Make It Plant-Based! Indian: 50+ Recipes for Vegan Curries, Chaat, Breakfasts, Breads, and Sweets

Make It Plant-Based! Indian is one of a new series of related kitchen guides with recipes, this one featuring plant based Indian by Srishti Jain. Due out 13th May 2025 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 184 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 good basic, well organized, vegetarian Indian cookbook. The basics and well loved recipes are represented, and the instructions are easy to understand and follow. They are arranged in chapters, thematically: breakfast, chai & chaat, mains & curries, grains & breads, sauces & sides, and sweets & treats.

 Ingredients will be mostly available at any large/well stocked international market/grocery store. Recipes include an introduction, background info (including transliterated Indian name), and yields. Ingredients are provided in a bullet list, followed by step by step preparation instructions. Measurements are given in imperial (American) units with metric in parentheses (yay)!. Nutritional info is not provided. 

About 20% of the recipes include color photographs. The plated foods are professionally styled and serving suggestions are appetizing and appropriate. The author/publisher have also included pantry lists for convenience as well as a cross-referenced index. 

Four stars. Simple, but effective. It would be a nice choice for public or school library acquisition (it's a set volume, so it's worth acquiring all the volumes which are graphically similar with different themed cuisines). 

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

Crafting a Better World: Inspiration and DIY Projects for Craftivists: A Dynamic Craft Book with Hands-On Projects, Learn to Make Art that Makes a Difference

 

Crafting a Better World is an interesting monograph by Diana Weymar on the fertile intersection between activism and creativity. Released 10th Sept 2024 by HarperCollins on their William Morrow Harvest imprint, it's 184 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The book includes artist profiles for a number of active creators across multiple disciplines: acting, writing, drawing, photography, fashion, cooking, music, fibre arts, and others, as well as hybrid/cross disciplinary expression. The profiles are interesting and inspiring, and in a few cases, moving and touching. The author has curated the subjects well, and most readers will probably benefit from reading all of it, not just the specific ones they recognize or are interested in. The profiles include interviews between the author/curator and the subjects, as well as a number (circa 50%) of small projects for reader inspiration and use. They range from embroidery, curating a small art installation, to making vulva shaped chocolates. 

The book is unapologetically activist and passionate. The "vibe" tends toward inclusivity, positivity, productive anger, and deeply fed up feminine energy (as anyone who has been awake during any of the last 8 years can surely understand). 

The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated links and resources list for further exploration and reading. 

Four stars. It would be perfectly suited to public library acquisition, home use, gift giving to activist minded crafty folks, and artist collective studios.

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

Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot

Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot is the first book in a middle grade fantasy series by Isaac Rudansky. Released 4th February 2025 by indie publisher Greenleaf, it's 392 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a very high-stakes thrilling adventure tale full of scary hiss-worthy bad guys, ineffectual adults, and heroic kids. Georgie is a 6th grade everyman (everykid?) character, slogging through school with an antagonistic teacher, a dependable best friend (who also doesn't have the best homelife) and a new friend who's likeable (even though she's a *girl*) and who's in the mold of Hermione Grainger. His dad drops a bombshell about he and Georgie not even being from earth, and about that time creepy villains start showing up, there's a glowing artifact, and his dad gets kidnapped!

It's packed with adventure, and some of the scenes are on the edge of actually scary. There are touches of humor throughout and the author has a wry touch with character names (like Fumbluff, Eldritch, etc... Very Dickensian).

There are codes and mysteries to solve in addition to the rollicking adventure (which ends on a HUGE cliffhanger, fair warning). 

Four and a half stars. It would make a good choice for public or secondary school library, with the understanding that some scenes in the book are quite squishy and disgusting. Recommended for fans of Rick Riordan, Kelley Armstrong, and Brandon Mull. 

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

Tea You at the Altar - Tomes & Tea #3

Tea You at the Altar is the third book in the beloved cozy fantasy series by Rebecca Thorne. Due out 4th March 2025 from Macmillan on their Tor/Bramble imprint is 336 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.

