The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England

 

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England is the second "Secret Project" kickstarter funded fantasy by Brandon Sanderson. Released 27th June 2023 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in June 2024 from the same publisher. 

This is a humorously zany adventure/time travel(but not really)/SF mashup, and very much in a lighter Sanderson style. He has taken Clarke's law (sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic) and expounded on it to the Nth degree, and the result will either delight or dismay, with not much overlap. Some of the humor is straight up silly (which can be a good thing). There are a number of "Army of the Dead" type jokes ("This is my BOOMSTICK") which will be a definite hit or miss, depending on readers' current mood.

One thing which hasn't been discussed much in reviews is the inclusion of the delightful incidental pencil art by Steve Argyle. It enhances the read surprisingly much. Simple but subtly rendered B&W pencils and digital art, they invite a pause & look. 

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 9 hours and 12 minutes and is well narrated by Michael Kramer and in counterpoint by Kate Reading. He has a neutral midwest American accent and does a good job of the read. He has a surprisingly intense voice, but isn't overly dramatic, and it doesn't overpower the story. The narration alternates with Kate Reading, also adept and one of the better known narrators on Audible and other platforms. She has a classically trained theatre voice, but again, not at all a detraction. They work well together although they're quite disparate in accent and emphasis, and readers will find they soon settle into the story without being overpowered by the narration. 

Four stars for the story, with the codicil that readers should probably be looking for a mostly silly adventure on a par with Terry Brooks or Piers Anthony (and also keeping in mind that the tone's a lot more serious/straight in the last third of the book). It would make a nice choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and buddy reading. 

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

Murder Off the Books - By the Book Mysteries #3

Murder Off the Books is the third book in the By the Book cozy series by Tamara Berry. Released 30th May 2023 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 336 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a fun ever-so-slightly gritty small town cozy with an intelligent female protagonist it's easy to identify with and root for. There are the requisite small town eccentric characters aplenty, and protagonist Tess' plan for trying to improve her reputation with the local townies by -not- getting involved with murder and crime for a while goes badly awry when Tess' mom shows up with her new boyfriend in tow, and he winds up murdered in short order (oops!).

I love small-town mysteries and bookish mysteries and this one combines both. The plot is often over the top, believability-wise, but still well within the constraints of the genre, and won't break readers' suspension of disbelief. The author is adept with description and dialogue and I loved Tess' interactions with her teenaged daughter a lot.

Four stars. Definitely worth a look for fans of bookish small-town cozies. It works well enough as a standalone, but with three books out it would also be a good candidate for a weekend mini-binge/buddy read. 

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

Rogue Justice - Avery Keene #2

Rogue Justice is the second book featuring Avery Keene written by Stacey Abrams. Released 23rd May 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Doubleday imprint, it's 368 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.

It's always fun to see really clever people doing things they're good at. Ms. Abrams is well known as a lawmaker, voting rights advocate, legal professional, and politician. She's perhaps less-well-known as an accomplished author, but certainly no less talented. She writes, and writes very well. This is a well constructed and engaging legal procedural mystery which is fast paced and with a solidly constructed plot. All the parts are engineered well and work to a satisfying denouement and resolution. 

There are some difficulties with an overabundance of secondary characters which were sometimes a challenge to keep straight during the read. The ebook format is recommended for the ability to do text searches for that reason. At several places, the narrative felt a little too much like it was taken directly from the headlines and much less like a spy thriller, but here we are. 

I cannot imagine that Ms. Abrams has time to sleep, given her schedule and professional commitments. She must be an incredibly gifted time manager, writing and publishing books, speaking publicly, making policy and advocating.

This is the second book of an ongoing series, and especially given the intricacy of the plot and the plethora of characters, the books should be read in order. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition and potentially for mystery book club discussion or a buddy read. 

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

Epic Homesteading: Your Guide to Self-Sufficiency on a Modern, High-Tech, Backyard Homestead

Epic Homesteading is an accessible and well written guide to increasing self sufficiency in the backyard where-we-are-now written and curated by Kevin Espiritu. Due out 9th Jan 2024 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The author is experienced and well-versed with different gardening sites and their challenges and offers readers creative solutions to limits in space and budget which affect nearly all of us. He has a positive and upbeat style of writing with a lot of encouragement and a you-can-do-it motivational style.

Food scarcity, rising costs, quality & selection, supply line disruption, and resource security are ever-present issues, and they're not likely to get better anytime soon. Decades ago, self-sufficiency was mostly the purview of the very rural areas as well as some isolationist "doomsday" fringe philosophies. That has happily changed, and now there are creative solutions to improve outcomes even for suburban micro-homesteaders who wish to increase their garden efficiency and self-sufficiency in their own daily lives.

The book has a logical layout, information is arranged thematically in chapters: site selection, outdoor food growing, indoor food growing, orchard, composting (a solid and useful chapter), energy systems, water conservation, mini-livestock, and food preservation & storage.

It's well photographed throughout, in color. Tutorials are explained clearly and simply, in understandable language which can be understood by laypeople. Each tutorial includes tools and supplies in a sidebar bullet list, followed by step by step instructions. The photographs are clear and understandable. This -is- a guide from Epic Gardening, and as such, the supplies pictured and used in the tutorials are their brand name products. It's not heavy handed, but it is present. Readers can (and should) use their own available supplies. 

Four stars. Well written and usable. It would be a good choice for the urban gardener, homesteader, self-sufficiency interested folks, as well as public or school library acquisition.

