50 Hikes with Kids Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio

 

50 Hikes with Kids Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio is an engaging, accessible, and very useful guide to family friendly local hikes all along the central states of the midwestern USA. Due out 9th July 2024 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 284 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This handbook is full of ideas for planning family hiking and finding opportunities to experience nature together. It's specifically aimed at kid friendly areas with practical suggestions for planning, choosing, and executing trips. All the hikes are under 5 miles in length and the authors have included fun activities like scavenger hunts along the way. The general introductory chapters contain numbered key tables with both names and features of each hike. Readers can look for general locations, plan an itinerary, or choose destinations based on geographical or historical features.

The hikes are arranged roughly geographically by state: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. 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.

Death in le Jardin - Follet Valley Mysteries #4

 

Death in le Jardin is the fourth book in Ian Moore's Follet Valley cozy series set in the Loire Valley. Released 6th June 2024 by Farrago Books, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a very light humorous cozy featuring a pair of unlikely amateur sleuths: Richard, a hapless middle aged Englishman running a B&B in France and Valérie, a force of nature femme fatale and, Richard suspects, assassin, or a spy at the very least. 

The inevitable comparisons between this and Osman's Thursday Murder Club books are not entirely apt and unfortunately this series suffers by comparison. There is a frenetic bantering quality to the humor here and there's more self-aware aspect; almost breaking the fourth wall in places. (Metalepsis for the English majors in the room). Despite that, it's entertaining and easy to read and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and well written. There are a number of genuinely funny bits and the author is quite adept at patter and dialogue and his comedic timing is excellent.

Four stars. There are four books in the series currently, along with a couple of shorter stories, and it would make an excellent choice for binge/buddy read or for public library acquisition.

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

Kominka: The Beauty and Wisdom of Japanese Traditional House

Kominka is a comprehensive book all about traditional Japanese houses called kominka written and curated by Kazuo Hasegawa. Due out 1st July 2024 from Museyon, it's 411 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Different cultures have responded to the demands of climate and physical terrain, cultural norms, and societal and familial needs for housing in vastly differing ways. Currently in the world, especially in metropolitan and high density population areas, many (most?) of the traditional ways have been laid aside in the interests of packing the most people into the smalles spaces, hopefully safely, but most importantly efficiently, and the result has been very large cities which are more or less the same, the world over. 

Japan has been no different. The centuries old traditional kominka has been laid aside, often demolished, to make way for more modern structures. The author has written an encyclopedic volume, very well illustrated with both drawings and photos, which explore and celebrate the traditional Japanese housing forms. 

The book is divided into three main parts: a thorough primer on kominka and the common features they share, a "top kominka list" with maps which the author curated during his travels as a design magazine writer, and finally, the authors own journal refurbishing his own dwelling in traditional manner.

Five stars. It's a niche book, but very very well written, showing (for western readers) aesthetic forms and storage solutions which are not often accessible in the available English language architectural literature. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, for nonfiction readers, and possible for gift giving.

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

The Good Eater: A Vegan’s Search for the Future of Food

The Good Eater is a broad ranging, engaging, and beautifully written monograph about society, veganism, vegetarianism, food systems and most importantly food, written by Dr. Nina Guilbeault. Released 16th April 2024 by Bloomsbury, it's 256 pages and is available 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.

This is a thorough and logically laid out book examining food in the larger context of the systems used to create and deliver nutritive substances. The author has researched deeply and interviewed scientists who are engaged in producing cell-cultured cruelty free meat (directly from animal cells), to other manufactured foodstuffs, agriculture systems, regenerative farming, fads, and more general themes.

The author does describe her personal and family journey to vegetarianism, but there's very little proselytizing in the book. She links to peer-reviewed studies in the literature which make draw links between plant based diets and lifestyle associated cancers and cardiopulmonary illnesses... but there's no shaming or stridency. 

It's well annotated throughout, but it's not written in academically rigorous language, and it's perfectly layman accessible. The chapter notes include links and will provid avid readers with many hours of further reading. 

This is not a cookbook, and does not contain recipes. The author is, however, so adept at description and readers will find themselves wishing for a companion cookbook to many of her food descriptions.

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition and for non-fiction readers.

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

 

The Highgate Cemetery Murder - Tate and Bell Mystery #1

The Highgate Cemetery Murder is a well written historical mystery series opener by Irina Shapiro. Released 29th Feb 2024, it's 383 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 second book in the series is out currently, and is also available on KU. 

This is a well written Victorian mystery series featuring an intelligent and driven female protagonist who's a nurse. She's practical, strong, honest, and determined to get to the bottom of her brother's murder after being fobbed off by the police. The prose flows very well, and although it's often melancholy, the author does a very good job of being historically accurate (classism, racism, drug abuse, misogyny, murder, prejudice, and corruption) without being completely unrelentingly depressing. 