This is a lovely, immersive, well written cozy fantasy with F/F romance. A former royal mercenary (stabbing and slashing a specialty) and a high ranking magic user who's also a reluctant diplomat just want to be together, to have a cozy bookstore with a big fireplace, tea and baked goods, maybe a few little dragons (!?) and nothing is going to stand in their way if they have anything to say about it. They got most of their wish list in book one and now they're on a mission to save their hard-won independence and their town, with maybe a little treasonous sedition thrown in.

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 enjoy this one as well. 

It's full of warmth and humor and the author is unapologetically LGBTQIA+ friendly, here's a quote: 

"To the people who gave me one-star reviews because the first book "had lesbians." I doubled the lesbians in this one. Just for you."

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 41 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Jessica Threet. She has a well modulated voice and does a fine job of the disparate fantasy accents. 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- some violent scenes with battle descriptions. There is some light sexual content/PDAs, but nothing NSFW. With three books out now, 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.

Jekyll & Hyde: Consulting Detectives -

 

Jekyll & Hyde: Consulting Detectives is the first in a series of historical mysteries featuring the titular pair, written by Tim Major. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by Titan Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Neat premise: Jekyll -and- Hyde as a two-in-one consulting detective. The story is written from the PoV of Jekyll's ex-fiance, Muriel. They meet up, and team up, as a result of a chance meeting contiguous with disappearances in their upper class social set. The author is quite adept at writing the antipathy / fondness / exasperation (mostly on the part of Muriel) which colors their collaboration. 

The characters (including Muriel) are drawn from the print and film canon. The dialogue and descriptions are very well done, very Victorian, and without discernible anachronisms. It's an enjoyable and engaging read with a well done mystery "hook". 

It's the first of a series (second book due out in Oct 2025), so much of the first book's content is given over to development and background, but the denouement and resolution are classic and fair-play. 

Four stars. Well done. It will appeal to classic mystery readers, and fans of similar modern genre mysteries (Haig, Turton, et. al.). The author has included a short (quite interesting) acknowledgement note at the end with more info about the characters. Read it after finishing the book.

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

The Bones Beneath My Skin

The Bones Beneath My Skin is a standalone SF/fantasy by T.J. Klune. Originally published in 2018, this reformat and re-release from Macmillan on their Tor imprint is 416 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. 

The author himself describes this as an "odd" book, and it is. It's stylistically identifiable as his work, and it fits generally into his oeuvre (queer friendly, strong M/M romance plot, deeply happy functional found family after rejection and isolation, wholesome denouement and resolution), but there are departures (and he's 100% free to do so, obviously). This is more SF heavy and less fantasy, there are blackhawk helicopters, black ops, weapons and firepower.

It's not derivative, but there are strong element similarities to Stranger Things + scary death cult (Heaven's Gate specifically, which clearly found a place in the author's subconscious along the line somewhere). 

There's an odd, honestly jarring and explicit adult scene about 80% into the book which seemed, if not actually gratuitous, was startling at least. 

As always, the author does a great job with the prose which is quirky and often endearing. This is an early work, and it's interesting to see how his style has adapted and matured over the intervening years. Some of the exchanges are fairly choppy and abrupt; it's full of staccato one line exchanges which get a bit tiring. Overall, an engaging and worthwhile read, especially for readers who are already fans of the author.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition (not school library due to the adult content and language). It would also make a nice weekend binge/buddy read.

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

The Advice Columnist

The Advice Columnist is a standalone (possibly a series opener?) mystery thriller by Cade Haddock Strong. Released 27th June 2024 by Bella Books, it's 268 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. t'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 strong romance (F/F) element in the book, about 50/50 with the mystery. The book never really makes a firm decision about genre, so romance readers who don't mind mystery, or thriller fans who like romance, will likely be fine with the hybrid nature of the story. 

