Radiant Raffia: 20 Inspiring Crochet Projects Made With Natural Yarn

Radiant Raffia is a tutorial guide for 20 crocheted projects featuring raffia written and curated by Olga Panagopoulou. Released 21st May 2024 by Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 128 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 throughout.

The introduction covers tools and materials. The author covers reading written patterns and charts, but doesn't give a how-to-crochet tutorial, and the patterns presuppose some level of familiarity with crochet (or access to youtube tutorials or a crochet friend who can help with the basics). Pattern terms are written with American standard terms and measurements, but she's included a chart with analogous British terms for clarity. The following chapters include the tutorials as well as tips and alternate finishing techniques, divided into accessories and soft decor.. The final parts of the book include a collection of the specialty stitches used in the projects, as well as a list of suppliers, including world-wide suppliers, which is nice.

The book is beautifully photographed with clear color photos throughout. "Action" shots are very well staged without hands or tools obscuring the stitches. There are numerous photos for each tutorial as well as step-by-step photos of the specialty stitches used in the projects. Production quality in text, formatting, and photography are very high throughout.

This would make an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, maker's groups, or gift giving (perhaps bundled with some raffia yarn?).

Very nice and varied collection of very professional and attractive projects.

Five stars.

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

The Haunting of Oak Springs - The Supernatural Detective #3

The Haunting of Oak Springs is the third book in a paranormal mystery series by Crin Claxton. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Bold Strokes Books, it's 254 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 throughout.

This is a very well written and engaging mystery with a protagonist who can communicate with ghosts. She's drawn into investigating a suspicious disappearance by the recently departed partner of a woman who is one of the two last members of a women-only collective farm. From the beginning, the story is atmospheric, from the creepy, downtrodden, hopeless farm setting to the poignant (sometimes surprisingly humorous) dialogue with Bryony, the ghost of the recently departed.

It's emphatically not a cozy mystery. The author deeply explores some disturbing themes: elder abuse, child abuse, deeply objectionable homophobia (which is maybe more disturbing for being so realistically depicted), emotional trauma, gender violence, psychological trauma. 

Despite being the third book in the series, it works fine as a standalone. The author is quite adept at providing the necessary backstory without info-dumping. That being said, there are numerous subplot elements which happen concurrently, and some of them are not resolved completely, and the overall impression is sometimes quite chaotic and confusing. 

Four stars. Strong narrative, good pacing, very disturbing in places. 

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

Eleven Huskies - Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery #3

 

 

Eleven Huskies is the third Dr. Bannerman veterinary mystery by Dr. Philipp Schott. Released 14th May 2024 by ECW Press, it's 256 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. 

This is a credible follow up to the first two books in the series, featuring an amateur sleuth who is also a veterinarian and somewhat neurodivergent (but high-functioning) protagonist alongside his trusty canine sidekick Pippin, a husky/lab/border collie mix with a gifted sense of smell and an unusually high degree of intelligence to go with it. Dr. Bannerman struck me as an odd guy, generally likeable but also stubborn and often pedantic. Readers who enjoy nerdy culture references with which the author liberally sprinkles around in the story will find a lot to enjoy here. Additionally, it's cool that Bannerman's wife is a nerdy fibre artist and knitting designer.

The book is well plotted and moves along at a good clip; definitely action driven and engaging. Unusually in this case, the characterizations are above average and believably rendered. There were a few places in the book where the dialogue didn't ring true at all, but all in all, well written and enjoyably readable. The overarching mystery is heavily foreshadowed and not a surprise, but there were motivations and hidden aspects which definitely are unexpected and twisty. The climax, denouement, and resolution had a bit too much deus-ex-machina to be entirely satisfying, but overall it's an enjoyable, readable semi-cozy mystery set in rural Canada.

It's not really a cozy mystery at all and shares more in common with modern medical thrillers than "James Herriot". The author is clearly familiar with rural Manitoba and he does a great job describing the weather, the area, and the history of the place. There is some on-page violence as well as some mildly graphic descriptions of blood, shooting, poisoning (including animals) and *long* and harrowing descriptions of forest fires and danger of immolation. Language and dialogue are mostly PG rated shading toward the R-rated end of the spectrum. Also, there's explicit violence toward animals and very sensitive readers might want to check the discussion threads (spoiler: the dog doesn't die).

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours and 31 minutes and is capably narrated by series narrator Miles Meili. He has a rugged and rough-edged baritone which suits the dialogue very well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. 

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

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

Amigurumi Loveys & Blankets: 16 Adorable Animal Projects to Crochet and Snuggle

 

Amigurumi Loveys & Blankets is a tutorial and technique guide for small blankets and snuggly animal blanket toys by Ariana Wimsett. Released 14th May 2024 by Fox Chapel, it's 160 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Fox Chapel is well kn0wn for the quality of their DIY and homestyle publications. This is a worthy entry into that lineup. It's a fine primer with step by step instructions and copious tutorial photographs which are clear and illustrative. The author has an upbeat and casual writing style which is easy to follow. 

