 18th July 2023 by Crooked Lane Books, 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 throughout.

The author is an experienced and prolific writer with a number of series, and this is a promising start to a new one. It's firmly in the cozy subgenre, and includes an amateur sleuth (whose day job is writing mysteries) trying to keep an innocent family member from being unfairly jailed (her grandmother, no less), an eccentric collection of small town characters, a handsome sheriff with whom the MC has some history, some snark, and the requisite honey themed recipes at the back of the book as a bonus.  

Although it's not at all derivative, fans of Nancy Coco and Amanda Flower will likely find a lot to like here. There's a lot of humor, small town atmosphere, a well constructed mystery, and sympathetic characters. The bonus recipes at the back of the book are offered as written by characters appearing in the book. They're not overly fussy or complicated, and all seem appetizing. They include recipes for cookies, cheesy puff pastry, cake, banana bread, ricotta cheese dip, and flavored honey.

Four stars. The denouement and resolution were a trifle outlandish, but not overly so for the subgenre. There is no currently publicly available information about a release date for the second book, but the author has several ongoing series, so it could be a while. Happily, this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, so it works well as a standalone read.

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

A Novel Disguise - A Lady Librarian Mystery #1

A Novel Disguise is the first book in a new historical cozy mystery series by Samantha Larsen. Released 16th May 2023 by Crooked Lane, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a charming historical cozy with an appealing protagonist who employs creative intelligent solutions to counteract some of the harsher realities of Regency history (women often lived lives of tenuous and terrifying insecurity). She's smart and honest (mostly) and clever as well, and generally appealing.

The book is well written and the author has a firm grasp on the nuts and bolts of plot, setting, and characterization. It's a light cozy with a strong romance subplot and a surprising amount of effective humor. It's a bookish book, and there are book titles and period book/library trivia and title-dropping throughout. Eagle eyed readers might spot an anachronism, but I found no glaring errors. 

Four stars. The second book in the series, Once Upon A Murder, is due out first quarter 2024 from the same publisher. 

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

 

Seed to Plate, Soil to Sky: Modern Plant-Based Recipes using Native American Ingredients

 

Seed to Plate, Soil to Sky is a well written and curated tutorial and recipe collection by Dr. Lois Ellen Frank. Released 29th Aug 2023 by Hachette on the Hachette Go imprint, it's 320 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats; super useful for checking things easily in the text.

This is a worthwhile and appealing collection of plant based recipes showcasing the new world ingredients familiar to, and used by, the Native Peoples of North America. The author does a good job of treating the subject respectfully, historically, and accurately. It -is- a nice collection of recipes, but in addition, it has value for readers who enjoy cultural anthropology and history. 

The chapters (after a nice introduction) are arranged thematically: eight plants Native Peoples shared with the world, corn, beans, squash, chiles, tomatoes, potatoes, vanilla, cacao, and pantry staples. The recipes are varied, all plant based, and authentic. Recipe ingredients are arranged in a bullet list sidebar, followed by cooking directions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units only. 

About 30% of the recipes (by a rough count) are accompanied by photos. The photographs throughout are clear and in color. There are a number of background and market shots as well as landscape, showing the beauty of the southwest. Serving and recipe photos are professionally styled and attractive/appetizing. Recipe ingredients will -mostly- be easily obtainable at a moderately well stocked grocery store or health food store. (Some ingredients will require specialist/online retailers, farmers markets, or foraging). 

Five stars. This would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving. The content is -very- respectfully done and appropriate credit is given throughout with regard to the millennia of food sovereignty and cultural history of the Native Peoples of North America. 

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

Flipping Boxcars

Flipping Boxcars is an often gritty, well written, character driven caper by Cedric Kyles. Released 12th Sept 2023 by HarperCollins on their Amistad imprint, 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 throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats; super useful for checking things easily in the text. 

This is an interesting and unvarnished tale set in the prosperity years after WWII. The main character, Babe, is an African American with all the racism and limitations that implies for the time. The author pulls no punches and it was sometimes an uncomfortable read in places. The style of the story is direct and action driven. I found the main character likeable and appealing in ways, he's certainly charismatic.. but difficult to really get behind because of his "shady" dealings and willingness to cut corners. (Full admissions, as a middle class white woman, from a place of unimaginable privilege, MC Babe and I don't have many shared life experiences). 