The dialogue is uneven in some places, with unnecessary repetition to provide info to the readers (superfluously as it turns out). The mystery itself (a serial killer, striking apparently randomly whom MC Lydia (the titular advice columnist) connects to letters sent to the paper she works for). The characterizations are sketched in and many of their actions and dialogue seem to belong to people much (much) younger than the 30something of the characters as written. It's *full* of angsty drama, especially on the part of Lydia and her fairly loathsome ex, Carrie, a social climbing, back-stabbing, jerk. 

There are a number of page-filling side trips (like the yoga retreat which took up about 5% of the page content) and didn't forward the story in any meaningful way. Many of the secondary characters are just distinctly *odd*. 

That being said, it's a light, readable, and somewhat engaging. The language is R-rated, with strong cursing (not egregiously, and used in context). There's not much on page violence (there is threatened violence and some descriptions in the unhinged letters sent to Lydia at the paper. The mystery, denouement, and conclusion are self contained, and complete. 

Three stars. It would have benefited significantly with a few rounds with a ruthless editor. That being said, it's readable and complete in the form it is in now. 

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

Murder in the Tuscan Hills - Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #10

 

 

 

Murder in the Tuscan Hills is the tenth (!!!) Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 2nd Feb 2025 by Boldwood books, it's 240 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 and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats. 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 beautifully descriptive and well written destination mystery set in Tuscany. Expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are back on the case; a hit & run death outside a local winery seems to be a coverup for sinister goings on. It's an ensemble cast and Dan's friend/colleague Virgilio makes an appearance. The series has developed so well and seamlessly, that each new book feels like a visit with friends.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well controlled and believable. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, so it works well enough as a standalone, but the writing and mystery are so well planned and executed, that it would make an excellent weekend binge or buddy read. The author is exceptionally good at weaving (seemingly) extraneous information into the text. There's a lot of humor as well.

It's not derivative at all, but it reminded me in a lot of good ways of Leon's exceptional Brunetti books as well as Walker's lovely Bruno, chief of police books. Fans of those authors will find a lot to enjoy here.

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended. All of the books are exceptionally well written and fun. The author seems to be on a twice a year output schedule at the moment without sacrificing quality or length. He's managed 10 books, going from strength to strength, and without getting formulaic or boring. 

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

 

The Rise of Issa Igwe

The Rise of Issa Igwe is an engaging middle grade fantasy set in a school by Shanna Miles. Released 22nd Oct 2024 by Union Square on their Kids' imprint, it's 360 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 and references throughout. 

This is a top notch dark academia magic/ghost story for ca. 8-12 year old readers. It features some crossover appearances from characters in The Fall of the House of Tatterly, but it's not a sequel and it functions fine as a standalone read. Issa herself is intelligent, determined, a bit headstrong, and creative. The mystery is well constructed, and it's creepy, but not too scary for the target audience. 

This is Issa's story (she's also in Tatterly), and it's nice to see high quality books with a black girl in a central role. Representation is important. There are also central plot elements featuring Gulla culture and beliefs. 

Four and a half stars. It would make a great choice for public library acquisition (possibly for middle to secondary school as well, although acquisitions personnel should read it beforehand in areas of the USA subject to book challenges). Recommended for fans of dark academia, fantasy/ghost story readers, and maybe a binge/buddy read.

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

Once a Castle - Carrick Hall #2

 

Once a Castle is a crossworlds YA fantasy novel and the second book in a series by Sarah Arthur. Released 11th Feb 2025 by WaterBrook, it's 416 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Engaging and very well written with appealing/interesting and well wrought characters, it is purpose made for fans of old-school fantasy like C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, and maybe Diana Wynne Jones. The publisher is a Christian allied imprint, and there are some allegorical themes throughout, but that being said, it's -not- a preachy book and it can be read without the background subtext interfering with the story in any way. 

This sequel follows strongly on from the first book and readers who try to read them out of order will likely find themselves struggling to pick up the threads of the narrative and figure out what's going on for a while. Also, the interrelationships and backgrounds of many of the (numerous) characters are developed in the first book and will spoil some of Once a Castle.