The introductory chapter includes a survey of styles, terms, and tools with good clear photos of each. There is a stitch and technique tutorial, but readers should have a basic working familiarity with general crochet, or access to a crochet savvy friend (or youtube). The author/publisher have also included a good tutorial on reading patterns which most readers will find useful going forward in the book. The second section (roughly 85% of the content) includes step-by-step tutorials for 16 different animal blankets/amigurumi. The tutorials are filled with clear usable photographs and spare no-frills instruction. I have no doubts that a keen beginner could produce a finished project from the instructions as written. 

Each tutorial includes an introduction with finished measurements and special features in a header. Tools and supplies are listed bullet style in a sidebar (measurements are given in American standard units with metric measures in parentheses). Tools and supplies are very basic and will be available at any well stocked big box crafts supplier in North America.

Five stars. Well written, accessible for beginning to advanced crocheters, useful, and appealing. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home studio library, activity groups or similar.

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

What Cannot Be Said - Sebastian St. Cyr #19

 

What Cannot Be Said is the 19th Regency murder mystery featuring Viscount Sebastian St. Cyr by author C.S. Harris. Released 23rd April 2024 by Penguin on their Berkley imprint, it's 368 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.

This series has been consistently strong from the first book. Although the actual mysteries are self contained in each volume, the characters and story arc develop throughout the series. Since the series itself is so well done and engaging, reading them in order will reward the reader and is recommended.

The plotting and pacing are seamless with varying dramatic tension throuout. Sebastian is a complex and three dimensional character with a believable family and retinue and it's always enjoyable revisiting the series with each new volume and seeing how his young coach-boy Tom is developing as well as visiting his dogsbody/valet Calhoun, and his redoubtable wife, Hero and now, their children.

This is just a top quality historical murder mystery series with meticulous background research and beautifully written.  It would make an admirable summer binge/buddy read or a long mystery book club project.

The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 11 hours, 43 minutes and is read by Amy Scanlon. This is her first foray reading in this series (it has had a rotating cast of narrators thus far) and it's not an entirely seamless crossover. She has a distinct and somewhat abrasive voice and at any speeds over regular narration, it loses definition and clarity. Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Five stars for both the series as a whole and this, the 19th book.

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

Spirit of the Wood - Green Rider #8

 

Spirit of the Wood is a short novel length book in the Green Rider series by Kristen Britain. Released 7th Nov 2023 by Astra on their DAW imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a prequel/backstory for the Lauren Mapstone character in the main series. As always, the author does a masterful job with characterization, and the characters really live and breathe. Oddly, Lauren spends most of the book near death, fighting her own internal trauma, and has very little power to act, which doesn't really square with the idea of a strong feminist story.  

As a tribute to the author's talent with atmospheric prose, there's a surprising amount of tension and threat in the plot, especially given that this is a prequel of a character who readers *know* is alive in the main series, almost 20 years in the future. 

Four stars. It doesn't work as well as a standalone, and will likely appeal most to fans of the extant series. Still, it's well written (as always), engaging, and worthwhile.

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

Seamless Embroidery: 42 Projects and Patterns to Explore the Magic of Repeating Designs

Seamless Embroidery is a beautifully curated collection of surface embroidery designs with tutorials by Yumiko Higuchi. Due out 28th May 2024 from Roost Books on their Shambhala imprint, it's 100 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

The included projects are all stylishly appealing and full of colorful surface embroidery featuring a large variety of small repeatable patterns to cover areas or a whole surface. All of the tutorials include full color pictures as well as detailed line drawings with stitch guides and directions. Materials are readily and widely available. Although the tutorials are specific to finished projects, they could all easily be adapted to whatever finished form the reader wishes.

The stitch diagrams which are provided include clear pictures of straight stitch, lazy daisy, satin, French knot, chain stitch (used in most of the projects), and other surface embroidery techniques. It would be possible to complete the projects in the book by just using the stitch tutorials, but obviously having a more experienced stitching buddy (or youtube) would help. 

Full size templates are included as well as materials lists and suggested finishing instructions. 

It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch.  It's lovely to see tutorials and and upswing in interest for the other fibrearts; it seems like only cross-stitch had any following for a long long time and it's nice to see surface embroidery enjoying a renaissance.

I enjoyed the book very much.  It's a worthwhile and fun introduction and guide to learning embroidery. Many of the designs in the book could also serve as a good jumping off point for dimensional embroider/stumpwork.

Four and a half stars

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

Murder in Williamstown

 

Murder in Williamstown is the 22nd mystery featuring expat British aristocrat Phryne Fisher and her entourage written by Kerry Greenwood. First released in late 2022, this reformat and new release 7th Nov 2023 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint is 288 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in this most excellent long running series are also currently available on KU.

This is such a well written romp, full of action, eccentric characters, skullduggery, and the returning cast of regulars doing what they do best. This installment provides an intricate interlocking set of puzzles including murder, embezzlement, poison pen letters, and the disappearance of a young family member of Phryne's lover Lin Chung. Hugh, Dot, Cec, Burt & Tinker, and Phryne's adopted daughters are along for the adventure as always. 

Although it's the 22nd book in the series, it works quite well as a standalone. I heartily recommend the entire series, but caveats apply - they're variable in pacing and writing (all worth reading, but uneven). For readers unfamiliar with Phryne & co., she's redoubtable, fiercely independent, intelligent, and outspoken. She and her companion Dorothy investigate crimes and thwart criminals great and small. There's always a lot of wit and some light comedy in the books, but they're also very intelligent with unexpected twists and turns. The denouement and resolution here are satisfying, the clues are fair play, and Phryne is (as always) unflappable and resilient.