The honesty is compelling. The storytelling is detailed and rich. It ends on a cliffhanger, which is always annoying. 

Four stars. This would be a great selection for public or private library acquisition, as well as for book club selection.

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

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality is the second mystery by Kate Khavari featuring botanist research assistant Saffron Everleigh. Released 6th June 2023 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2024. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats; super useful for checking things easily in the text. 

This book (and series) incorporates so many favorite cozy tropes: intelligent female protagonist, an academic setting, with all the jealousy and subterfuge that entails, historical setting (1920s London), some danger and intrigue and "fair play" well constructed mystery plot. 

Saffron Everleigh is a botanist and research assistant, with all the misogyny and difficulty that entails at the time at a large research university. Honestly, it's *still* not a walk in the park for female academics in the sciences. She's a legacy in academia, her late father was also an academic.

It's a character driven mystery, and the author is quite talented at descriptive prose without descending into overwrought passages or overly contrived dialogue. The author does nod to period formality without decreasing readability at all. 

The mystery and resolution are self contained in this book, so it works well enough as a standalone. There are references to the first book, so readers who choose to read them out of order should expect some spoilers. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 19 minutes and is expertly read by Jodie Harris. She has a well modulated classically trained voice and does a great job with a number of disparate regional accents, and a range of character ages of both sexes and various socioeconomic strata. 

Four stars for both print and audio versions. It would make a nice short binge/buddy read.

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

 

Four stars. Delightfully engaging. I look forward to the next installment.

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

 

 

Edible Houseplants: Grow Your Own Citrus, Coffee, Vanilla, and 43 Other Tasty Tropical Plants

Edible Houseplants is a tutorial and gardening guide for raising tropical plants like coffee, vanilla, and citrus as houseplants written and curated by Laurelynn and Byron Martin. Originally published in 2010, this reformat and re-released edition was released 12th Sept 2023 by Hachette on their Storey imprint. It's 160 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a well written, accessible, and fun guide to growing tropical plants in the home/garden. The author does a great job explaining the challenges and tricks involved in an enthusiastic and "can-do" manner. 

The book is arranged in thematic chapers: Citrus fruits, other tropical fruits (acerola, avocado, banana and many more), coffee tea & chocolate, sugar & spices, and general tropical plant care & propogation (including one of the better all purpose troubleshooting and pest control chapters I've seen). The author/publisher have also included a good abbreviated glossary and resources and links lists. 

Five stars. I think most readers will understand that nobody is going to be able to grow enough of anything to make a significant addition to their food and/or resources balance, but as a fun and education experiment and for bragging rights, it's a very very cool book. 

This would be a great choice for home use, gardening groups, and public and school library collections. 

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

imi

imi is a beautifully illustrated story for all ages, written and illustrated by An Noy. Released 25th Aug 2023, it's 40 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 such a sweet and uplifting story about a little meerkat who's having a hard day. He's struggling to adjust to some changes and he's not feeling well, so his family are off hunting for food while he stays in his burrow. He soon has adventures with a newfound friend and sees that life can be a good place after all.

This is such a sweetly illustrated book. It's electronically illustrated in a very colorful and appealing style. This would make very good selection for public or school library acquisition, as well as gift giving and home use. All ages appropriate, it will likely be a bedtime favorite. The illustrations are full of small details which invite a deeper look.

 Five stars. Appealing, appropriate, and adorable. 

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

The Beach Hut Murders - The Charity Shop Detective Agency #2

The Beach Hut Murders is the second Charity Shop Detective Agency mystery by Peter Boland. Released 3rd Aug 2023 by Joffe Books, it's 394 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series, The Charity Shop Detective Agency, is also currently available on KU. 

This is an entirely whimsical, campy, often slapstick lark featuring three disparate volunteers in the same charity shop (Dogs Need Nice Homes) who find themselves approached to solve an arson murder at a local beach hut cabin. There are darker forces at work, and soon it seems like the serial arsonist might never be caught, since they're not captured on any security camera anywhere in the area. 

So much of the book is over the top silly that readers should bring a *hefty* suspension of disbelief to the read and expect some moderate amounts of eye-rolling at the seemingly random insertion of weird details from axe throwing tech experts to middle aged females falling over electric-scooters and accidentally exposing their naughty bits in most undignified fashion (several times in the course of the book). 