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, home readers, and for a binge/buddy read. 

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

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance - Miss Morton Mysteries #3

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance is the third outing for Miss Morton by Catherine Lloyd. Released 20th Aug 2024 by Kensington, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in 3rd quarter 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 an engaging, light Regency historical cozy series featuring a heroine whose late father's mess continues to impact her circumstances. She's recently inherited from another relative (an aunt) and is disinclined to sort out her disgraced father's estate. She's dragged into (and implicated in) the mystery by the complicated related deaths of the legal folks involved. Skullduggery, envy, dishonesty, and murder all make appearances.

As the third book in the series, it follows on closely from developments in the earlier books. It is understandable as a standalone, but not ideal, and with the codicil that the characters' interrelationships have developed over time, so there will be spoilers if read out of order. 

The mystery itself is well constructed, but thin, and readers really should bring a robust suspension of disbelief. All in all, however, it's a good light cozy in a decent series. With 3 books extant, it would make a good binge/buddy read, as well as a good choice for public library acquisition.

Three and a half stars. 

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

Herbs in Every Season: 48 Edible and Medicinal Herbs for the Kitchen, Garden, and Apothecary

Herbs in Every Season is a well written, graphically appealing, easy to understand and use herbal with info curated and arranged by Bevin Cohen. Due out 25th March 2025 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 252 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Arranged by seasons, it features herbs when they're each at their prime, with profiles, uses, recipes, culture & harvesting info, botanical name and history. Each profile includes lots of clear color photos (including the products made from the herbs). Recipe ingredients (other than the botanicals themselves) will be mostly readily available at coops/health food stores/international groceries in most of North America. 

Recipe ingredients are in a bullet list, followed by step by step crafting/cooking instructions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units. There's a good mix of herbal recipes including teas, salves, balms, lotions, infusions, and fire cider.  

Four and a half stars. Well written, accessible, beautifully photographed, and full of good usable recipes. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home library, smallholder/homesteader, community or allotment gardening groups, etc. 

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

Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders

 

Ivory Bones is an engaging and well written forensic archaeology/history/art mystery by Dr. Sara Winokur. Released 4th Feb 2025, it's 308 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

Told in a dual-timeline during Viking times and the modern day, a medieval diary ties together the protagonist, a forensic scientist, and long lost priceless missing chess pieces. MC Brynja is intelligent and honest, and dealing with personal issues from her own family's past and she makes an appealing foil for the unscrupulous forces who seemingly have no qualms against committing murder to gain the artifacts.

The author (who is a geneticist) manages to convey the necessary technical information for the function of the mystery without getting overly bogged down with technical jargon or unnecessarily complex info-dumping. The inclusion of the diary as a literary device was slightly more problematic (Anna, a slave, has and keeps writing in the diary, which was not taken from her, writing openly and frankly about her circumstances. Books were *highly* valuable at the time; she was captured by corsairs...). 

The actual mystery is well constructed. It's not at all derivative, but the style reminded me of Kathy Reichs, Karin Slaughter, and similar genre authors. There are some brutal descriptions in the book, specifically the realities of the slave trade, and some violence in the modern era. 

Although it's the second book featuring the main character, the mystery is self contained in this novel, and it works fine as a standalone.

Three and a half stars. It would make a good choice for forensic science mystery fans, and potentially a good buddy read. 

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

Second Generation: Hungarian and Jewish Classics Reimagined for the Modern Table

 

Second Generation is a lovely cookbook from the Hungarian and Jewish diaspora collected and curated by Jeremy Salamon. Released 17th Sept 2024 by Wm. Morrow on their Harvest imprint, it's 240 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.

Each recipe contains a description, background info/location/inspiration, ingredients in a bullet list sidebar, and prep/cooking instructions. Ingredients are listed with imperial (American) measurements. Ingredients will *mostly* be readily available in any well stocked grocery store in North America. Some ingredients, spices, and blends will necessitate a trip to an international/Eastern European type food store or online resources. The author utilizes some convenience and ready made ingredients, such as cream cheese and mayonnaise. The recipes are full of hints, tips, and tricks for the best results.