It's a well researched historical diverting read, full of Antipodean charm, dependable fun characters, and a good ending. The language is mostly clean (a few damns and bloodies, nothing worse). There is some strongly suggestive light erotic content (completely consensual) between Phryne and a lover, but nothing explicit. I love her pragmatic view of sex and food and her hedonistic honesty. It's pure wish fulfillment and fantasy of course, but it's an awful lot of fun to read.

Four stars. Phryne's a delight.

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

Shot With Crimson - Josephine Tey #11

 

Shot With Crimson is the 11th Josephine Tey mystery by Nicola Upson. Released 7th Nov 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 series is written around real life history, with verifiable political and news stories of the time seamlessly interwoven into the narrative.  The author's ability to place her characters peripheral to real history and really allow the reader to feel like they're there is effective, unforced, and profoundly engaging. This volume sees Josephine in Hollywood in 1939 along with her compatriot DCI Archie Penrose. As always, there are literary references, this time to du Maurier's Rebecca.

Although it's the 11th book in the series, the mystery is self-contained in this volume. There are a number of character arcs which are developed in previous books which will be spoiled by being read out of order; and the series as a whole is so well done that it will repay being read in order (but it's not strictly necessary).

Having read the series (and looking forward to new installments), one thing that has impressed me very much is the author's facility with a really well planned and executed story arc. They're all well written, enjoyable books.  The dialogue is pitch perfect, the characters and setting are stellar, the writing is great, and the plot adheres to the 10 commandments of detective fiction (the reader gets all the info to 'solve' the crime, no hidden perpetrators, no heretofore hidden 'evil twins' etc etc).

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of  10 hours and 19 minutes and is beautifully read by series narrator Helen Lloyd. Her voice is well modulated, precise, and very easy to listen to. She does a virtuoso job of the wide ranging dialects for the characters and the dialogue is crisp and well delivered. Sound and production values are high quality throughout. 

Four and a half solid stars for the narrative, five for the audiobook.

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

 

What Became of Magic

What Became of Magic is an engaging paranormal YA/NA standalone novel by Paige Crutcher. Released 26th Sept 2023 by Macmillan on their Griffin 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 an interactive book, requiring quite a lot of heavy lifting on the reader's part. It's disjointed and not always easy to follow the plot. The timeline hops around and much of it is discontinuous and fractured.  The author does have solid technique with narrative prose, and it's fairly clear that the chaotic storytelling is intentional; that doesn't make it easy to read or engaging, however.

The story throughout has more of a YA feel than an adult sensibility. It's exuberant but juvenile. Even when talking about the adult version of MC Aline, it's full of drama and *feelings*.  The ending and denouement felt tacked on and hurried. 

Three stars. Recommended for fans of the author's other work, and romantasy authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Stephanie Garber, and Carissa Broadbent.

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

A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest - The Wingfeather Saga

A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest is a wonderfully illustrated atlas tie-in to the Glipwood Forest, setting for the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Released 7th Nov 2023 by Waterbrook & Multnomah, it's 128 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

This is a really lovely companion/support guide to the narrative series, and provides a lot (a LOT) of background info and world building. The author is one of the original members of the Glipwood Official Rangers Guild. 

This is a nice addition for all the fans of the series and is beautifully and intricately illustrated by Aedan Peterson. The illustrations (pen & ink, and color, electronically rendered) are gorgeous and full of details. The map drawings are serviceable and clear, the interior incidental art is often multi-layered and labyrinthine in detail (see cover). 

The author/creator are clearly knowledgeable and appealingly nerdy and immersed in the sandbox world. 

The audiobook format has a run time of 1 hour 19 minutes. It's unclear how successful such an graphic heavy book will be translated to an audio format. It's narrated by the author. 

Four and a half stars. Definitely a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving purposes. 

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

The Fatal Folio - The Cambridge Bookshop Series #3

 

The Fatal Folio is the third Cambridge Bookshop cozy by Elizabeth Penney. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 288 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.

This is a fun and engaging bookstore cozy set in Cambridge (the one in the UK). This installment follows on from the previous books with MC Molly back again to help untangle an academic adjacent murder and a previously undiscovered Gothic manuscript in her boyfriend's family's ancestral library..

The book is admittedly formulaic, but it is very well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. I liked Molly's enthusiasm and honesty. There's some romance, but it doesn't overpower the plot. There were a few twists on the way, and the ending is satisfying and complete. The language is squeaky clean without on page violence.

Four stars, entertaining and full of whimsy. With three books extant in the series and a fourth due out in late fourth quarter 2024, it would make a good choice for a series binge or buddy read. With a popular, prolific, competent author and a mainstream publisher, it will likely already be on the acquisition lists for most public libraries and would be worth a search for fans of shopfront light whimsical cozies.

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

A Witch's Guide to Business

A Witch's Guide to Business is an engaging and well written fantasy mystery with elements of steampunk by Alex Evans. Released 28th April 2024, it's 242 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

Intricate world building featuring a thriving mercenary principality as the setting for this mystery featuring two disparate protagonists;  one a dedicated surgeon and the other a "retired" mercenary spy - brains and brawn. Both are gifted with the ability to sense and use (to a degree) magical force, aka Power. They run an investigative business together, with an emphasis on magical adjunct and occult cases. 