The plot, resolution, and denouement are self contained in this volume and it works well enough as a standalone. It bears repeating that readers should bring a stout, nay invincible, suspension of disbelief, and expect a solution and epilogue that beggar belief. 

Four stars. Potentially just slightly on the wrong side of silly, but undeniably fun. Readers should be in the mood for an extremely silly mystery to enjoy this one.

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

MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank

MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank is an accessible and well illustrated children's book by Kalee Boisvert. Due out 19th Sept 2023, it's 32 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a simple short book aimed at the youngest readers (~4-6 years old) written in simple text and with appealing colorful drawings. When young Mabel's piggy bank can't fit another coin, she and her mom take a trip to the bank to open a savings account together. For a simple short kids' book, it introduces some good concepts such at savings, fiscal responsibility, delaying gratification, working towards a future goal, earning and saving money, and more. 

There are some slightly odd aspects to the book. Mabel's closet is absolutely bursting with pink, frilly, "girly" clothing (and it's mentioned in the book, without context, except that she apparently has a "sea of clothes"). We're supposed to be moving away from conspicuous consumption and fast fashion, and it's an odd detail in a book about saving and fiscal responsibility. It's also a very small thing, but Mabel's mom is referred to as "momma" throughout, and it's an odd alternate spelling. 

I liked that the illustrator showed a wide variety of customers in the bank with a range of ages and ethnicities. It's also mentioned that her momma wears business suits, implying that she has a professional position at work, which is nice. Representation is important, and it's equally important for boys to understand and be comfortable with the idea of women in administrative/professional positions.

Four stars. It would make a good choice for school or public library acquisition, classroom library, or home use. 

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

The Late Mrs. Willoughby - Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #2

The Late Mrs. Willoughby is the second Regency romance/mystery featuring Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney written by Claudia Gray. Released 16th May 2023 by Knopf Doubleday on their Vintage Anchor imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. Large print library bound edition due out in 4th quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

This is an homage series, featuring some of the iconic characters from Austen's classic works, (this one revisiting Sense & Sensibility). This outing sees an apparently neurodivergent Darcy solving a poisoning murder along with his partner / potential romantic lead Juliet Tilney. Much of the plot stretches the boundaries of belief and readers need to bring a healthy suspension of disbelief to the read.

The story is self contained in this volume, so it works very well as a standalone mystery. If read out of order, readers should be aware that there are references to the plot and incidents from the first book, which could give spoilers if read out of order. 

The writing is occasionally overwrought and tries too hard for Austen homage and comes across as well edited and polished fanfic. Three and a half stars. It's well written, very well edited and polished, but ultimately recommended mostly for die-hard Regency romance/mystery fans, and not so much for fans of historical Jane Austen who won't be fooled for a second.

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

Tiny Myths Comics: Norse Edition, Volume 1

Tiny Myths Comics: Norse Edition is the first of a series of proposed books on different mythologies and pantheons. Written/illustrated/curated by DongGoolTroll, it's 254 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback/graphic novel, 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 an appealing manga style graphic novel full of well researched and annotated mythology introducing the Norse gods and goddesses, giants, monsters, and more. There's a surprising amount of real history included concerning the ways that early Nordic people recorded and passed on their myths and legends, and how they interacted with their neighbors and each other. Make no mistake, this is not superhero comics. This is actual mythology and sociology/anthropology. 

The layout is in continual single panels throughout. It's in four color print with eye catching and appealing art (see cover). It will definitely appeal to all ages, although it might be a bit deeper/too complex for very young kids. It's not graphically violent and the author has done a masterful job of rendering the parts of the story which might have been too violent or sexual into all-ages appropriate language. 

The book is annotated, and the source materials and references will provide readers with lots of further reading and learning opportunities.The writing is functional, utilitarian, and direct. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, more formal classroom instruction, or home use. 

Four stars. 

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

Standing in the Shadows - Inspector Banks #28

Standing in the Shadows is the 28th DCI Banks procedural mystery by Peter Robinson. Released 11th April 2023 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback is due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2024. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

This is a very well established series, with a returning ensemble cast of believable characters. The writing is always of such high quality that (despite the longevity of the series) it never ever feels phoned in or less than engaging and worthy. It's told in a dual timeline; 1980s and 2019 and the two stories, seemingly unconnected at first, twine ever closer into a phenomenal resolution and denouement. 