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

Mortal Follies

Mortal Follies is the first book in a new fantasy historical romance series written by Alexis Hall. Released 6th June 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 416 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 slow moving romantic historical fantasy with a F/F lead. It's well written, and the historical (alternate timeline) background seems to be well researched and believable. It moves ponderously in places, and overall the pacing is on the very slow side, especially in the second half of the book. It's also in first person narrative from the PoV of a literal Puckish sprite, à la Midsummer Night's Dream whose constant asides and direct asides to the reader get to be a bit much in places. 

Normally Regency fantasy romance is a no-fail winner. This one is a mixed blessing due to side-plot lines which go nowhere, lack of world building, annoying narrator, and glacial pace (especially in the second half).

The author is clearly, undeniably, talented and knows his craft; it shines through the writing. The execution and/or possibly a less-than-ruthless editing process in this particular volume led to a less-than-stellar end product. 

Three stars. 

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

 

No One Needs to Know

No One Needs to Know is a standalone crime thriller by Lindsay Cameron. Released 9th May 2023 by Random House on their Bantam imprint, 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 moody, atmospheric, and tense thriller with a moderately over-the-top premise, and a collection of scary, mostly awful, rich NYC moms. Users of an anonymous app which is *location based* bare their darkest innermost secrets to others in their vicinity (drugs, infidelity, etc). Of course the app gets hacked and murder and skullduggery ensue as a direct result. The action driven plot is full of acid gossip, cringy behavior, and backstabbing.

The writing is the high point of the read. The author is quite adept at setting and dialogue and a deftness with description which, in less talented hands, would have readers running for the exits. It's mean girls on steroids with some Real Housewives thrown in the mix. 

Four stars. Enjoyable, despite the utterly bonkers premise. The release version of the book will have some reader's guide/discussion info, and as such would make a good book club selection. It would also make a good buddy read. 

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

Tasty Home: Life Skills: From Organizing Your Kitchen to Saving a Houseplant, Money-Saving Hacks and Easy DIYs You Need to Know

Tasty Home: Life Skills is an accessible and useful collection of tips and tricks for home and organization curated by the staff of Tasty Home on Buzzfeed and on their popular YouTube channel. Due out 7th Nov 2023 from Simon & Schuster on their Adams Media imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is Tasty Home in print format. It's a collection of useful, interesting, and "oh, I never thought of that" tips and tricks for streamlining and learning skills, from sensible kitchen organization to sewing on a button. Many (possibly most) are things which folks of yesteryear either took for granted (clothes maintenance, since they didn't *have* duplicates) or weren't an issue at all (digital and electronics clutter). 

The book is arranged in chapters of short, bite sized tips: cleaning & organizing, home decor & improvement, clothing & laundry, cooking & entertaining, beauty & wellness, and gardening & outdoors. There's also an index, to make specific tips easier to find. The info is arranged in paragraph length short entries, with several per page in each category.  Many are quite sensible and potentially obvious, but many of them are ingenious, creative, and time saving. 

It's well illustrated and full of colorful clear photography throughout. The writing style is upbeat and easily accessible. 

Four stars. This would be a good public or school library acquisition, and a great "care package" moving out gift (bundled with cleaning supplies and housewares) to newly fledged young adults living on their own for the first time. 

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

Murder in the Scottish Hills - The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency #2

 

Murder in the Scottish Hills is the second Scottish Ladies Detective Agency historical cozy by Lydia Travers. Released 26th May 2023, it's 323 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. . It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free, alongside the other books in the series.

This is a fun and well written historical cozy with an appealing cast of female private investigators (a well born young woman and her assistant, who was also her former lady's maid) during the early 1900s, set in Scotland. Protagonist Maud has set up as a private enquiry agent, despite strongly sexist discouragement, and is drawn into adventure and danger again when she and Daisy literally find a body on a train.

The plot is well organized and the characters are rendered (mostly) believably. It's a historical cozy, so there are some period appropriate bits of dialogue and commentary which give the book a historical feel, but not so much as to be awkward or yank readers out of their suspension of disbelief. It's a light read; there's no graphic violence or rough language. Well written and civilized, readers who enjoy early golden age mysteries will likely find it, and the other books in the series, appealing.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 43 minutes and is read by series narrator Helen McAlpine. She has a light alto voice with a warm Scottish accent, but does an impressive job of a range of Scots regional accents -as well as- Irish and English without making it a wince-fest; quite an achievement. Ms. McAlpine's voice is relaxing and well rounded and easy to listen to. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. It works perfectly well as a standalone read, but readers who enjoy series cozies will enjoy all three books, and it would make a nice short binge/buddy read. All are currently listed on Kindle Unlimited to borrow with a subscription to KU. 

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

Run to the Blue

Run to the Blue is a is a well written standalone thriller by PN Johnson. Released 12th April 2023 by Burning Chair, it's 304 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. 

This is an action driven thriller with an intelligent female protagonist and relentless pace. The characters are well rendered, the dialogue flows well and it's not clunky or awkward, and the star of the show is beautifully drawn settings and descriptions. Set in and around Paxos, Greece, the island paradise setting is used to advantage against the very palpable sense of threat and dread. Excellent writing.

Four stars. Fast paced, delicious, beach read or weekend binge.

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

Beautiful Bread: Create & Bake Artful Masterpieces for Any Occasion

Beautiful Bread is a stunning collection of recipes and tutorials for instagram-perfect baked goods (mostly focaccia) by Theresa Culletto. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Quarto on their Rock Point imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is an inspirational guide to creating beautifully styled breads. The designs are mostly floral/botanical in nature and they're all fully edible. Detailing is created by the use of edible flowers, spices, herbs, and vegetables (see cover). 