The plot is well paced and controlled with two main plot threads which entwine throughout the story to a satisfying denouement and resolution. The author has an eye for detail and the book is full of small descriptions which add a lot of atmosphere (steam powered magical rickshaws, potions for specific uses, minute world-building political history, and character backstories (even for relatively minor characters). It's a believable multi-layered setting. 

It's a complex story, with a large cast of characters, and would've benefited if the author/publisher had added a list of dramatis personae; expect to use the ebook reader search function as needed. It's an indie published book, and as such, probably could've benefited from an objective outside editorial process. That being said, it *is* eminently readable and enjoyable. 

It's not derivative at all, but readers who enjoy Marshall Ryan Maresca, Lois McMaster Bujold, and Curtis Craddock will find a lot to like here. This one isn't directly teased as a series opener, but it could be. 

Four stars. One for the readers of political city-state fantasy.

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

The Mighty Silent e!

 

The Mighty Silent e! is a cute illustrated story for the youngest readers (ages 5-8), and part of the Language is fun series; this volume written by Kimberlee Gard. Released 18th Aug 2020 by Familius, it's 32 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a fun book full of alliteration and cute letter shaped characters with stick figure arms, legs, and facial features. Little e doesn't say much, and he's easy to overlook, until his friends try to make words. What's wrong? Nobody can make the word game work without their friend little e.

Everything works out in the end. It's a nice, gently told story, without a lot of stress or any scary moments. The art, by Sandie Sonke, is very colorful and full of small details which invite readers to take a little extra time on each page. The denouement, where the little letter groups appearing in the early pages are drawn at the end with their finished words including the silent e at the end (cake, rose, kite and more) give students and facilitators a good lesson on terminal e and how the e at the end of the word changes the sounds of the letters.

Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or classroom library, homeschooling, and gift giving. 

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

 

The Little i Who Lost His Dot (Language is Fun!)

 

The Little i Who Lost His Dot is a cute illustrated story for the youngest readers (ages 4-8, Lexile AD460L), and part of the Language is fun series; this volume written by Kimberlee Gard. Released 1st Sept 2018 by Familius, it's 32 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a fun book full of alliteration and cute letter shaped characters with stick figure arms, legs, and facial features. Little i has lost his dot and his friends try to help him find a good substitute (a coin, a balloon, a donut?). 

Everything works out in the end. It's a nice, gently told story, without a lot of stress or any scary moments. The art, by Sandie Sonke, is very colorful and full of small details which invite readers to take a little extra time on each page. 

Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or classroom library, homeschooling, and gift giving. 

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

Death of a Master Chef - Kommissar Dupin #9

 

Death of a Master Chef is the 9th Brittany mystery by Jean-Luc Bannalec. Released 30th April 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in Feb, 2025. 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 destination mystery, absolutely redolent of the Breton coast and full of the food and culture of the area. Commisaire Dupin is at a multi-district police conference when a brutal stabbing death throws his plans to enjoy the sunshine and local cuisine right out the window. The plotting is well controlled and the characterizations are beautifully rendered and believable. It works well enough as a standalone, but readers may struggle a bit to keep the characters straight.

There will be inevitable comparisons with Leon's Brunetti, Walker's Bruno, and Trinchieri's Tuscan mysteries. Although not at all derivative, this series is more than competently written and can stand on its own merits in that company. With 9 books extant in the series and a 10th out in 2nd quarter 2025, it would make an excellent choice for a long binge or buddy read.

Four and a half stars. Quite highly recommended, especially to fans of destination mysteries and procedurals. 

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

 

A Flower Garden for Pollinators

A Flower Garden for Pollinators is a very well illustrated and information rich gardening guide for pollinator supportive species diverse gardening by Rachel de Thame. Due out 11th June from Hachette on their Mobius imprint, it's 207 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a year-round guide for creating a good environment and support for pollinators. The emphasis is on diversity and natural organic techniques. The chapters are arranged around the seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each season showcases plants at their best during the season. Plant profiles used throughout include binomial (Latin) names as well as common names. The photography throughout is stunning and in full color. Additionally, the text is enhanced by small pen and ink illustrations and gorgeous color botanical art by Lauren Lusk. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home reference, gift giving, or for allotment/gardening group library. 

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

Garden Heaven

 

Garden Heaven is a beautifully illustrated and inspirational gardening reference by Vanessa Berridge under the auspices of the National Trust. Released 9th May 2024 in the UK, and due out elsewhere the 10th Sept 2024 by HarperCollins on their Collins Reference imprint, it's 192 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

This is a well illustrated guide full of color photography and clear recommendations about species and varieties for specific purposes in the garden design. The book has an attractive and logical layout with easy to understand and accessible language. Plants are referred to throughout with both common names and binomial (Latin) names. The index is cross referenced, so plants are easy to locate in the text, and Latin binomials are italicized.

The introduction includes some of the author's aesthetic in grouping the featured gardens and methodology in selection. The following chapters showcase a number of gorgeous (and famous) gardens in various areas of the UK. 