The clues are fair-play, and the denouement and resolution are shocking, but fair. It should be noted that this is emphatically *not* a cozy read. It is dark and quite often violent.  

Four stars, with the emphatic understanding that it's not an easy light entertaining read. Fans of Andrea Penrose and C.S. Harris will likely find this series worthwhile.

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

The Burglar Who Met Fredric Brown - Bernie Rhodenbarr #12

The Burglar Who Met Fredric Brown is the 13th book by Lawrence Block to feature mild mannered bookseller by day -  accomplished cat burglar by night, Bernie Rhodenbarr. Originally released in 2022, this reformat and re-release in special edition from Subterranean Press is 280 pages and available in two limited editions (one edition limited to 15 copies and signed by the author). 

I've loved Bernie Rhodenbarr since he first debuted 40+ years ago. It's a series I revisit regularly whenever I need a short and humorous uplifting read. They're wonderfully undemanding and hugely entertaining. This story is not precisely in the regular Bernie-verse and lies outside the regular continuity, so readers should be willing to switch gears a bit.

This one will likely hit better with fans of the series who are willing to take a leap into the science fiction beyond into an alt universe setup. "Our" Bernie suddenly finds himself in a world without so many sophisticated anti-theft electronics and where booksellers can still make a living. As always, he still interacts with Carol, he still philosophizes, he still pulls the odd caper, and he still solves a mystery along the way. It's a meta-story, but still has all the bones of a regular Bernie novel.

Five stars for Block fans, four for everyone else.  

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

Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder

Butter is a trippy foodie real-crime novel by Asako Yuzuki. Released 16th April 2024 by HarperCollins on their Ecco imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in Feb. 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a surprisingly philosophical book full of wry observations about life, gender roles, body image, and food (and murder). It's loosely based on the real life, arrest, and convictions of Kanae Kijima who serially seduced, defrauded, and subsequently murdered lonely businessmen over a period of several years in Japan. 

Originally published in Japanese in 2017 it gained a cult following. The English language translation work by Polly Barton is seamless and unobtrusive and the prose flows very well. 

Classy, cool, and well written, there's nothing frenetic or outré about the book, and it winds up being a lot more psychological and philosophical than murder-y, with deep ruminations on systemic misogyny, fat-shaming-culture, human nature, and society. 

Four stars. Weird but very well written.

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

One Deadly Eye: A Doc Ford Novel - Doc Ford Mystery #27

One Deadly Eye is the 27th (!!!) Doc Ford adventure thriller by Randy Wayne White. Released 4th June 2024 by Harlequin on their Hanover Square Press imprint, it's 352 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 very very well written thriller with an impressively palpable sense of dread throughout which the author ratchets up to a white-knuckle crescendo. The threats of a huge hurricane hitting his home area alongside trying to protect his family and friends from a vicious gang of paramilitary killers has Doc pressed to the limit.

Apart from saving his corner of the world from Eastern European thugs and assassins, he's got loads of personal troubles explaining to his fiance Hannah that he might just be a fixer and spy and *not* just a mild-mannered ecology minded professor of biology. 

It's very well researched and the author does a fantastic job of scenery and settings, with hair-raising descriptions of the wildness and brutality of a raging hurricane. 

Four and a half stars. This would be a good choice for fans of mystery thrillers, for public library acquisition, or for a binge/buddy read. Very high quality fiction.

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

Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles: A Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery

Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is an engaging light historical Hollywood PI mystery featuring a female in the lead role written by Elizabeth Crowens. Released 24th March 2024 by Level Best, it's 266 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 a fun light cozy investigation set in 1940s Hollywood. It's full of dognapping, skullduggery, studio politics, and lots and lots of name-dropping 1940s cinema icons. The writing is competent, and the author does a good job with the characters and settings. The dialogue sometimes falls a bit short, with a little too much witty repartee, but it's not egregious, and it doesn't yank the reader out of their suspension of disbelief. 

The mystery plot is well engineered and the action driven plot moves along to a satisfying denouement and resolution. It's supposed to the first book in a series featuring the same protagonist, updated publishing info hasn't been released yet.

Three and a half stars. Light, easy to follow, and enjoyable. 

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

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea - Tomes & Tea #1

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea is the first book in a cozy fantasy series by Rebecca Thorne. Released 7th May 2024 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint it's 352 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 lovely, immersive, well written cozy fantasy with F/F romance. A royal mercenary and a high ranking magic user just want to be together, to have a cozy bookstore with a big fireplace, tea and baked goods and nothing is going to stand in their way if they have anything to say about it. 