DCI Banks is cerebral and clever and genuinely moral and a very good investigator. He takes his remit very seriously, and he has a close team of colleagues. They have their own stories, and the whole is a well woven tapestry which is a joy to read. 

The story is woven around real life historical events and politicians active during the period, and it's so skillfully done that it's not always clear where fact shades into fiction. The ending managed a few surprises and the whole was satisfying and self contained. It's possible to read the books in any order, but readers who do so risk small spoilers in the characters' back history. 

Although it's not at all derivative, in some good ways, author Peter Robinson's style and the character of Banks himself, remind me of Colin Dexter's Morse. Cerebral and civilized, with a laser insight to humanity and its foibles.  

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 9 hours, 59 minutes, and is expertly narrated by series narrator Simon Vance. He has a remarkably versatile voice, switching from gravelly Cockney to refined public school accents in male and female voices in a range of ages. Really one of the better audiobooks of 2023. 

Four and a half stars for both the audio and print versions. This would make a superlative binge/buddy read, or a good choice for mystery book club analysis as there's a significant portion of weighty social reform/politics/history involved with a lot of good discussion potential. 

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

The Golden Spoon

The Golden Spoon is a fun closed suspect cozy mystery by Jessa Maxwell. Released 7 Mar 2023 by Simon & Schuster on their Atria imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format is due out 5th Mar 2024 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. 

The vibe here is classic stately home, with a reality cooking show twist. Readers who enjoy cooking contest shows and lightly campy mystery with a classic Golden Age feel will be in raptures. The characters run the gamut and feel in some cases more sketched in, than deeply rendered. There is, however, a large collection of them and if readers were treated to -deep- character studies, the book would've topped 500 pages.

It's very well written throughout, with well constructed prose and a solidly engineered mystery. It definitely doesn't have the feel of a debut novel, and the author has some serious chops. It's well written. It's slightly heavy for a light cozy, but not at all into thriller/psychological mystery territory. The plotting technique of keeping the murder victim secret is reminiscent of ECR Lorac and Christie herself. 

Four stars. Well written. Definitely worth a read for fans of Golden Age stately home mysteries with a little lighter feel, like Clue and Knives out (though less bonkers than either). 

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

Planting for Pollinators: Creating a Garden Haven

Planting for Pollinators: Creating a Garden Haven is a well written, beautifully photographed, practical guide for gardens by Heather Angel. Released 22nd Aug 2023 by Bloomsbury, it's 240 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a book published in the UK and it has a more UK/Euro emphasis. The plants which are recommended are in -some- cases, considered non-native and in some few cases, invasive, in parts of the USA. Readers in North America should investigate the species before importing into their own gardens (which should be a given no matter -what- garden journal is being consulted). 

The book is logically arranged in chapters: basic introduction with botanical concepts and culture basics, an almanac arranged by seasons with good advice for pollinator support year round, and a lovely well considered chapter on observation of wildlife at different times of the day/year. 

It's very well written and plant suggestions are accompanied by proper nomenclature throughout. The photography in the entire volume is *stunning* (the author is an experienced and celebrated wildlife photographer). The author/publisher have also included a glossary and cross referenced index.

Five stars. Beautifully written and photographed. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, gardening club, allotment/community garden, and home use.

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

Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas

Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas is an adorable illustrated children's book for the youngest readers written by Andrew Shaffer. Due out 14th Nov 2023, it's 30 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

What a fun, quirky, and humorous holiday themed romp for all ages. Everyone knows about Rudolf, but what happens when Rudolf's off on a much needed vacation and there's nobody left to light up the way on Santa's yearly flight? This is certainly aimed a young audience, but it's charming and fun for everyone. The illustrations are simple but colorful and full of charm. 

Four and a half stars. The author has included some discussion questions & answers in the back of the book. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use and gift giving purposes. Definitely worth a look.  