This is an inspiring and educational book, full of ideas for garden lovers no matter what the scale of their own green spaces. Very few gardeners will have the space to recreate the famous gardens pictured, however, there are so many good takeaways which can be adapted to readers' own gardens. Since the book is absolutely full of color photographs and the text is relatively small and densely packed, the hardcover format is a must. 

The gardens represent a wide array of design and execution. The expected stately home gardens are represented chiefly, of course, with long alleys of topiary boxwood and formal layouts. What was equally welcome and more unexpected however, were the working farms, more informal gardens, cottage gardens, historical landmarks, and a surprising amount of unexpected juxtaposition inviting a close look. The author has also included some of the ways these gardens have reacted to and compensated to some degree for global warming trends and water/resource conservation, and rewilding areas for biodiversity.

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home reference, or allotment/community garden reference shelf. Lots of inspiration contained here. 

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

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is a very well written standalone dual timeline (not timeslip) mystery by Melanie Dobson. Released 19th Sept 2023 by Tyndale House, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

This is a gently written, engaging mystery set in parallel timelines, 1907 and 1992. The setting includes the ruins of a stately home on an island in rural New York state, and the castle in its heyday. A child's long unsolved disappearance and the concurrent death of her father cast a very long shadow. 

The author excels at both atmospheric scene setting as well as characterization. The characters are well delineated and run the gamut from appealing to truly irredeemably loathsome. The historical aspects seem to be well researched and the author has woven fiction around a historical framework so well it's not always clear where fact shades over to fiction. 

There are some dark themes included in the book (something of a surprise for a Christian publishing house), and they're central to the plot and include kidnapping, suicide ideation, abuse of several characters (including a child), drug abuse, neglect, etc. The family histories are *messy*.

There are mentions of Christian faith, scripture, and prayer, but they're not intrusive. The references to the almighty in the text are capitalized, but again, it didn't interrupt the flow of the narrative (but they are noticeable). 

Four stars. It's surprisingly dark for a Christian mystery/fantasy, but it's very well written. It's also quite complex and multi-layered. It's not a book to pick up for light summer poolside reading.

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

Super Simple Baking Cupcakes and Cakes for Young Chefs

 

Super Simple Baking Cupcakes and Cakes for Young Chefs is a graphically appealing simple dessert cookbook with recipes aimed at young readers by Mia Morselo. Released 15th May 2024, it's 80 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

It's well photographed throughout in color and written in simple accessible language. The short introduction covers tools and how to use them, through measuring tips and some general kitchen advice. 

The bulk of the book is the recipes, divided thematically: cupkakes, and cakes each in their own chapter. Recipes include a title followed by a bullet list of ingredients. Measurements are given in imperial (American) measurements with measured weights (in oz.) in parentheses. No metric equivalents are given. Ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America (and indeed most will already be available in a moderately well stocked home kitchen). Nutritional information is not provided.

The step by step preparation instructions are easy to follow, and almost all of them have clear, unobstructed photos of each step. There is no index, no background information, and no links or further information.

The recipes are simple and quite basic (chocolate, vanilla, lemon, oreo, blueberry, cheesecake, carrot cake, etc). It might be valuable to have a one-volume go-to book for a young baking enthusiast, but none of the recipes in the book would be difficult to find online. 

Four stars. It is quite well illustrated and, as said, would be a good addition for public or school library, or for gift giving/activity with a young family member. 

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

Robert Silverberg's Belzagor - Robert Silverberg's Belzagor #1+2

Robert Silverberg's Belzagor is a graphic novel adaptation and reformatting of Silverberg's original Down to the Earth (from 1970) reinterpreted by Philippe Thirault. Released 7th May 2024, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is an adaptation (with a previously unpublished sequel) of a 54 year old Heart of Darkness pastiche. It's about 30% colonist diatribe, 40% unironic misogyny, and 30% sexscapade/soap opera. The original source material is quite dated and modern readers should probably be prepared to read it as a product of the time period. (Just the sexism alone wouldn't fly in a modern tale). The ending of the first part also differs from the original in some ways.

The art, by Laura Zuccheri, is finely detailed and full of movement. Despite the artist's expertise, the adaptation to graphic format isn't entirely successful and there are some gaps with long passages of character dialogue which doesn't suit the medium. 

Three stars. Worth a look (especially for the previously unpublished sequel). Potentially a good choice for public library acquisition (but be aware, there is *adult* content), or for gifting to a particularly keen Silverberg fan. 

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

Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics

Math-ish is a well reasoned evaluation of math learning and new ways to *think* about math education and how people learn, by Dr. Jo Boaler.Released 7th May 2024 by Harper Collins on their HarperOne imprint, it's 304 pages (print version) 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.

The author has a long career in education and presents her experiences showing the differences in results for students who succeed and those who struggle. Many educational teaching methods haven't changed a whole lot in hundreds of years. Outdated methods are slowly being replaced but change has been slow and often ineffective. Currently mathematics classes are being stripped to the bare minimum due to funding cuts as well as a lack of qualified and engaged teachers. All of this has led to a significant decrease in mathematics competency for students in all stages of education. 

Additionally, the lack of diverse tailored methods has led directly to a lack of diversity. The past modality for teaching mathematics has proven inadequate for our current educational needs. The author makes a very good points for individual structure and creativity in mathematics education to reach more students of all backgrounds and actually *teach* them, helping them build their own problem solving tools instead of just using cookie-cutter tests to "cram - test - forget". The author also covers assessment methodology and feedback for reinforcing learning and helping students retain the skills they've acquired.