It's full of magic and world building and if the characters are maybe a tiny bit tropey, well, that's why readers *love* cozy fantasy. Inevitable comparisons will be drawn between this series and Travis Baldree's wonderful Legends & Lattes, and while it's true they share a niche genre, this series is not at all derivative and readers who enjoyed L&L will likely love this one as well. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 36 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Jessica Threet. She has a well modulated voice and does a surprisingly good job of the disparate fantasy acents. Her voice is a tiny bit sharp to actually fade into neutrality during the read, but it's not at all intrusive and there aren't any accents that come across as patently fake or forced. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read. 

Four and a half stars for both the book and audiobook. Highly recommended for fans of cozy fantasy. There -are- violent scenes with battle descriptions. There is some light sexual content, but nothing NSFW. With two books out and a third due out in late first quarter 2025, it would be an excellent choice for a series binge or buddy read. 

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

Murder with Chocolate Tea - Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery #10

Murder with Chocolate Tea is an engaging shopfront cozy and the 10th book featuring Daisy Swanson and her friends and family by Karen Rose Smith. Released 28th Nov 2023 by Kensington, 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 and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This is a well-established and long running series with characters who have developed over the series run and are believable and well rendered. Despite that, the mystery is self-contained in this volume and it works quite well as a standalone, with the understanding that the interrelationships have developed and reading them out of order could spoil some developments (but nothing game breaking).

Daisy is busy preparing for her upcoming nuptials, guest interviewing on a true-crime podcast about her previous "cases", running the tea shop, and preparing for an upcoming centenary celebration for a local landmark, when an anonymous tip to a clue about a long ago cold case draws her into another mystery.

This is a fun small town shopfront cozy series. It's full of slightly eccentric characters, clean language, and off page violence. 

Four stars. It would make a good binge or buddy read. Light and entertaining.

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

The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean's Most Fearsome Predators

 

 

 

The Secret History of Sharks is a layman accessible nonfiction book full of info about sharks and related species by Dr. John Long. Due out 2nd July 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 480 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.  

The author has a knack for explaining long and complex historical events with engagement and aplomb. Sharks are endlessly fascinating and the success of media, movies, stories, and books attest to the near-universal appeal, and the author has both the enthusiasm and expertise to draw readers along with him.

The book is written and arranged logically, more or less chronologically, from the earliest prehistorical clues through to the modern day of habitat loss, changing climate, and pollution woes which threaten everyone's continued existence. Particularly sad for animals who have thrived, even dominated, their ecological niche for more than 420million years.

The book is full of stories from the author's field work, finding fossils which give a clue to the most distant past, his journey to becoming a paleontologist, experiences as an academic, and sharks, sharks (and more sharks), their ecological and biological importance, and some of the interdependence of all life on planet Earth.

It's lightly illustrated throughout, and there are a fair number of cool charts and photos of both sharks, fossils, and some of the academics of paleontology. It's not written in academically rigorous language, but it -is- well annotated throughout and with up-to-date resources and links which will provide readers with many hours of further enjoyment.

Five stars. Mostly aimed at adult readers, it would nevertheless be accessible to a keen youngster (12 year old me would've LOVED this book). The focus is more on the academics and field work than on actual living shark species, but a thorough read will provide loads of info about living and extinct species and the folks who have made them their life's work. 

Definitely one for public or secondary school library acquisition, home use, or gifting.

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

The Witches of Bone Hill

The Witches of Bone Hill is a well written contemporary paranormal/horror novel by Ava Morgyn. Released 26th Sept 2023 by Macmillan on their Griffin imprint, it's 352 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. 

There's a palpable sense of dread throughout this story with a number of off kilter very violent scenes which throw readers off balance and unprepared for the next assault. There are some graphic scenes which might possibly make it NSFW/commute. 

It's a horror romance which might seem an odd combo, but the author does a good job with the nuts & bolts writing and the central characters are fairly well fleshed out and three dimensional. There are curses galore, and blood debts, and bone knives, and magic, and ghosts, and a huge scary house which figures centrally to the plot.

Three and a half stars. Fans of Deborah Harkness and Karen Marie Moning will likely enjoy this one. 

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

The Limestone Manor -

The Limestone Manor is a cozy village mystery series opener by Jonny Thompson. Released 18th Nov 2023, it's 266 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 included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

It's always fun to find new authors. This is a nicely entertaining village cozy featuring an octogenarian retired police detective living in a house share, and who's suddenly faced with a murder which he and his housemates need to get to the bottom of if their collective is to continue. 

The plotting moves along at a good pace and the mystery is well engineered and comes to a satisfying resolution. Surprisingly good characterization and setting and the prose is pleasant and easy to read. The language is relatively clean (PG, a few damns, a couple other mild curse words, and one bloody). As stated before, the main characters are all seniors, and the author has a lot of fun with it without ever being mean or ridiculing.

Four stars. It's not foreshadowed or stated explicitly in the review materials, but it would definitely make a nice series and readers can hope the author revisits the characters going forward.