The author has also included a wonderful assortment of personal and family reminiscences from his family and growing up in the USA as a child of first generation parents.

The book is beautifully photographed throughout, in color, and most of the recipes are accompanied by one or more color photos. The food is professionally styled, attractive, and appetizing. Special dietary considerations (vegetarian, gluten free, etc  are not noted in each recipe. Nutritional info is also not included.

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving purposes. 

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

 

Book Nooks: Inspired Ideas for Cozy Reading Corners and Stylish Book Displays

Book Nooks is a well written, logically arranged idea book for book nooks, reading corners, and book displays curated and designed by Vanessa Dina & Claire Gilhuly. Released 17th Sept 2024 by Chronicle Books, it's 144 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 thematically arranged book with do-able projects attainable for the average home/apartment crafter with average skills, tools, and budget. The designs are varied, from casual to modern formal, and across a range of sizes, from tiny to impressive (with room to grow). Much of the aesthetic is "insta-worthy" and uses books as decor elements more than as a working usable library. 

It's arranged into thematic chapters: classic, small space, bedside, bathroom, baby, kids, cookbooks, bar, the collector (much love and inspiration for eclectic book nerds, hobbyists, and reading fanatics here), the gardener, the artist, colorful, and neutral. 

There are no tutorials as such, with lists of supplies, materials, lumber footage, findings, etc. What the authors and photographer have done is provide a plethora of inspiration pictures which are well styled and very clear (and in color), for readers to pick and choose from.

The photography is the standout. It's clear, plentiful, and understandable. 

The authors & publisher have also included some useful short appendices including an abbreviated list of worthwhile library destinations for more practical inspiration, a short couple pages (with photos) on Little Free Libraries, and some powerful words about book bans and the freedom and availability of books and their importance to humanity.  

Three and a half stars. Delivers more or less what it promises. It would be a worthwhile choice for school or public library acquisition, home use, gardening and activity club libraries, etc. Warning to book purists: The authors DO occasionally mutilate books for decor purposes, so if that bothers you, look away.

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

Madrigals and Mayhem - The Cambridge Bookshop Series #4

 

Madrigals and Mayhem is the fourth Cambridge Bookshop cozy by Elizabeth Penney. Released 26th Nov 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in mass market paperback (library), audio, and ebook formats. Regular retail paperback 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.

This is a fun and engaging bookstore cozy set in Cambridge (England). This installment follows on from the earlier books, though it can be read as a standalone with the understanding that some character development and interrelationships will be slightly spoiled if read out of order. The characters are a mix of well rendered (protagonist Molly) and quirkily outlandish (most of the secondary characters). Some of the plot developments in the early part of the book were a bit over-the-top, but probably not too outlandish given the genre setting and characters.

The book's admittedly formulaic, but it is quite well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. Molly's enthusiasm and honesty are appealing and well done. There were a few twists on the way, and cozy readers will enjoy the ending. There are tie-ins and title name-drops to antique toys and books, and readers who enjoy those hobbies will find a lot to like here.

Four stars, entertaining and full of whimsy. Fans of Ellie Alexander, Kate Carlisle, Laura Child, et. al. will be right at home. With four books extant in the series, and a fifth due out 4th quarter 2025, this would also make a nice binge/buddy read.

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

 

The Queens of Crime

The Queens of Crime is a standalone historical mystery by Marie Benedict. Due out 11th Feb 2025 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a well written and engaging historical story featuring real life characters (Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Orczy) amateur sleuths and collaborators. There are cameos from other real historical characters and events, and the fictional narrative is so cleverly interwoven, it's not always clear where fact shades into fiction. 

Four stars. Readers of historical fiction like Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourn, and Andrea Penrose will find this one to their taste as well. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home readers, or a buddy read/mystery book club selection. 