The book's introduction covers tools, ingredients, and supplies, followed by basic focaccia recipes. The following inspiration/tutorial chapters are grouped roughly thematically: flowers, artist inspired (including a jaw-dropping reinterpretation of van Gogh's Irises), nature inspired, and holiday recipes/bakes. 

Recipe ingredients are listed in a bullet sidebar for each bread, followed by step-by-step instructions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units only. Necessary supplies will be available at any well stocked grocery store in most of North America. Access to a wide variety of edible flowers, fresh herbs, and spices will be necessary for many of them. 

Although it's undoubtedly a niche genre, making really beautiful and wholesome focaccia for special occasions and for gift giving, the extra love and consideration in these breads will provide both satisfaction to the baker -and- to the recipients. And they are, all of them, absolutely instagram worthy. 

Four stars, this would be a great choice for public and/or school library acquisition, for gifting to cookbook collecting friends, and for home use. 

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

How to Forage for Wild Foods without Dying: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Identifying 40 Edible Wild Plants

How to Forage for Wild Foods without Dying is a beginner-friendly, accessible, and well written guide to foraging food items from the wild for consumption written and curated by Ellen Zachos. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 250 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This book has an interesting format in that it presupposes zero previous knowledge on the reader's part, and also divides the plant entries by areas in which they're commonly found. The chapters are thematic: introductory basic info, plants which grow everywhere, green plants in sunny disturbed soil, sun loving trees & shrubs, dappled edges & shady plants, and wet areas. There is also a good chapter with techniques and advice for preserving and using the harvests.

The book uses simple, accessible language as well as lots (and lots!) of clear photos to aid in identification. The author expends considerable effort covering sustainability (don't ever overforage), safety & ID, and responsible use of shrinking communal resources. The book has a North American focus, but many (most) of the plants have a much wider range, so the book will be useful to readers from outside North America.

Five stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library use, gifting, home use, and for community/allotment gardens, and activity groups and smallholders/self-sufficiency folks. 

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

The Cayuga Island Kids Series

The Cayuga Island Kids Series is a 3-in-1 volume set of mystery books for kids by Judy Bradbury. Released in this volume 1st Sept 2023, it's 300 pages for all three books 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 throughout. 

This is a well written set of illustrated books aimed at early readers (~7-9 years). They have an emphasis on problem solving, critical thinking, reasoning, and cooperation. The protagonists are 5 youngsters who all have distinct personalities and strengths. The adventures are all age appropriate and well written. 

This would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition. There's a companion guide for educators available from the author and the publisher to facilitate discussion and deeper understanding of the stories. 

They are well illustrated throughout by Gabriella Vagnoli. Her simple and whimsical style complements the narrative very well and the pictures are full of small details which invite a closer look. 

It's a positive feature of the books that the 5 friends who are the main characters have different strengths which complement one another as well as that they're from different ethnic and family backgrounds. Representation is so very important and it's nice that readers will find more than one main character to identify with. 

Four and a half stars. Well written, appealingly illustrated, age appropriate, and good storytelling. 

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

Case of the Bleus - Cheese Shop Mystery #4

Case of the Bleus is the fourth Cheese Shop cozy mystery by Korina Moss. Due out 26th Sept 2023 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

Cheese shop owner Willa Bauer is back with her quirky helpers, her cheese store Curds & Whey, lots and lots of cheese trivia, and a well constructed puzzle to solve. This time, there's a lost recipe for an award winning bleu cheese and cheesemakers dropping dead. It's up to cheesemonger Willa and friends to get to the bottom of the mystery. 

As with most cozies, the emphasis is on the characters and the puzzle. The crimes are described off-scene and without being gruesome. The language is very clean. The series continues to improve, from a strong start, and the ensemble cast of Willa and her employees continue to mesh and become more three dimensional and believable (for a cozy)

Although it's the fourth book in the series, the plot arc and resolution are self-contained, and it works well enough as a standalone. With four books currently in the series, it would make a good choice for a cozy series binge or buddy read.

Four stars. Definitely one for shopfront cozy fans. It's full of esoteric cheese minutiae and I found a number of specialty cheeses I'm looking forward to trying. The author has also included intriguing cheese themed recipes for a ham & blue cheese tart and Gorgonzola garlic bread (yum!).

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

The New Brownies' Book: A Love Letter to Black Families

The New Brownies' Book is a beautifully photographed and curated collection of words and pictures based on W.E.B. Du Bois' original Brownies' Book (magazine published in 1920-21), and full of art and stories for and about black kids and their experiences. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Chronicle Books, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a beautifully edited anthology and a worthwhile read. The editors, Dr. Karida L. Brown, and fine artist Charly Palmer, have done a thorough job of curating a collection that is positive, thought provoking, uplifting, and visually appealing. The various writers and visual artists whose works make up the contributions are a mixed lot, but all contribute something tangible to the book as a whole. Readers will definitely be challenged, but also will be moved. This is a collection which is entirely age-appropriate, and it will be a good selection for public or school library acquisition, but will also affect adults in a different way, with a deeper understanding. 

Five stars. Definitely worthwhile. 

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

The One Minute Cure: The Secret To Curing All Diseases

The One Minute Cure: The Secret To Curing All Diseases is a pseudo-scientific unproven, unfounded, unscientific screed about the greed and corruption of "big pharma" presented by Madison Cavanaugh. Released in 2008, and repackaged and re-released since, this edition is 168 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Folksy wisdom tells us that if "anything seems too good to be true" it almost certainly is. This author claims that this simple method will *cure* "virtually all diseases" and lumps together everything from cancer to diabetes to viral and bacterial infections and parasites. The reason we're only just now hearing about it is because of the mafia-like influence of "big pharma" which loses money if people get cured. This is a particularly American conspiracy theory since "big pharma" and the "mainstream medical system" are not-for-profit in virtually *every* other country on the planet. The people devoting their lives to saving their fellow humans are (for the most part) genuinely altruistic and genuinely fighting to helping forward the science to improve outcomes in everything from infectious disease to cancer and chronic and lifestyle diseases. Understand that there is no shadow science-nerd organization dedicated to killing people for profit and keeping the good info back to make money.