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

Murder at an English Pub - Sarah Vane 1

Murder at an English Pub is a cozy mystery series starter by Alice Castle. Due out 3rd July 2024 from Bookouture, it's 317 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 and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book will be included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

This is a nicely engaging village cozy featuring a retired GP as an amateur sleuth. She's recently widowed and has moved to a new place to make a new start near her quite eccentric friend. Despite being chalk and cheese, they're good together, and it's heartwarming to read about their genuine friendship and how they get on together despite being utterly different. 

The village is full of oddball eccentric characters and the "whodunit" part of the book is well constructed and satisfying to figure out. Even with the introduction first-book-in-the-series background necessary, the author has done a good job of providing the necessary info without bogging readers down or drowning them in details.

The actual solution to the murder was a bit over the top, but not suspension of disbelief breaking. The language is very clean, nothing worse than an occasional "damn" and no graphic violence or sexual content. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours, 15 minutes and is capably read by Jilly Bond. She has an -excellent- command of modulation and accents and she delineates each of the characters well, with varying regional accents and of a wide range of ages and both sexes. She does an excellent job with the read; one can only hope that she'll be the choice for the following books in the series. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

The plot, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, but there are foreshadowings for upcoming mysteries for Sarah, Daphne, and co.

Four stars for the mystery itself, a strong 5 stars for the narration and audiobook.  

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

West Heart Kill

 

West Heart Kill is a debut standalone mystery by Dann McDorman. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Knopf Doubleday on their Knopf imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2024.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a classic style closed-circle mystery with an isolated setting, a fun set of suspects, and an eccentric/somewhat unreliable/incomplete narration. It's set in 1976, and engages the reader from the first page. The author is especially adept at setting descriptions and dialogue and the prose flows very very well. 

Readers should understand that the author tosses the fourth wall out of the train in the beginning and never really sees the need to pick it up again. The plot and mystery itself are cleverly constructed and well engineered. 

It's not a book to read passively. Expect to be moderately bewildered the first 20% of the book. Once the reader finds the balance, however, it develops moderately well. There's a lot of style over substance with all sorts of literary tricks (broken fourth wall, a play as a narrative device inside the story, changing narrator halfway through, "why" instead of "who" for the mystery itself, and several others) felt like too much and made for uneven reading.

The author knows his business, but in this case, less would've been more. It's clever, but clearly openly aware of its own cleverness. 

Three and a half stars. 

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

Rainbow Quilt Color Method: Learn the Art of Creating Multicolor and Monotone Quilts with 15 Modern Patterns

 

Rainbow Quilt Color Method is a well written colorful illustrated tutorial guide with patterns by Sarah Thomas. Due out 8th July 2024 from Fox Chapel on their Landauer imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This book is upbeat and accessible and contains a really good introduction to the fundamentals of color theory and how to arrange/categorize the quilter's stash into usable/choosable palettes. The author also includes a good overview of tools and supplies she uses in her process, what the items do, and how to use them effectively. 

The patterns are all modern and really gorgeous. There's a reinterpreted fan, an Amish style single panel, lattice, broken dish, some simpler churn dash type blocks (but all are original in some ways) and all bring something fresh and new. 

Each quilt tutorial includes a skill level estimate (none are outside the abilities of a careful beginner with a goodly amount of patience), fabric estimates, tools and supplies, tips and suggestions, full color layouts, and templates. The included photographs are clear, in color, and unobstructed. The author makes use of bundles and jelly-rolls, but also includes fabric yardages for readers who cut their own fabric. Layout and cutting diagrams are included (and very useful).

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, home use, maker's groups, fibrearts guilds and similar uses. Excellent for quilters and crafters who need to freshen up their color theory. 

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

50 Hikes with Kids Virginia and Maryland: With Delaware, West Virginia, and Washington DC

 

50 Hikes with Kids Virginia and Maryland is an engaging, accessible, and very useful guide to family friendly local hikes all along the central and eastern part of the USA. Due out 9th July 2024 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 292 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

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

The hikes are arranged roughly geographically by state: Delaware, Maryland, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia. 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.

 

Calculus for Babies - Baby University

Calculus for Babies is an adorable STEM book for babies and their grownups and part of the Baby University series by Chris Ferrie. Due out 2nd July from Sourcebooks Kids, it's 24 pages and will be available in board book and ebook formats. 

These books simplify relatively complex concepts from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics so that anyone can understand them. In this short and very simply illustrated board book, the author takes readers through a simple exercise to prove that the surface area of a ball is exactly four times the area of its projection (the author uses "shadow" in the book). 

The idea is to demystify these subjects and give even the smallest kids and babies a fun introduction to -learning- showing that it doesn't have to be a slog, or tiring, or even difficult or intimidating. Will this turn your kid into a prodigy? No, but the *time* spent enjoying learning together will certainly potentially make positive connections and a more open mind toward learning science and mathematics in future. It's never too early.