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

Julia Rothman's Nature Anatomy Activity Book: Match-Ups, Word Puzzles, Quizzes, Mazes, Projects, Secret Codes + Lots More

Julia Rothman's Nature Anatomy Activity Book is a fun, accurate, well written, and illustrated activity book for kids by Julia Rothman. Due out 12th Sept 2023 from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 64 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

There are a number of different activities, and it's gratifying to see that the author has managed to make them *fun* and appealing for everyone and at the same time, basing them on actual scientific methods and observation. Kids (and facilitators) are invited to observe, count, and learn about wildlife and nature and record those observations. There are also word puzzles like scrambles and crosswords. Each page is illustrated in color. 

Five stars. Due to the nature of activity books (being written in and *used*), it's not appropriate for library acquisition. Classroom use (for which it's certainly appropriate) would require a copy for each child. This would make a great purchase for home use. 

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

South of Somewhere: Recipes and Stories from My Life in South Africa, South Korea & the American South

South of Somewhere is a well written collection of stories and recipes from the author's life in the "south" (Africa, Korea, and the USA). Released 5th Sept 2023 by Simon & Schuster on their Element imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is an appealing and attractive collection of well written recipes for a wide variety of different cuisines following along with author Dale Grey's wide ranging life on three different continents. Recipes are gathered thematically: snacks & drinks, fish & shellfish, poultry, beef, pork & lamb, eggs, vegetable heavy, sweets, and "basics" which includes sauces, gravies, spices, finishing elements, and staples. The "vegetable heavy" chapter is not strictly vegetarian and some recipes use chicken stock or other elements, but all of them have fully vegetarian options included. 

The ingredients are in a bullet list sidebar. Servings, prep, step by step cooking instructions and alternatives and prep notes are also provided in highlighted text boxes for easy reading. Ingredients are given with imperial (American) units only. 

About half the recipes are accompanied by one or more full color photos. Serving suggestions are attractive and appropriate. This is a book, warmly written, and *full* of really good food. The author/publisher have included a cross referenced index. Most of the ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Some of them will require a more specialized international grocery or online sources. 

Five stars. This is a very varied but very friendly book with lots (and lots) of good recipes. 

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

Chili Crisp: 50+ Recipes to Satisfy Your Spicy, Crunchy, Garlicky Cravings

Chili Crisp is a perfect accessory cookbook of recipes collected, developed, and curated by James Park. Released 29th Aug 2023 by Chronicle Books, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Lovers of Asian cuisine will already be familiar with the ubiquitous jars of chili crisp, the oil with flakes of delicious crispy pepper, which grace every table in their favorite restaurants. There are an infinite number of variations to be found, and the author has collected 50 favorites here for a wide variety of different uses. 

The recipes are arranged thematically: essential chili crisps,  all day breakfast & midday snacks, noodles & carbs, meat seafood & more, side dishes, and desserts (!!). Recipes are provided with an ingredient list in bullet form in a sidebar, serving size and info, and followed by step-by-step cooking instructions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units followed by metric measures in parentheses (yay!). Nutritional information is not included.

About half the recipes are accompanied by one or more full color photos. Serving suggestions are attractive and appropriate. Some of the ingredients and specialty spices will require access to a large international food store or online sources.

Four and a half stars. Wonderfully quirky, creative, and delicious recipes. 

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

Not Today, Satan

Not Today, Satan is an engaging and often humorous poetry collection by Andrew Shaffer. Released 5th Sept 2023, it's 112 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a fun, occasionally campy, often tongue-in-cheek collection of short poems and drawings. The subjects range from current and recent cultural commentary (the Twilight franchise, for example) to the meaning of life and absurdity of existence. 

This would be a good choice for folks who "usually don't read poetry". It's anything but pretentious and the author has a good grasp of free verse and arrangement. There are small line drawings scattered throughout. 

Four stars. Well done and enjoyable. Readers should note that the author does not hold back from using colorful language and there are a number of examples of curse words sprinkled throughout the poems in the collection. As such, it might not be a good choice for school library acquisition, but should be fine for public library collections, home use, and gift giving.

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

The Cottage Garden

The Cottage Garden is a well written and inspirational gardening guide to design and planning by Danish gardening expert Claus Dalby. Released 5th Sept 2023 by Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Beautifully photographed throughout, the author is meticulous about naming cultivars and providing exact names for the plants chosen. Many of the specific gardens have features which are pointed out and analyzed for readers to copy/modify for their own garden situations. The book also contains a surprising amount of history and minutiae about the gardeners responsible for the renaissance of the cottage garden aesthetic in Europe and the Americas. 