Hydrogen peroxide is unstable (that's why you buy it in brown or opaque bottles, even light will turn it into gaseous Oxygen and plain water). Furthermore H₂O₂ in its native form is actively carcinogenic. The human body is complex. The physio-chemical processes that drive absolutely everything from digestion and respiration to cellular responses to stress (in the form of infection, damage, lack of resources, etc) are driven by an incredibly complex set of controls and safety checks. Cells will literally kill themselves rather than damage their neighbor cells (when this security feature stops working is what we call cancer). Trying to bypass these checks and balances will not generally lead to any good outcome and at best will have no effect whatsoever (our stomach environments are extremely acidic, killing just about any bacteria and parasites we ingest, as well as instantly turning peroxide into water and oxygen gas... it does NOT go into your bloodstream), and at worst will kill you.

The author does an appalling job of wildly equating studies which show that exposure to hydrogen peroxide in *toxic* concentrations will kill cancer cells, viruses, bacteria, and systemic damage in vitro (in the lab, OUTSIDE the body), and then logically equating that with the same results from drinking (supposedly) non-toxic concentrations of peroxide in water orally throughout the day in vivo (in the body). 

To sum up, there is no reproducible scientific evidence that oral ingestion of hydrogen peroxide will have any positive effect on disease and a literal TON of contra-evidence, not because the medical establishment wants to keep people sick to make a profit, but because it's just sadly not true. This book is absolutely full of pseudo-scientific malarkey, dangerously so. 

Rigid, formal, REPRODUCIBLE science is what cures disease. There are millions of very intelligent, truly driven, altruistic scientists who would love nothing more than to cure cancer (and collect the resultant Nobel in physiology or medicine). It's not going to be done by perpetuating positivity, crystals, or manifestation... or by selling more copies of her book which she suggests readers do, for their friends and family. 

She provides a link to NCBI and says "type hydrogen peroxide into the search bar" and look at the 104,266 results knowing that the vast vast majority of readers will not have the background or interest to *read* any of them, most of which are basically saying "please don't drink peroxide, it's dangerous, we tested it and we can prove it". 

Bad BAD science, badly formulated. Big pharma is not out to get you. Turn off Fox news and Breitbart and Q-anon. PS A free tip from an actual professional bio-nerd: if anything claims to be a panacea, cure-all, miracle cure, *run* the other direction. The "magic bullet" almost never exists.

One star. Avoid. 

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

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas

 

 

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas is the 28th (!!!) Andy Carpenter legal procedural mystery by David Rosenfelt. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Macmillan on their Minotaur 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 throughout. Ebooks with interactive formats are great; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function. 

For current fans of the series, this is a good one. It's full of the same sarcastic, warm humor and the same ensemble cast as previous entries in the series (with the absence of Edna, who's found a second career, planning her wedding destination which changes with alarming frequency). Andy Carpenter is, of course, central to the story and still trying to figure out how to stay retired and avoid working. This is such a long running and consistently well written series that saying it's "more of the same, worked around a different mystery" should be enough of a recommendation by itself. Although it's the 28th book in the series, the mystery is self contained and the necessary back-story is written in albeit with a few major spoilers for previous books. I heartily recommend the whole series. 

This is pure comfort reading. It's got a likable protagonist, an engaging mystery, humorous dialogue, and a solid climax, denouement, and resolution. I adore Andy's supporting team, and of course Marcus and Laurie are there to save Andy and keep him in functional form to perform his courtroom magic. As always there are adorable canine characters aplenty, adding a lot of fun to the story.

The audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 33 minutes and is expertly narrated by Grover Gardner who manages to juggle the various accents and characters of all ages and both sexes without problems. I found myself grinning and laughing along several places with the wonderful narration. The read was definitely enhanced by the narrator. The sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.

Four and a half stars for both the text and audiobook versions. All around fun read. 

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

 

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe: A Celebration of Our Best Recipes and Memories

 

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe is a brilliant collection of recipes and tutorials by Colleen Worthington. Released 3rd Oct 2023 by Shadow Mountain Publishing, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

This is a huge collection of family-gathering-worthy high quality recipes with eye appeal, quality ingredients, and taste. The author(s) are known for artisanal breads and baked goods, but their restaurants also serve soups, sandwiches, and other foods, and this is a huge compilation of menu items to prepare at home. 

The recipes are arranged thematically: breakfast, salad, sandwiches, soups, drinks, breads, dips & spreads, stuffings & croutons, cakes & trifles, cookies & bars, pies & puddings, and sweets & treats. Recipes include an introduction/background, bullet list of ingredients in a sidebar, and full prep and cooking directions. Ingredient measures are provided in imperial (American) units only. Nutritional information is not included. 

Most ingredients will be readily available at any moderately large grocery store in North America. 

The photography is clear and in color throughout the book. Serving suggestions are attractive, well styled, and appetizing. The author has also included highlighted text boxes with alternative presentations and "Tasty tips" for improving the recipes. 