Five stars. Super (SUPER) simple, fun concepts to read with the small humans. It would be an excellent 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.

Past Lying - Inspector Karen Pirie #7

 

Past Lying is the 7th Karen Pirie mystery by Val McDermid. Released 14th Nov 2023 by Grove Atlantic on their Atlantic Monthly Press imprint, it's 464 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 3rd quarter 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

McDermid is a prodigiously talented and surgically precise writer. The characters are so finely rendered and so detailed that they feel real. This is an ensemble cast and Inspector Pirie makes good use of her team. The plotting is well controlled and the narrative arc (despite the hefty page count) never drags or loses engagement. Something is happening all the time and it really works very well. 

The language is rough, but not egregious (it's a modern procedural thriller), and there's on-page violent content, but again not superfluous to the action.

It works fine as a standalone, new readers needn't be intimidated by the thought of having to read the previous books. This is an enjoyable thriller from a master at the top of their game.  The disparate plot threads both those from current events and from the past, intertwine and resolve into a very satisfying and believable denouement. I like it very much that the author doesn't feel the need to tie every single plot thread together into one overarching solution - the solutions to the mysteries are resolved, but they're not all tied together.

Five stars. Highly recommended for fans of procedurals. 

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

 

Stan Lee -

 

Stan Lee is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  These are all delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 2nd July 2024 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

A powerhouse of creativity, inclusiveness, enthusiasm, and flourishing despite all odds, Stan Lee went from being a scrappy son of Jewish immigrants in NYC to creating or co-creating an amazing stable of superheros and turbo charging the silver age/renaissance of superhero comics in the 60s to the blockbuster franchises for Marvel down to the current day. Nearly everyone loves comics and he was an absolute titan of the genre.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's easy to read with clear accessible language.  The energetic and colorful illustrations are well done. The art by Ana Albero is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which invite readers to take a closer look.

Well written and appealing, all of these little books are worthwhile and enchanting. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Stan Lee was an intelligent and beloved figure and has become an icon for a more hopeful and cooperative future, encouraging reading and literacy, honor and doing what's right, and this little book is a nice introduction to his life and work for the youngest generation. As always, there's a short timeline in the very back of the book with some suggestions for further reading.

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

 

Murder in Drury Lane - Lady Worthing Mysteries #2

 

Murder in Drury Lane is the second Lady Worthing historical mystery by Vanessa Riley. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Kensington Books, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 3rd quarter 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The third book in the series, Murder in Berkeley Square , is due out in 3rd quarter 2024.  

Set in regency London, the main protagonist is an extremely intelligent but socially precarious woman of mixed heritage who is in a marriage of advantageous convenience to a baron and as such, with entry to the ton. An unfortunate murder at the theatre sees Lady Worthing again drawn into investigation.

There is a moderate subplot revolving around Lady Worthing's precognition and other paranormal aspects, so readers who prefer more realism will want to be aware going in. It's also somewhat more graphic than a light cozy series, with on page descriptions of violence/murder. It wasn't off-putting or egregious, but it was there. As a person of color, especially given the time period, there are also fairly realistic themes of racism, racist violence, and a large subplot about abolitionist movements in Great Britain (and to a lesser degree the colonies) which are interesting and informative. The author has done a superlative job with research and background.

The author skillfully weaves the fiction around a framework of actual historical occurrences and persons. The resolution and denouement for the mystery is self contained in this volume, but there are also background developments between Lady Worthing and her family and associates from the first book which promise to be overarching multi-book plot elements. 

Four stars. A strong and well written series. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical mystery such as Anna Lee Huber, C. S. Harris, etc.

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

 

Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life

Becoming Earth is a fascinating monograph about the emergence of planet earth and how the interconnected systems of life came to be by Ferris Jabr. Due out 25th June 2024 from Random House, 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 layman accessible, concise, and well written book on the vast and interdependent systems of our planet. The author writes well and understandably about the Gaia hypothesis, and shows effectively, step-by-step how changes in one part of the system can and do have profound effects on other remote parts of the system. 

The book is split into three main sections: rock, water, and air. Each of the areas are divided into thematic subjects, from surface microbes, to larger animals plants & macro-forms both terrestrial and acquatic, breathable air, combustibility, and climate/weather patterns (and how changes can have catastrophic effects on everything else). 

It's a surprisingly upbeat book, and the author's sense of wonder is palpable. I found myself smiling often and nodding along. It's a rare talent to be able to explain often really complex physics/chemistry/biology in a manner which is accessible and really understandable to the average layperson, and Mr. Jabr manages very well. Additionally, with many layman level nonfiction books, readers with specialized knowledge of the subjects will find it oversimplified; that isn't the case here. The scope is broad enough that even the most advanced geophysicist will likely find interesting tidbits to takeaway in the microbiology or botany sections. 