The text is well annotated throughout and the chapter notes will provide readers with a wealth of further sources. It's layman accessible, but information dense and a niche subject (but of course STEM education and competency are absolutely vital to our continued existence on the planet).

Four and a half stars.  Definitely a good choice for public and school library acquisition, educators, and others involved in teaching mathematics. 

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

Four-Alarm Homicide - House-Flipper Mystery #6

 

Four-Alarm Homicide is the sixth House-Flipper mystery by Diane Kelly. Released 23rd April 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 304 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.

This is an engaging and well written cozy mystery with a full complement of quirky neighbors, old houses to fix-up-and-resell (a fire station in this case), plucky female amateur sleuth, requisite grumpy (and handsome) law enforcement officer, remodel house neighbor/murder victim, resultant investigations, and a cat who gets some 3rd person narrative alternating with his owner, protagonist house-flipper Whitney. The chapters are labeled with the primary PoV character, so they're easy to keep track of.

The writing is appealing and entertaining, very light and engaging. The language is clean, the violence is off page, there's nothing to horrify or scandalize. The denouement is well written and the book moves along at a good clip. It's an enjoyable and engaging light read. The plot is self contained in this volume and works well enough as a standalone.  It's exactly the kind of fun cozy to enjoy on a lazy weekend afternoon.

With 6 books extant in the series at the current time (it's an ongoing series), and a publishing schedule of roughly 1 series book/year, this would be a good choice for a long binge or buddy read.

Four stars.

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

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent

 

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent is a wonderfully witty and well written memoir by Dame Judi Dench (with Brendan O'Hea) about her astounding richly lived life in the theatre. Released 23rd April 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press 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 and references throughout. 

Ms. Dench is a titan of theatre. Instantly recognizable around the world, wonderfully witty, prodigiously talented, versatile, and so intelligent. This is a delightful book showcasing her experiences and talents and the collaborator has made the right choice in recording her reminiscences without generally getting in the way and "improving" things.  

The stories are written around her Shakespearean theatre work: Macbeth, Midsummer, Twelfth Night, Merchant, Hamlet, Coriolanus, As You Like it, Measure for Measure, Much Ado, Lear, Comedy of Errors, Richard II, Antony & Cleopatra, Cymbeline, All's Well, Henry V, Merry Wives, Richard III, Winter's Tale, Romeo & Juliet, and a vast number of niche musings and pithy observations which fall outside strict categories/plays.

Wonderful *wonderful* human being and a delightful read. The text is enhanced throughout by simple pen and ink sketches by the author herself.

Five strong stars. Definite must-have for public library acquisitions folks, theatre lovers, Shakespeare lovers, TV/movie aficionados, etc.

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

Oh, Bother: Winnie-the-Pooh is Befuddled, Too

Oh, Bother is a modern take on the beloved A.A. Milne characters from the 100 acre woods by Jennie Egerdie. Released 7th May 2024 by Hachette on their Running Press imprint, it's 96 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is part parody and a little bit of pastiche/homage featuring Pooh & co. dealing with life in the 21st century (urban sprawl encroaching on the 100 acre woods, therapy, global warming, threatening species extinction (bees) and more). Oh, bother indeed.

It's short, made up of 16 brief vignettes, and all featuring the beloved characters in various day-to-day situations. The text is enhanced by Ellie Hajdu's simple pen and ink sketches which are reminiscent of the E.H. Shepard originals without being too derivative (or actionable). 

Three and a half stars. Worth a look for library acquisitions personnel and potentially for gift giving purposes. 

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

Mini Plein Air Painting with Remington Robinson: The art of miniature oil painting on the go in a portable tin

Mini Plein Air Painting with Remington Robinson is a well written and illustrated tutorial and technique guide for miniature oil painting by Remington Robinson. Due out 31st July 2024 from  Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an unusually complete technique guide to mini-painting on the go with accessible takeaways for painters of all levels and experience. Painting on smaller surfaces is less intimidating than full size canvases, the materials are *much* more transportable in a self-contained metal tin (like Altoids), and less paint is used, allowing students to use better quality materials with richer, more saturated pigments, giving better results, encouraging more practice.

The author has a calm and inclusive voice in the tutorials, giving a good background on his own artistic process, inspiration, materials, setup, working techniques, and composition. The second part of the book (~78%) is taken up by the step-by-step tutorials, 12 in all. 

The subjects are varied and include both architectural and natural/landscape projects. They cover a variety of lighting and various perspective studies. It's a mixed bag and there are lessons for beginners to professional painters which can also be expanded to full size subjects. 

The danger is that this book will be dismissed in some areas as "niche" because of the miniature size and paint box setup; there is really good info and technique here for oil painters of all types and worth a look.

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home studio, gift giving, and for painting and activity groups. Very good guide (not just for miniature painting). 

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

A Body in the Cottage - West Wales Murder Mysteries #5

A Body in the Cottage is an engaging procedural and the 5th book in the West Wales mysteries by P.F. Ford. Released 5th July 2023 by Joffe, it's 315 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. The earlier books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is a well written and engaging procedural mystery set in Wales. It's an ensemble cast, and the author does a very good job of rendering the characters distinctly and sympathetically. It's the fifth book in the series, but works perfectly well as a standalone; some moderate spoilers with character development and interrelationships will occur if read out of order. 