Five stars. This is a really well rounded collection and would make a superlative choice for public library acquisition, for holiday gifting, and for home use. It is full of classic recipes and will become a standard go-to in the kitchen. There are many many cookie/cake/sweets recipes which are perfect for get-togethers, potlucks, and holiday entertaining. 

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

 

Wandering through Life: A Memoir

Wandering through Life is a thoughtful and well written memoir by Donna Leon. Released 19th Sept 2023 by Grove Atlantic, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

Donna Leon has enjoyed remarkable longevity as an author, and a wonderfully broad number of different careers over 8 decades of her well-lived life. This is a meandering and unhurried series of vignettes detailing some of her experiences. Biography fans who look forward to facts and dates will have to dig a bit deeper; this volume is presented as a series of recollections, gathered loosely thematically: America (early life), wandering the globe, Italy, and later experiences living in Switzerland and elsewhere.

The pacing is very slow, meandering, and full of reminiscence. She writes with wit and humor about her long life and career as an author.

Four stars. Enjoyable, especially for readers who are already fans of the author. It would make a good choice for gifting or public library acquisition. 

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

Murders of a Feather: A Veterinarian Cozy Mystery

 

Murders of a Feather is the 3rd cozy featuring veterinarian Dr. Kate written by Dr. Eileen Brady. Released 3rd Oct 2023 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 384 pages and is available in mass market 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 had read the previous books in the series and had really enjoyed the gentle pace of these cozies along with the quirky secondary characters (and all their pets).  It's also cool that that the author slips in the occasional good suggestion for responsible pet ownership without being strident or snarky. 

The plot develops gradually, the dialogue is smooth and not clunky. The denouement was a bit over the top, but that's why most cozy fans are reading the amateur sleuth genre anyhow. It's refreshing that Dr. Kate can take care of herself and readers will be cheering and *high fiving* at the end. There's a strong romance subplot, but it doesn't take over the story (too much). It's a Valentine's day themed story, so there's a fair bit of holiday romance included, but nothing too spicy. 

The language is clean and there is no graphic on-page violence. The author has 4 books in an earlier series with the same main character, but the continuity is a trifle iffy between the 7 books, so readers should treat them as 2 separate series and proceed accordingly.

Four stars. This book (and the series) are well written and comfortably fun cozy reads.  It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, binge/buddy read, or for fans of animal cozies. 

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

Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature

Been Outside is a thoughtful collection of essays and recollections on the power of nature and the outdoor experience from the point of view of gender noncomforming, nonbinary, and women of color edited by Drs. Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore. Released 1st Oct 2023 by Mountaineers Books, it's 208 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.  

Science and medicine have long been in consensus about the undeniable mental and physiological benefits of being outdoors and interacting with nature. There's a large disconnect between representation of non"mainstream" nature lovers in the media: the vast majority are white, college educated, middle class +. The real truth is much more complex and nuanced (completely ignoring the millenia of indigenous people who have learned and interacted with nature as a matter of course, which is the *point*, in many/most cases they've been ignored or erased). This book grew out of a desire to document the experiences and knowledge of black, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming nature lovers and that is exactly what they have done. 

Although the editors started their process by concentrating on gathering the stories of STEM folks (they're both STEM educators, and started with their wider peer groups), the book grew to include stories written by academics in other fields, alongside creative writers and outdoors enthusiasts. It's heavily weighted toward academics, but the writing is very much layman accessible, readable, and often thought provoking. 

It's interesting and educational. Representation is -so- important and it's to be sincerely hoped that this book will encourage and pave the way for more young people in STEM fields.

Five stars. There are woefully few books with a focus on diversity in STEM which are layman accessible. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, gifting, or home use. 

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

The Encyclopedia of the Weird and Wonderful: Curious and Incredible Facts that Will Blow Your Mind

The Encyclopedia of the Weird and Wonderful is a fascinating, accessible, and well curated collection of facts gathered by Milo Rossi. Released 3rd Oct 2023 by Quarto on their Wellfleet Press imprint, it's 256 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is an all-ages encyclopedia (mostly aimed at middle grades and older) chock full of interesting tidbits about human expansion and prehistory, innovation, natural history, and development. The chapters are arranged thematically: prehistory, food & drink, animal domestication, play & leisure, rites & rituals, love & sexuality (age appropriate), fashion & beauty, education & work, sickness & health, funerary rites (death).  Each chapter has numerous short articles of a few paragraphs explaining interesting facets of social groups, traditions, and societies. 

It's colorfully illustrated throughout. There are no photographs, but line drawings enhance the text (see cover art). The author/publisher have also provided a fairly comprehensive bibliography and references as well as a cross-referenced index. 

Four stars. This would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving. 

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

The Waxwork Man -

 

Summons to Murder is the 11th Charles Dickens investigation by J.C. Briggs. Released 15th Sept 2023 by Sapere Books, it's 314 pages (print edition) 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 (along with the rest of the series) is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a engagingly well written and plotted historical mystery series with three dimensional characters and a commendable Dickens vibe in the situations, settings, and characterizations. I've enjoyed these historical mysteries set in the middle of the 19th century in London and environs. Fictional sleuth Dickens is clever, loyal, dogged, and practical and his friendship and cooperative investigation with superintendent Sam Jones makes for engaging and entertaining reading. The plots are always convoluted and well engineered, full of twists and surprises. The story itself is written around a framework of real historical events and people and so well entwined that it's not always apparent where reality shades over into fiction. Each of the mysteries works well as a standalone with a self contained mystery, plotline, denouement, and resolution. 

This installment is quite macabre in places and has a definitely spooky vibe with lots of jump scares and bizarre twists. Waxwork figures are creepy by definition and this volume is *full* of outré characters and events. Perfect for Hallowe'en reading.