Five stars. Well written and interesting. A good choice for public or secondary/post-secondary school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving. 

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

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead

 

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead is a standalone thriller mystery from Jenny Hollander. Released 6th Feb 2024 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

This is a lost memory/possibly undependable narrator/trauma trope with a MC who was witness to a brutal event and is trying to piece her recollections together in order to get some closure and progress with her therapy and get on a stronger footing in her relationship with her fiance. The author cleverly uses the  therapy sessions as a mechanism to introduce backstory, and does so quite seamlessly.  

The writing is strong overall, witty and well done without being overwrought or clunky. Unfortunately the pacing is very uneven and it's not before about 30% into the book when it really seems to get its feet. There are twists and turns aplenty, but some are bewilderingly unnecessary as motivation (for crime). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours and 32 minutes and is read by Marisa Callin. She has an odd hybrid American/British RP accent which is difficult to define. She reads precisely and enunciates clearly, but some of the character accents are uneven and, frankly, odd. Sound and production quality are very high throughout. 

Three and a half stars. Uneven and patchy in plot and character development. Generally well written and twisty. It will likely be optioned into a movie soon (if it's not already). One can hope the "Hollywood transformation" will even out the bumps. 

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

Rufus & Bea

Rufus & Bea is an adorable illustrated story for young readers about friendship and cooperation by Ryan & Lisa Cummins. Due out 25th June 2024 from Flashpoint, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Rufus is a songbird who can't sing -or- fly, and he's pretty upset about that. Bea is a honeybee, and a friendly, upbeat "person" and she wants to help Rufus gain enough confidence to make progress himself. It's got a lot of good lessons about uncritical support, positivity, kindness, and caring, and they're presented in a gentle way that isn't preachy or strident. 

The illustrations by Hannah Pascoe are beautifully rendered in detailed watercolors which are full of small details inviting readers to take a closer look at the little insects, flowers, trees, and other details. 

The text is simple and accessible, written about half and half in free verse and rhyming text. There are even some songs that Bea and Rufus sing, and the music is available on the authors' website, Tiny Prime. 

Five stars. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, gift giving, or classroom use.

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

Secrets of Rose Briar Hall

Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is an atmospheric historical mystery set in New York's gilded age by Kelsey James. Due out 25th June 2024 from Kensington, it's 304 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 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. 

Although generally well written and a good homage to Gaslight, it's not completely problem free. It's written in first person PoV and many of the passages are somewhat overwrought and more like a laundry list of clothing, decorating, and things MC Millie has bought and worn. It's well written but definitely noticeable after a while. 

There's a creepy gothic vibe in the setting descriptions, and the plot turns on Millie's fears and doubts about her own sanity, reinforced by her caring and loving husband and their household staff. It's a standalone novel and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and self contained in this book (no cliffhangers). 

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 9 hours 47 minutes and is read by Sofia Willingham. She has an odd, breathy voice in the reading with a possibly historically accurate, but definitely peculiar accent. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars overall for the story and homage/pastiche, three for the audiobook version because the narration was a definite hindrance to concentrating on the story and never faded into neutrality. 

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

Owls in Our Yard!: The Story of Alfie

Owls in Our Yard! is a touching and well written illustrated book for young readers about an owl he and his family rescued by Carl Safina. Due out 25th June 2024 from W.W. Norton on their Young Readers imprint, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is such a beautifully written true story, showing how Alfie, a foundling screech owl, fostered by the author's family, successfully learned how to be an owl, grew up, found a mate, and thrived in the wild. It's written in simple, accessible language and the pictures are clear and in color throughout. 

The author is an ecologist and nature writer, and he speaks knowledgeably and simply about owls, nature, wildlife rehabilitation, and how we can do our parts. The book is written for ~4-8 year olds but all ages will enjoy seeing the tiny fuzzy owlet turn into a beautiful wild grown up owl and raise babies of her own. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving. 

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

Simone Biles - Little People Big Dreams

Simone Biles is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  These are all delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 25th June 2024 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Even before she was the darling of the international sporting community as the vibrant, graceful, and intelligent gymnast who dominated the sport from a very young age, this accomplished young woman had already fought challenges in her own life, living for a time in foster care, being adopted by her grandparents, and the challenges of being a young black woman in a country split by divisiveness and pain, along with the massive stress of performing and sacrificing almost everything to perform at the top competitive level.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Nadia Fisher is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the gym scenes, multicultural children and adults, her teammates, and more which appear throughout).

Well written and appealing, all of these little books are worthwhile and enchanting. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Ms. Biles is an intelligent and beloved figure and has become an icon for a more hopeful and cooperative future, always trying to do what's right, as an advocate for mental health and wellness, and this little book is a nice introduction to her life and work for the youngest generation.