The book doesn't have a table of contents, but there's an exhaustive cross-referenced index in the back of the book. It's mostly an inspirational guide and reference to plants to choose and techniques for building a cottage-y garden, whatever size the gardener has to work with.

Four stars. Beautiful and inspirational book.It would make a good selection for public library acquisition or home use.

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

The Raging Storm - Two Rivers #3

The Raging Storm is the third procedural mystery featuring Detective Matthew Venn and his colleagues by Ann Cleeves. Released 5th Sept 2023 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 400 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

This is another beautifully written mystery set in North Devon and featuring Detective Matthew Venn, a cerebral and solemnly intelligent investigator and his ensemble team. The pacing of the investigation is unhurried and the characters built up so well and in such detail that they seem to live and breathe. The author always does a stunning job with the setting and this is no exception, a true three dimensional engrossing read. The wildness and remoteness of the coastal area, the palpable danger of a huge coastal storm, and the bravery and dedication of the folks involved in search and rescue are all beautifully and believably rendered by the author.

Although it's the third book in the series, it works well enough 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.

The author does a good job of showing the frustrations and difficulties of dealing with the challenges of a very ill child and the lengths to which families must accommodate. The language is rough in places (R-rated), and there are some blood/gore descriptions on page, but nothing egregious.

The audiobook is unabridged, has a run time of slightly over 10 hours, and is most expertly narrated by series narrator Jack Holden. He has a pleasantly nuanced voice and manages numerous characters with widely divergent accents (and ages, and both sexes) impressively well. One of the main characters is from Liverpool, the secondary characters are varied and have accents from Scotland to the Southwest and points in between, and he manages all of them with expertise and precision. Sound quality and production values are high throughout the recording.

Five stars for the book itself, five for the audiobook. This is a superlative series. It would make a great choice for a mystery book club read, or buddy/binge read.

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

Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden: Innovative Techniques for Combining Bulbs and Perennials in Every Season

 

Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden is a gardening theory and planning guide by Jacqueline van der Kloet. Due out 7th May 2024 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover format. Originally published in Dutch in 2022, this English language edition is updated and well translated and formatted.

The author is an experienced designer and well known gardening authority, and the book is full of dreamy pictures of flowering bulbs and perennials in gorgeous stately garden settings. All the (many!) photos are well labeled with species and varietal names; readers will want to keep a notebook at hand when leafing through the guide in order to jot down ideas, and they are legion. The information is well arranged, from the basics "what is a bulb, how to source and use them" through to very specific planning, design, and culture considerations. The author has also included a list of her favorite varieties to help inspire readers to adopt some of them in their own gardens. 

Many of the designs will be outside of *most* private home gardeners, they're mostly pictures to inspire, rather than to copy/recreate. That being said, the author is very generous with information and often inspired in combining unusual colors and forms together.

The style throughout is conversational, she talks at length about her own gardening journey and the places she's designed and developed as well as her own gardens (extensively). 

Four stars. This would be a good selection for public or school library, gardening groups, community gardens/allotments, and home use. 

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

Untethered Sky

Untethered Sky is a beautifully lyrical and well written adventure fantasy novella by veteran fantasist Fonda Lee. Released 11th April 2023 by Macmillan on their Tor/Forge imprint, it's 160 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats. 

The pacing in this very pared-down story was odd and it wasn't always satisfyingly filled out. That being said, it's a short very well written story about a roc handler and her charge, Zahra. It's a traditional fantasy setting, and the characters are well rendered and believable (in context). I don't think the author has ever produced a bad piece of writing, and this is no exception. She's outstanding at character and setting and this short novel is enjoyable. 

Four stars. Odd pacing, short in stature, and spare, it's nonetheless worthwhile to seek out. 

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

The Beast Keepers

The Beast Keepers is a whimsical light slice of life rural fantasy with strong romance subplot by Julie Fudge Smith. Released 1st Aug 2023 by Boyle & Dalton, it's 321 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats. 

This is a fantasy featuring a young veterinarian who moves to rural Appalachian Ohio to join a multi-animal veterinary practice. His daily life includes the more mundane patients like cats, dogs, and horses, but also exotics such as inebriated flying monkeys, unicorns, and talking dogs. The book is full of charm and whimsy, but the pacing is often off (years pass in a few pages and then there are pages written about single days). 