Four stars.

Overall, it's a good read and a quality example of the historical-person-as-amateur-sleuth sub-genre. With 11 books extant in the seriesit would be a good choice for a long weekend's binge/buddy read.  

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

 

How to Dress Like a Tudor

How to Dress Like a Tudor is an accessible and well written overview of Tudor dress by Judith Arnopp. Released 30th Sept 2023 by Pen & Sword, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover format.

There are masses of information here about how different socioeconomic classes dressed during the Tudor period (1485-1603). The author has an informal but precise style of writing and the chapters are liberally sprinkled with clear photography and graphics. The book is well annotated throughout and the bibliography will provide many hours of further reading. The chapters are arranged by item of clothing: underpinnings, kirtles, overgowns, accessories, shirts, codpieces, headwear, men's gowns & coats, men's accessories, children's clothing, and a really great chapter on recreating the looks for modern wearers, including pattern drafting, construction, and modern fabric choices to mimic period pieces. 

Five stars. This would be a super choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, theatre/costume groups, and a must-have for SCAdians and re-enactors. 

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

50 Hikes with Kids Utah and Nevada

50 Hikes with Kids Utah and Nevada is an engaging, accessible, and very useful guide to family friendly local hikes in Utah and Nevada collected by Wendy Gorton and Hailey Terry. Released 17th Oct 2023 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 280 pages and is 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 separated by state: Utah and Nevada. Readers can look for general locations, plan an itinerary, or choose destinations based on geographical or historical features.

The hikes are arranged geographically and are in separate chapters for Utah and Nevada. 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.

Cunk on Everything: The Encyclopedia Philomena

Cunk on Everything is a witty and occasionally scathing alphabetical encyclopedia of observations by Philomena Cunk. Originally published in 2018, this hardcover reformat and re-release is from Hachette on their Grand Central imprint. It's 304 pages and is available in this edition in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the e-book format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

"Philomena" is a comedian/actress and writer and she gleefully skewers everything from Adam & Eve (having only men around must've been dead boring, hence Eve was needed, and why didn't the almighty just put a post-it on the apple like normal people do to their food in the office fridge?) to Zombies (if they'd only turn vegetarian and stop eating people, the zombie apocalypse would be a non-starter). 

This is for reading in limited snatches, not really for cover-to-cover perusal. It is quite funny, and very much in the same vein as her other media work. Fans of her TV specials and film work will enjoy this very much.

Four stars.

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

Dear Rebel: 125+ Women Share Their Secrets to Taking on the World

Dear Rebel is a collection of letters, wisdom, and wishes from women to youngsters about life lessons and about finding their way authentically. Released 3rd Oct 2023 by Rebel Girls, it's 420 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's aimed at young people roughly 8-12 years old (Lexile 920L).

This is a beautifully illustrated collection full of advice and recollections from women from a broad number of backgrounds and areas of expertise including academics, political activists, athletes, artists, actors, writers, and more. The writers are from a wide variety of world cultures.

Representation is so important. It's nice to read about these inspiring women, and the wisdom they have to share. Worthwhile. This would make a superlative selection for home use, library acquisition, gifting, or school/classroom library. 

Five stars.

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

 

A Cornish Seaside Murder -

A Cornish Seaside Murder is the sixth Nosey Parker mystery by Fiona Leitch. Released 8th June 2023 by Harper Collins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's 270 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.

This is such a fun continuation to a humorous and quick-to-read cozy series. I never once found my interest wandering and the action moves along at a good clip.It's a village cozy and replete with the warm and slightly wonky eccentricities of village life and the inhabitants to be found there. The spelling and vernacular are UK English (flat, tyre, boot, torch) but won't pose any problems in context for readers from North America. 

A bizarre murder at the start of a village fete/festival with potential superstitious overtones drags Jodie ("Nosey") Parker into the middle of investigating smuggling and the criminal underworld, such as it is, in their sleepy Cornish village. She's also caught up in trying to juggle her family and her catering business commitments with not-always-ideal results.

Four stars. The mystery is self contained in this volume so it works well enough as a standalone read, but the generally high quality of the series as a whole would also make for a good binge/buddy read. Fans of J. M. Hall, and Peter Boland will find this one a delight.

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

On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down

On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down is a direct, often hilarious, always honest, day-by-day collection of historical commentary collected by James Fell. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 432 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

The author has a vast (well deserved) following of folks who tune in to his blog and social media posts to get the low-down on history, political commentary, and wryly accurate sarcasm on human nature and the almost mind-boggling stuff they get up to regularly. 

He swears a lot, admittedly appropriately, but undeniably often and creatively. The historical tidbits cover quite a long period of time, there were historical events from a few centuries B.C.E. right up to the present day (relatively speaking). 

It's a no-holds-barred bare knuckles historical fracas, and it's really genuinely funny. 

Five stars for making history funny (even some of the really tragic bits). It would be an exceptional choice for public library acquisition. It would also make an excellent choice for school library acquisition, except that in the current puritanical climate in the USA, it's likely already banned and the subject of a crapload of challenges. It's not even a little bit "fine people on both sides". On the first page, he states for the record that Nazis are bad. The rest of the book carries on in a similar vein. This would also make a fine choice for personal reading or gifting to history interested/nerdy friends.

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

The Spanish Diplomat's Secret - Captain Jim and Lady Diana

 

The Spanish Diplomat's Secret is the third book in the Captain Jim and Lady Diana historical mystery series by Nev March. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in Aug 2024. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is a very well written and engaging historical mystery. The titular protagonist, Captain Jim Agnihotri, is a half English, half Indian officer and investigator who leaves India to take up a job in America with his young wife. He deals with racism because of his upbringing and skin color as well as being an Englishman in the US. 