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

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 12: New Books to Make Your Heart Race

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 12 includes chapter excerpts from six new Minotaur books. Due out 25th June 2024 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 196 pages and will be available (possibly for a limited time) as a free download in ebook format.

These six books from Minotaur are all top shelf fiction. For anyone (and let's face it, that's almost all of us) who has ever wandered around and browsed in a book store or library to read a few pages of random books and see if we are drawn in, this sampler provides the same experience without leaving the comfort of your computer chair. The books all have upcoming release dates, and it's nice to get a sneak peek before release. The collection includes 2 standalones, and 4 series debuts.

All of the books are very well written - thriller, suspense, and mystery. It's an excellent way to plan / pad the upcoming summer reading list for mystery/thriller readers.

Five stars.

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

A Deceptive Composition - Lady Darby Mysteries #12

 

A Deceptive Composition is the 12th Lady Darby historical mystery by Anna Lee Huber. Released 18th June 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 384 pages and 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.

Set in the 1830s, with this installment in Cornwall, this is a long running series with distinct and well rendered characters who are believable and established. Although it's the 12th book in the series, the mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained and it works well enough as a standalone. The author is quite adept (and prolific). This author also pens the Verity Kent mystery/thrillers which are impressively different in style and setting. Both series are worthwhile for historical mystery fans.

Lady Darby and her family, including her irascible and inscrutable father-in-law, are summoned to Cornwall by the matriarch of his long estranged family to investigate if a murder actually has taken place. Nothing ever goes as planned, and they're confounded by the close knit and uncommunicative locals who are unwilling to confide in them (even if they are family). There are other political forces at play, and romantic mentions of lost pirate treasure and shipwrecks, smugglers, and bootleggers complicate what should be a straightforward investigation.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 33 minutes and is capably narrated by series narrator Heather Wilds. She reads the characters distinctly and does a good job of differentiating the accents. Except for the dialogue (which she does competently), her voice is unobtrusive and neutral, in a good way. 

Four stars. More than competently written, engaging, and cleverly constructed. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or substantial binge read.

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

The Last Note of Warning - Nightingale Mysteries #3

The Last Note of Warning is the third historical mystery featuring the prohibition era jazz club The Nightingale written by Katharine Schellman. Released 4th June 2024 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 352 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 well written historical cozy(ish) mystery with an ensemble returning cast of characters and based on a fictitious New York City speakeasy during prohibition. There are a number of gender-fluid, bi-, and otherwise non-traditional presenting characters which was nice to see. The cast is also racially diverse and the story is blissfully without "token" representations. It might not be, strictly speaking, historically accurate, but it was refreshing to read. Other than the kindly wishful anachronistic diverse cast, the book seems to do a good, relatively accurate job with the official/police and political corruption of the time. 

There's a significant romance subplot, so readers who enjoy romance and mystery will find a lot to love here. There is never much security or stability in the main characters' lives, and eschewing society's rigid standards means that MC Viv is again in the crosshairs of lazy/incompetent/corrupt cops when circumstances mean that she is the prime suspect in a high profile murder. She and her allies are forced to band together to clear her name and find the real culprit.

Despite being the third book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone, and the main mystery is resolved in this volume. The language is mostly accurate to the period and adds a lot to the read. It should be noted that the characters do develop over the series and there are references to events from the earlier books which will be spoilers if read out of order (nothing super major, but they're there).

The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 10 hours, 9 minutes and is well narrated by series narrator Sara Young. She has a warm and rich clear alto voice and does a good job delineating the widely varied accents of a range of characters of all ages and both sexes including elderly and young voices. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. 

Four stars.

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

Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children's Series

 

Creating Reading Rainbow is an engaging and well written memoir/behind-the-scenes reminiscence by series co-creator Tony Buttino and collaborators. Due out 18th June 2024 from Rowman & Littlefield on their Globe Pequot imprint, it's 296 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 deep dive into the creation, realization, filming, and enduring popularity of the beloved series from the point of view of the people who were there. Along with the stories, the book contains numerous mostly black & white photographs of the people involved in writing and production, the kids who were the primary audience, and the stage and sets from the show and various PBS stations. 

The authors/publishers have also included appendices with bonus material including interviews, episode guides with relevant book lists, and extensive chapter notes which will provide readers with many hours of further reading.  

Four stars. This would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use or gift giving. 

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

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh - Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #3

 

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh is the third Regency romance/mystery featuring Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney written by Claudia Gray. Due out 18th June 2024 by Knopf Doubleday on their Vintage Anchor imprint, it's 400 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 homage series, featuring some of the iconic characters from Austen's classic works. This outing sees Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney trying to get to the bottom of the attempts on the life of Lady Catherine before it's too late. Much of the plot stretches the boundaries of belief and readers need to bring a healthy suspension of disbelief to the party.