Three and a half stars. It's a debut book, and could have benefited from a more thorough editing process, but it's quite readable and fun. Very light and whimsical fantasy. It's unclear from the publisher/author info provided for review, but it would be nice to find out what's in store for Dr. Roche and his canine companion.

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

50 Hikes with Kids Texas

 

50 Hikes with Kids Texas is an engaging, accessible, and useful guide to family friendly local hikes in different areas of Texas. Due out 17th Oct 2023 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This handbook is full of ideas for planning family hiking and finding opportunities to experience nature together. It's specifically aimed at kid friendly areas with practical suggestions for planning, choosing, and executing trips. The general introductory chapters contain numbered key tables with both names and features of each hike. Readers can look for general locations, plan an itinerary, or choose destinations based on geographical or historical features.

The hikes are arranged roughly geographically:West Tx/Big Bend, Panhandle Plains, Hill Country, prairies & lakes, piney woods, and the coastal plains. Each trip guide includes maps, points of interest, length (important!), elevation gain, difficulty, seasons of interest (many are year-round), directions, fees, facilities, extra treats and features, and contact information for the sites. 

The book is beautifully illustrated throughout, with topographical and local maps, color photography, and line drawn illustrations. There are beautiful clear photos of local nature and wildlife as well.

This is a valuable guide. It is part of a series of hike/destination planners for different areas of the USA from the same publisher. It would be a great choice for home use as well as library acquisition. 

Five stars. 

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

50 Hikes with Kids Colorado

50 Hikes with Kids Colorado is an engaging, accessible, and very useful guide to family friendly local hikes in Colorado. Due out 5th Sept 2023 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 284 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This handbook is full of ideas for planning family hiking and finding opportunities to experience nature together. It's specifically aimed at kid friendly areas with practical suggestions for planning, choosing, and executing trips. The general introductory chapters contain numbered key tables with both names and features of each hike. Readers can look for general locations, plan an itinerary, or choose destinations based on geographical or historical features.

The hikes are arranged roughly geographically: the Front range, north and central Rockies, Plateau lands, southern Rockies, and the eastern plains. Each trip guide includes maps, points of interest, length (important!), elevation gain, difficulty, seasons of interest (many are year-round), directions, fees, facilities, extra treats and features, and contact information for the sites. 

The book is beautifully illustrated throughout, with topographical and local maps, color photography, and line drawn illustrations. There are beautiful clear photos of local nature and wildlife as well.

This is a valuable guide. It is part of a series of hike/destination planners for different areas of the USA from the same publisher. It would be a great choice for home use as well as library acquisition. 

Five stars. 

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

Cozy Case Files, Volume 19: A Cozy Mystery Sampler

 

Cozy Case Files, Volume 19 is a sneak-preview collection of 8 new cozy mystery series novels. Released 22nd Aug 2023 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 243 pages and can be accessed on most ebook retailers (Amazon, Rakuten/Kobo etc) to download and read for free. This is the 19th cozy mystery sampler from Minotaur.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

The collection includes a few chapters from each of 8 upcoming cozy mysteries by Celeste Connally, Korina Moss, M.C. Beaton (with R.W. Green), Cate Conte,Ellie Alexander, Elizabeth Penney, Diane Kelly, and Donna Andrews.  One of the previews is a series debut (set in Regency England) which is always exciting, and there are several veteran authors with new books in very well established series.

All of them are appealing, and all of the included mysteries are reviewed (or scheduled) on my blog.  The full mysteries themselves are all in the 4-5 star range, all are entertaining and well crafted. There are some good series releases coming up in 4th quarter 2023 to keep cozy mystery lovers entertained.

Definitely worth downloading the collection to test sample the upcoming books. Four and a half stars for the collection as a whole.

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

The Rewards of Treachery - Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain #20

The Rewards of Treachery is the 20th historical Libertus mystery set in ancient Roman Britain by Rosemary Rowe. Released 4th April 2023 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback format will be available from the same publisher in late 4th quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a beautifully well researched and lyrically written mystery with depth and verisimilitude. The main protagonist is unequivocally intelligent and analytical. Although series protagonist Libertus fled at the end of the previous book, his adopted son Junio steps into the main role of somewhat reluctant investigator in this installment. There are ties to a much larger plot than a missing brooch and vanished local jeweler, including political unrest and murder.