The relationship between Jim and his wife Diana is refreshingly honest (and modern). She's intelligent and headstrong, if naive. Both of them have a distinct honesty that's refreshing to read. The mystery is well constructed and the prose is nuanced and enjoyable. The action moves the plot along quickly and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and fair play. There are some sweetly romantic moments as well as inevitable moments of melancholy and misunderstanding between the (married) protagonists, but it's all euphemistically described and effectively described. The author has an impressive command of dialogue and the writing is immersive and full of period verisimilitude.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 12 hours 1 minute and is beautifully narrated by Vikas Adam.  He has a classically trained, clear, and well modulated voice and manages a number of accents (including "foreign" accents), and a range of ages, and both sexes, without a hitch. He has a pleasantly neutral voice which made the read seamless and unobtrusive. Sound and production quality were high throughout.

Four stars. Recommended for public library acquisition and home use. With three volumes extant in the series, it would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read.

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

Sustainable Wardrobe: Practical Advice and Projects for Eco-Friendly Fashion

Sustainable Wardrobe is a volume in a green living series; this volume written by Sophie Benson. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Quarto on their White Lion imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Dwindling resources and an ever increasing climate catastrophe has caused pretty much everyone on the planet to re-evaluate their consumption. This book is part of a series aimed at helping readers to make more informed and responsible decisions. 

The book has an accessible and logical layout. Information is gathered thematically: background/waste and fashion, assessing the reader's wardrobe, shopping habits & consumption, clothing maintenance, and repair. The tutorials are streamlined, sensible, accessible, and well photographed. 

There are a number of good exercises included for helping readers track their current wardrobe, find out what changes are practical for them, and make a plan to implement changes in a reasonable way.

Four stars. Well written and useful. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and potentially for classroom units. 

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

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Book: Classic, Creative, and Must-Try Recipes for Every Kitchen

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Book is a well curated collection of recipes and tutorials for everything chocolate chip, collected and developed by Katie Jacobs. Released 3rd Oct 2023 by HarperCollins on their Celebrate imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This book really is an encyclopedic collection of all-things-chocolate-chip. There are cookies which are familiar and beloved of everyone - so it gets an A+ on completeness and inclusion. There are classics both easy and challenging for all occasions

The recipes are grouped roughly thematically: classic recipes, specialty cookies & bars, cakes pies & giant cookies, and fun chocolate chip "allied" items like waffles, fudge and truffles. Each recipe includes an introduction, yields, description, equipment, ingredients listed bullet-style in a sidebar, and step by step specific directions which are clear and easy to follow. Unit measures are in imperial (American) only. Alternatives and special info is included in highlighted in text bars in each recipe.

Most of the ingredients will be available at any well stocked grocery store; there may be some items which will require a specialty supplier or online source (vanilla paste and a few other items, but not many). The author/publisher have also included groupings of recipes in an index by difficulty as well as suggested pairings with seasonally appropriate choices.

Five stars.The photography is superb. This is a classic and comprehensive collection and will be a perennial go-to. This would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a foodie enthusiast friend.

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

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is a well curated collection of nice, simple, beginner friendly cross stitch designs by Sophie Crabb. Due out in Jan 2024 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

These are colourful, sweetly upbeat, simple designs. They're all full-cross patterns, no partial stitches. Some of them do have outline and detail stitching and/or backstitching. The book contains a good absolute beginner tutorial with tips and how-to's for materials and getting started and how to actually -do- cross stitch. Her voice throughout is calm and encouraging (anyone can do this and it's relaxing and fun). 

Charts are both colour coded and with symbols. Most of the patterns are on the smaller side, under about 60x60 stitches. Finishing options are not the focus of the book. Most of the projects are shown finished in round wooden embroidery hoops, she does also give a short picture tutorial on mounting with foam core board for framing or displaying.

The author/publisher have also included a short resources and links lists at the back of the book. Supplies, fabrics, and floss will be readily available at any crafts store, as well as online or most big box stores. 

Five stars. Very cute collection. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, as well as home use.

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

Titanium Noir

Titanium Noir is a subtly written love letter to classic American PI noir pulp fiction reimagined in a SF setting by Nick Harkaway. Released 16th May 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Knopf imprint, it's 256 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 vibe here is definitely techno-noir crime thriller with a dollop of classic Chandler and an immersive deep biotech twist. It's impressively well constructed and readable and the characterizations are often so masterful that they require a moment's contemplation. For fans of vintage crime/Black Lizard/noir -and/or- Philip K. Dick style trippy SF, this is a no-fail winner. For wider audiences, it's a solid story and well worth a look. 

Four stars. This would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home use, or gifting (to SF/classic noir friends). This one will unquestionably be short listed for the Hugo 2024.

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

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder is a well written mystery of the classic form, and the debut novel by C.L. Miller. Due out 6th Feb 2024 from Simon & Schuster on their Atria imprint, it's 304 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 a well rounded cozy(ish) mystery with surprising side plot-threads into skullduggery, international antiquities repatriation, murder, and black-market crime. It's got a classic limited-suspect pool, and much of the action occurs at an isolated country house. The characters are varied, quirky, well rendered, and with an amateur sleuth in the lead who has a complex back story revealed over the course of the book.  

The author imbues the story with a great deal of background info on arts and antiquities, and is clearly well versed in the subject, which adds a nice bit of verisimilitude and interest to the storytelling. The nuts and bolts of the plot are well constructed, and although readers who are fans of the form will likely have much of the reveal worked out before the denouement, the author manages to toss a few nice twists in at the end, à la Christie. 