The plotting is straightforward, and although most readers will likely work out "whodunnit" before the denouement, it's still thoroughly readable and engaging. The language is PG, nothing overly rough or egregious, and no offputtingly graphic violence on-page. There are some unresolved plot elements at the resolution of this installment, but the next book is out soon...

It would make a nice buddy read, and with 5 books available (on KU) and a 6th due out in June 2024, it would also make a good series binge read. 

Four stars. Well written and worth a look, especially for fans of Pauline Rowson, Peter Robinson, and Peter James. 

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

Snow Place for Murder - Mountain Lodge Mystery #3

Snow Place for Murder is a well written light cozy and the third Mountain Lodge Mystery by Diane Kelly. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 304 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.

The author has a good feel for pacing and this isolated suspect pool (a mountainside ski resort cut off in the middle of a blizzard) manages to be cozy and enjoyable while still doing a fine job of allowing readers to pit their wits against the author to arrive at the conclusion before the end. 

Mainly told from the third person PoV of the protagonist, Misty, a 50something divorced vacation lodge owner, there are short interludes featuring her cat Yeti as the central dramatis persona. The chapters have an identifying heading for which character is in focus for added clarity.

It's lightly humorous and easy to read. Although it's the third book in the series, the mystery is self contained in this volume and it works well as a standalone. The setting is beautifully rendered and evocative. With 3 books out at this point, it would make a good choice for a short binge or buddy read. 

Four stars. Fans of Cleo Coyle, Lynn Cahoon, and Amanda Flower will find a lot to like here. 

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

 

Spoon to be Dead - Shake Shop #3

 

Spoon to be Dead is the third Shake Shop storefront cozy mystery by Dana Mentink. Released 31st Oct 2023 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 336 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.

Readers love cozy mysteries, whatever form they take, library, bookmobile, shopfront small town amateur sleuths, professors turned investigators, we're not very picky. Animals are a plus. This one ticks a lot of boxes. Heading into the winter season (not a big earner for an ice cream shop in Oregon), owner Trinidad is planning a catered event on a riverboat to help the shop stay afloat when her loathsome ex begs her to help clear him of murder.

Despite being the third book in the series, the plot works perfectly well as a standalone and introduction to the ensemble cast of fun and eccentric characters. There are a number of appealing facets. The author is adept at plotting and the dialogue never felt overly clunky or convoluted; it's engaging, light, and readable. The story moved along at a good pace and despite the longer-than-average page count for a shopfront cozy, it never dragged or felt overwritten. Main character Trinidad is intelligent, driven, honest, and kind. She's also a small business owner and apparently a woman of color (but the author doesn't overemphasize the fact. Still subtle representation is welcome and important). 

The language is squeaky clean, nary a damn to be seen. There is no NSFW content and the denouement and resolution are well crafted and satisfying. It's a safe, comfort read -  light but satisfying. The author has even included a few recipes in the back of the book which look intriguing.

Four stars. Definitely one for the fans of small-town shopfront cozies. 

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

Cinderwich

Cinderwich is an engaging southern gothic light horror novella by Cherie Priest. Due out 11th June 2024 from Apex Books, it's 184 pages and will be 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. 

Creepily atmospheric, this is a modern ghost story with a nearly abandoned small town in Tennessee at the epicenter of a cold case murder. a young women found in a tree by a group of young girls. Drawn into investigating the mystery by a long ago family disappearance, two academics, a mentor and mentee, one related to her namesake who vanished before her birth, the other, the vanished woman's lover, try to find out if the Ellen found in the tree is their vanished loved one. 

The writing is restrained and the horror/supernatural elements are mostly understated, with one exception. There are red herrings aplenty, and some plot threads which fizzle out and are unresolved by the end of the book, but overall, the denouement is clear and satisfyingly resolved. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 5 hours 55 minutes and is beautifully narrated by Traci Odom.  She has a light voice which has a slightly breathy quality. She does a good job differentiating characters of a range of ages. She has a generic southwestern US accent which goes well with the read.

Four stars. Well written. Creepy, but not gory.

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

 

Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration: Adventure Through the History of the Queer Community

Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration is an exuberantly illustrated seek-and-find book about celebrating Pride. Released 30th April by Quarto on their becker & meyer! imprint, it's 64 pages and is available in hardcover format.

The illustrations by Diego Blanco are intricate and colorful. On the right margin of each two page spread are numerous small details to hunt and find. Some of them are definitely well hidden and not at all trivial to locate. There are 11 scenes in all, and there are some common details (each contains a unicorn, somewhere!), but each also has unique features and history. 

There are a few issues with *ahem* liberties taken with historical versions of myths and legends (Ganymede for example), but overall it's a fun, informative, irreverent, campy "I-spy" type book.

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, gift giving, or home use. Content is appropriate for all-ages. 

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

The Mystery at Dunvegan Castle - Edinburgh Nights #3

The Mystery at Dunvegan Castle is the third SF mystery by T.L. Huchu.  Released 29th Aug 2023 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

Oddly paced, often almost twitchily frenetic in places, it's nevertheless very well written and engaging. It follows on from the first books in the series and, as such, would be a challenge to read as a standalone. Main character Ropa can communicate with (and indeed compel) spirits. She gets drawn into an artifact disappearance at the magical conference at which she's an intern. 