Although it's not derivative in the slightest, the protagonist and the style remind me a lot of the wonderful Father Cadfael mysteries with glimpses of Barbara Tuchmann. Fans of Ellis' inimitable books will find a lot to enjoy here. As a long (long!) series, the characters live and breathe. The scenery and story are interwoven so skillfully around a framework of actual historical records that it's not at all easy to differentiate where fiction becomes real events. There are small historical details about the daily life and realities of the time period and a great deal of culture in the mix as well. 

With so many books extant in the series, it would make a good choice for binge or buddy read. The story is self contained here, so it's not necessary to have read the previous books. The epilogue in this book resolves series MC  Libertus' disappearance in previous books. If read out of order, expect spoilers for earlier books in the series.

Four and a half stars. Quite extraordinarily well written, immersive, and high quality mystery.

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

 

Maidens of the Cave - Stone Maidens #2

Maidens of the Cave is the second procedural crime thriller featuring FBI forensic anthropologist Christine Prusik, written by Lloyd Devereux Richards. Released 1st Aug 2023 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow paperbacks imprint, it's 368 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a gritty, well written FBI serial killer procedural featuring an unconventional forensic anthropologist investigator who is often at loggerheads with her supervisors and doesn't have time for office politics when there are evil people to be brought to justice. 

It's very tensely written; an action driven lone wolf dogged investigator with loads of atmosphere and a feeling of real threat. The opening scene, almost a prologue, which sets up the entire story arc was honestly quite difficult to read in its brutality. The author has very good technical expertise with descriptive prose, and although the dialogue is a bit rough in places, it's never clunky and I never found myself yanked out of the story by overwrought descriptions or action. The plot hinges on some outlandish methods of murder, and, fair props to the author, a twist, which he got 100% correct. (Well played, sir. Well played).

This is definitely not a cozy mystery and much of the action, which includes poisoning, violent murder, and child abuse (may be potentially triggering to some readers. Despite being the second book in the series, all necessary back-story is provided in context, and the mystery is self contained in this volume, so it could be read as a standalone. 

The author is adept and competent. Although it's not at all derivative, the vibe here felt a lot like Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme books, and fans of that series will likely enjoy this one as well. Although it's tempting to compare the protagonist to the Temperance Brennan (Bones) books, this series is much darker and more graphic in both description and plot.

Four stars. 

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

Mini Kawaii Kitties: Learn How to Draw 75 Cats in All Their Glory

 

Mini Kawaii Kitties is an adorable tutorial drawing guide for all ages by Olive Yong. Originally released in 2021 from Quarto on their Rock Point imprint, this second edition is due out in Oct 2023. It's 144 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

There is a sweetly whimsical innocence about these kitties which just bring the smiles. There are 75 step by step tutorials with kitties doing adorable kitty things as well as fantasy kitties (mermaid kitty, cheering kitty, kitties in costumes - so many kitties). The tutorials are arranged thematically: general introduction with basic tutorials, playtime, daily activities, being curious, playing dress up, sharing love, discovering breeds, bon appetit, and some coloring pages. 

The tutorials are very simply written with small achievable steps for a surprisingly detailed finish. I am a beginner with drawing and I was able to achieve credible results with these tutorials. They're a lot of fun to do. I would heartily recommend this one for gift giving (perhaps bundled with a sketch pad and some pens/markers?), library, classroom or makers' group. I would also recommend this book to babysitters, grandparents, parents, and basically anyone who spends a fair bit of time with small kids in order to up their 'draw with me' game.

Five stars. A truly happy book.

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

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany - Miss Ashford Investigates #3

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany is the third historical cozy mystery by Vivian Conroy to feature amateur high society discreet inquiry agent Miss Atalanta Ashford. Released 13th April 2023 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's 369 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a well written destination mystery very much in the style of the Golden Age; more Marsh/Sayers than Christie. It's full of well-heeled high society characters, moderately witty repartee, and gentility. The plot is straightforward with a satisfying denouement and resolution. Although it's the 3rd book in the series, it is self contained and works well as a standalone. 

With four books extant in the series, it would make a good choice for a long weekend binge or buddy read. The language is clean and the crimes are cozy acceptable and not bloody. 

Four stars. Well written and engaging. 

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