The story is told in alternating chapters, with main character Freya's chapters in first person, and the other characters' PoV in 3rd person. A challenging form, but the author manages it well and the whole is readable and engaging. 

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, as well as for mystery book club selection, and for fans of classic British mystery. Quite well written. The epilogue seems to point to further planned adventures for Freya and her quirky Aunt Carole. 

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

The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse

The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse is another office politics / industrial espionage caper featuring the wizards and demigods at J.W.Wells & co, written by Tom Holt. Released 10th Oct 2023 by Orbit Books, it's 336 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

For fans of the author, the full-bore frenetic humor is front and centre here as well. Interoffice politics, sarcasm, sniping, and the occasional dirty deed (for the right price) feature heavily. There are demigods, infernal agents, banks in the realm of the dead, and excursions to killer asteroids, death, and (literal) destruction on offer. 

This is one for fans of Charles Stross, Christopher Moore, Ben Aaronovitch, and of course, current fans of the author. For fantasy fans who don't already have him on their must-read list... it's -very- sharply sarcastic and almost frenetically humorous which can come across as trying too hard in places. For all that, it's absolutely cleverly convoluted and very well constructed. 

There's an old chestnut attributed to Chekhov: "a gun presented in act 1 must be used by act 3" and the author is absolutely virtuoso at this narrative prestidigitation. There are incidental details written in which seem to simply have absolutely no bearing on the story which wind up getting whipped out at the denouement and used to devastating effect. 

Four stars, it's funny, bonkers, and chaotic. That rating will be higher for folks who already love his other work, and this fits very well in his oeuvre. It's the 8th book to feature some of these returning characters, but works fine as a standalone. 

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

Madame Fromage's Adventures in Cheese: How to Explore It, Pair It, and Love It, from the Creamiest Bries to the Funkiest Blues

Madame Fromage's Adventures in Cheese is a well written, lightly humorous, encouraging, and info packed guide to choosing, using, pairing, and serving cheese, written and curated by Tenaya Darlington. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Hachette on their Workman imprint, it's 288 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.

There's a bewildering array of cheese purpose built for every situation. There are artisanal cheeses made from an astounding array of milks and casein containing products and "Madame Fromage" gives the low-down on most of them. The book is engagingly written and graphically appealing and arranged in a logical manner so the info is easy to find and use.

The chapters are arranged in order: discovery (building a cheese board, what cheese *is* and how it's made, and more), exploration (different classes of cheese including fresh, soft ripened, cheddars, Alpine cheeses and even "stinky" cheeses), entertaining (shopping for, buying, and presenting cheese),  and further reading and learning opportunities (cheese tours!!). The author/publisher has provided a bibliography and resources, links lists, glossary, and cross referenced index. 

The illustrations are simple and colorful; there are no photographs. Items of special interest are presented in highlighted text boxes throughout. 

Five stars. Interesting information, usefully presented, attractively packaged, and arranged in an accessible and logical manner. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, as well as for smallholders, and foodies. 

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

Seeds of Murder - The Gardener Mysteries #1

 

Seeds of Murder is the first book in a new semi-cozy gardener mystery series by Rosie Sandler. Released 31st Aug 2023 by Bonnier on their Embla Books imprint, it's 259 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a well written, eminently readable, action driven cozy murder mystery. It's got a sympathetic amateur sleuth who's a gardener to the rich and privileged in the main role, a varied selection of quirky-to-downright-dislikable suspects, murder, blackmail, and lots of fun facts about gardening and plants. It's abundantly clear that the author is a keen horticulturalist or employs a stable of fact checkers/researchers. 

It's not flawless, the setup of Steph as amateur sleuth will test readers' suspension of disbelief to the breaking point (she's accused of sending blackmail notes to the residents of her gated community and is given a week to clear her name and find the real culprit or she's out on her ear, courtesy of the Homeowners' association from hades). The police aren't to be called in because... the blackmail hits too close to home. Despite the sometimes less-than-subtle plot machinations, the dialogue flows well and the denouement and resolution are well constructed, if a bit over the top. 

I liked the nuts and bolts setup of the series; it appears each new book will be set in a new place with the same lead character in new gardening situations and with new mysteries to figure out. 

Four stars.

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

Sepulchre Street - Rachel Savernake #4

 

Sepulchre Street is the fourth book in the Rachel Savernake series by Martin Edwards. Released 11th May 2023 by Head of Zeus on their Aria imprint, it's 448 pages and 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 seen the series touted as an homage to the golden age of British detective fiction, and while it's certainly set in the interwar period in England, it didn't necessarily feel like it was of the period to me. It's very well crafted, with the hallmarks of the era (drama, skullduggery, genteel (and not so genteel) murder, wide variety of suspects), but the setting could have been any time from about 1920 to the present day.

The plotting is rather slow, built up over time rather than explosive. The narrative arc is deliberate - stately even, and the denouement is less of a crescendo than an inescapable inevitability when it finally comes. There were a number of fairly outlandish plot twists which interfered with my suspension of disbelief, but in the end the plot threads resolve, the clues are deciphered, and the mysteries are solved. This entry was a bit different, in that titular lead character Rachel was more peripheral to the action, although she was there to tie up the loose ends in the denouement.

There is very little background information provided by the author, so the book (in my opinion) doesn't work very well as a standalone. I do recommend the series and the author, so reading the first volume will reward diligent readers. With 4 volumes extant, it would make a good choice for a series binge/buddy read.

Four stars. Not classic golden age, but quite readable (and edgy with a sort of noir vibe).

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