It's marketed as a YA fantasy, but it's perfectly good for an all ages (YA+, not for little kids) read. It has a huge cast, and readers who haven't kept track of the previous books should be prepared to flip back and forth some. The author/publisher have provided a handy dramatis personae list at the front of the book with characters/titles and relationships, and also principal settings, institutions, and other necessary info which will help. 

The world building is *stunning* and cohesive and wonderful. There is, however, quite a lot of reverse snobbery and making fun of traditional academia; Ropa is something of a Jack-the-Lad and seemingly has a malleable and very pragmatic moral code. It's LGBTQIA+ friendly, without being preachy, which is cool. The denouement and resolution are not finished in the book and strongly foreshadow the next book in the series.

Four stars. Very well written if quirky. There are three books extant at the moment, with the fourth due out in 4th quarter 2024. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or as a long buddy read or book club series project. 

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

The Nervous Dragon: A Story About Overcoming Back-to-School Worries

The Nervous Dragon is an adorable illustrated board book for the youngest kids about conquering anxiety and back-to-school jitters. Due out 4th June 2024 from DK on their Children's imprint, it's 18 pages and will be available in board book and ebook formats.

Everyone is nervous about a big change. Little dragon Blaze is nervous about his first day at school. What will happen if everyone laughs at him or makes fun of his big secret. Even though his dad packs his lunch, his sister holds his hand on the way to school, and their teacher Miss Claw tries to make everyone feel welcome, he's still very nervous and unsure of himself. 

The story is reassuring, adorable, and full of appealing illustrations. The free verse is simple and easy to read. 

Five stars. It would make a good choice for public or school/classroom library, home use, or gift giving. 

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

Diwali

Diwali is a simple, beautifully accessible and colorful introduction to the Hindu festival of lights written by Sital Gorasia Chapman. Due out 6th Aug 2024 from Quarto on their words & pictures imprint, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is such a beautiful and learning rich book about the customs and history of Diwali. The book is a first person account told by young Sonali with her extended family. She shows how they prepare for Diwali, the food and clothing and family traditions, and more. There's a surprising amount of history and lots of good detail written in age-appropriate and accessible language. 

The illustrations by Darshika Varma are beautifully detailed and colorful and enhance the read very much. They're full of small bright details which invite readers to pause and take a closer look.

Five stars. This would be a superlative choice for public or classroom library, gift giving, or home use. The author/publisher have included discussion questions, crafts and recipes, and more information for further reading. 

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

This Allotment: Stories of Growing, Eating and Nurturing

 

This Allotment: Stories of Growing, Eating and Nurturing is a collection of 13 essays by writers on gardening, healing, and nature edited by Sarah Rigby. Due out 6th June from Elliott & Thompson, it's 187 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a collection of ruminations on gardening, by gardeners (who are also gifted writers). There's a deeply philosophical and meditative aspect to gardening, and these writers ruminate well and deeply on success, failure, growth, grief & loss, and what it all means in the larger picture.

This is not a book of gardening tips, there are no plans, no lists, and no direct gardening advice.  What the book has in abundance is humanity and humility and some humour and a lot of stories of persevering in the face of adversity. There's camaraderie as well, and some successes.

Four and a half stars. This is a book for reading in a thoughtful frame of mind. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, allotment/gardening group library, home use, or gift giving.

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

Lost & Hound - "Sister" Jane #15

 

Lost & Hound is the 15th "Sister" Jane mystery by Rita Mae Brown. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 272 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.

Like nearly all of Ms. Brown's oeuvre, this is a capably written, well told story that is character driven, neatly plotted, and fairly well paced. Fans of the author, who also enjoy her cozy Mrs. Murphy series as well as her more serious writing will find this series readable and engaging.  The Sister Jane books are cozies and full of the American foxhunting traditions and culture.  If you don't know anything about riding to hounds, you will after reading this book. This book, markedly shorter than the previous books, seems to be a bit more patchy, with a few seemingly distracting side trips, but overall it's still well told and entertaining. The author/publisher have also helpfully included a glossary and list of characters with short descriptions to help readers stay in the story.

The dialogue and writing are pitch perfect.  Typically for Ms. Brown, the writing is solidly comfortable and engaging.  Reading her books is almost like visiting with an old friend you haven't seen for a while; you just pick up where you left off the last time, even if you haven't seen them for ages.

This is a distinctly anthropomorphic mystery; but fair warning, if talking animals bug you, this probably isn't the series for you.  The book also does a superlative job of giving a glimpse into Virginia hospitality and etiquette and the riding subculture.

Four stars (mostly because even though American fox hunters just chase the foxes and don't kill them, it still distresses me and I'm always rooting for the foxes - the books are also *full* of upper class extremely wealthy people who often rub my proletariat heart the wrong way). Bonus points for the author's managing to make her characters ethnically diverse, and not just pasted on, either. Many of the characters have faced and worked through part of their tragic shared traumatic past, from slave times onward and at this point there seems to be more good-natured camaraderie than any festering resentment.

The actual murder mystery felt -distinctly- secondary to the fox hunting in this one, but still overall quite a solidly entertaining read. 

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