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

It is well written, however, and very well edited and polished, but ultimately recommended mostly for die-hard Regency romance/mystery fans, and not as much for fans of historical Jane Austen who won't be fooled for a second.

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

Amigurumi Friends: 20 Easy Patterns to Create 100+ Adorable Custom Crochet Critters

Amigurumi Friends is an adorable guide to crocheting 20 base forms with variations and tutorials by Jade Gauthier-Boutin. Due out 18th June 2024 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The book is logically laid out and beginner accessible. The graphics are appealing and clear. The book is lavishly illustrated and the photography is very detailed and taken at close range. The book has a short introduction including the stitches used. The author/publisher have included QR codes throughout which link to supplementary content including videos showing the techniques used.

There are two main parts. The first section includes a fairly thorough intro to crochet and tools and supplies. The general tutorial for the basic shapes and common features for all the projects follow the introductory chapters. The specific tutorials are broken down into head and body variations. 

The following chapters include the specific tutorials grouped thematically: zoo, woodland friends, farm animals, and fantasy/dinosaur friends to crochet. The end of the book contains some really useful tips from the author showing her own design process, and giving lots of tips for customization and embellishments.

Well done and a nice selection of patterns which are fundamentally different from one another, giving the reader a broad platform for creating alternative amigurumi and for customization.

Five stars. Well worth a read for crochet interested readers. The dolls are very cute, and most are quite small and quick to finish.

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

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a classic cold war era spy thriller and the 5th George Smiley novel by John Le Carré. Originally released in 1974, this reformat and re-release in audiobook format from Dreamscape is due out 25th June 2024.

This is one of a handful of truly iconic spy thrillers from an author who literally shaped the entire genre. George Smiley is now sure beyond doubt that there's a mole in the highest levels of British Intelligence planted there and moving up the ranks for decades and his assignment is to root them out and remove the threat - permanently.

Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original publication, this unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 52 minutes and is beautifully read by Simon Vance. He has a classically trained voice with well modulated RP voice and delineates the various accents and a range of ages very well. He's easy to listen to and does credit to the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Five stars. Classic literature, very well done. 

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

The Pyramid Murders - Miss Clara Vale Mysteries #3

The Pyramid Murders is the third book featuring Clara Vale by Fiona Veitch Smith. Released 13th June 2024 by Bonnier on their Embla Books imprint, it's 300 pages and is available in audio and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently on KU. 

This is a light cozy set interwar London with Clara Vale, a clever young woman well situated in life and with a formidable scientific mind. This installment sees Clara and her assistant Bella (who is wonderful) on the trail of artefact and jewel thieves from Newcastle to London and even down the Egyptian Nile.

The language is clean and the plot is woven around actual historical events whimsically and successfully. It's a cozy, and without graphic, on page violence. It's not at all derivative, but it will definitely appeal to fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Catriona McPherson's Dandy Gilver books. 

Four stars. Light entertainment. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or a short binge/buddy read. The story is self contained in this volume, but there's some continuity between the volumes which will be spoiled if read out of order.

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

The Language Puzzle: Piecing Together the Six-Million-Year Story of How Words Evolved

The Language Puzzle is a fascinating layman accessible monograph on the development of communication, speech, and language systems throughout human history by anthropologist Dr. Steven Mithen. Due out 18th June 2024 from Hachette on their nonfiction Basic Books imprint, it's 544 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.

Big reveal to start with: the question of when and where actual language developed in humans is unanswerable, and this book doesn't come to any jaw-dropping new revelations. That being said, the author does a good job of covering a fairly astounding number of ancillary subjects, some quite complex, and does so in a manner which is (mostly) free of jargon or devolving into stilted inaccessible academic language. 

It is, admittedly, a niche book but will definitely appeal to readers interested in cultural anthropology, language, and prehistory. This would make a good support text for classroom or library acquisition, for cultural anthropology and allied subjects, as well as a superlative read for those who are particularly interested in history, culture, and the arts. 

The book is fully annotated throughout, and the chapter notes and bibliography will provide readers with many hours of further reading.

Four and a half stars. Deeply researched and engaging.

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

Dad Camp

Dad Camp is a family dynamics novel by Evan S. Porter. Released 11th June 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Dutton 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 is a fun and worthwhile story. It's warmly written with well rendered main characters and an engaging story. Some of the secondary characters are a bit two dimensional and pasted in, but overall the story and dialogue flow well, and there are numerous moments of gentle unforced humor. 

Definitely a book for any parent who has ever looked at their kid, a human they almost certainly love beyond all reason, and wonder where the sulky eye-rolling gremlin standing before them suddenly came from. Nearly all the preteen family dynamics books lately have been from the mom's point of view, and it's refreshing and nice to see dads getting some bandwidth.

Four stars. This would make an excellent buddy read or book club selection, as well as a good choice for public library acquisition. 

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