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

The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Chaos

 

The Blue Plate is a sobering, occasionally uplifting (and equally terrifying) monograph by Mark J. Easter on the interconnectedness of life on planet Earth, and how we can make good decisions concerning the food we consume given the current issues. Released 17th Sept 2024 by Patagonia, it's  400 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

The author, a scientist and researcher, does a fairly good job of explaining concepts such as carbon sequestering, climate change, food production (and its impact on climate change), ecosystems, and some complex earth science/ecology topics. There is no glossary, chapter notes or annotations, and the book doesn't have a bibliography or reference list (which is a notable absence in a book of this type). The author/publishers have included a cross referenced index. 

The basic question he posits is: Can humanity's choices about regenerative farming, consumption, and food choices (eat local in season) have a meaningful positive net impact on human driven climate change. He makes a lot of good points, and there are some glimpses of potential actionable ideas throughout, but the overall impression for reasonable readers is "probably not enough, nor soon enough". 

There are a number of profiles of professionals and amateur activists throughout which are inspiring and hopeful, from grassroots collectives to larger research entities like the Land Institute. The overall takeaway though is, not enough, not fast enough, and not hopeful. 

It's a stark reminder that unfettered consumerism is a juggernaut wrecking the planet we share. 

Four stars. The author/publisher have included interactive links and QR code to additional study materials and references for classroom use or discussion. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition and as a support text for agriculture, ecology, earth sciences, and related subjects.

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

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor - Food & Spirits Mysteries #1

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor is the first book in a cozy "reality show" mystery series by Darci Hannah (Beacon Bakeshop mysteries). Released 20th Aug 2024 by Kensington, it's 321 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, engaging, and fun cozy. Escapist reading written around a reality TV cooking series premise. Chef Bunny's big break came with an unexpected side serving of murder which threatens to stop her career progress in its tracks. The "spirits" part of the title refers to filming in a haunted mansion, which is the hook... paranormal elements, some cooking (bonus recipes at the back of the book), quirky characters, and a few lighter humorous moments with a nice denouement and resolution guaranteed. It's comfort reading.

Four stars. Readers should bring a healthy suspension of disbelief to the read (it's a cozy stately home mystery with a big ghost-hunter element full of skullduggery, outlandish motives, lost brides, etc). 

It would make a nice choice for public library acquisitions, for light cozy mystery fans, or for a buddy read.  Publishing details for the second book are not released yet, but the publisher tends to release on a yearly schedule. Then again, the author's other series (Beacon Bakeshops) just released another series book in late Nov 2024. 

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

Witch Slap

 

Witch Slap is the first book in a cozy paranormal mystery series by Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt. Released 25th June 2024 by Sterling & Stone, it's 290 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The later books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is a funny, quirky, and engaging lighthearted (sometimes silly) paranormal mystery with a talking cat who is a cursed human/brother to the main character, skullduggery, a missing magical tome, and some slapstick alongside heaps of sarcastic drama. 

The mystery is well constructed with a direct and engaging action driven plot. The characterizations and descriptions are a trifle trope-y, but overall it's a solid and diverting read for fans of saucy irreverent funny paranormal books. 

Four stars. With four books in the series, it would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read (bonus points for being in the Kindle Unlimited library).

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

Stemosaurus

 

Stemosaurus is a quirky, colorful, fun picture story about dinosaurs and one brave and clever dino in particular. Written by Andrew Root and illustrated by Mark Chambers, it's due out 22nd July 2025 from Brilliance (Amazon) on their Two Lions imprint. It's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book will be included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

The illustrations are whimsical, beautiful, and colorfully appealing. There are lots of small details (like the flowers, background figures, scenery details) which invite readers to stop and take a closer look. The text is in simple free verse and easy enough for new readers to master and understand. It's also a great candidate for a read along in the classroom (with "roar-alongs" from students) or a read-together with an older sibling or adult.

The basic message of being yourself, problem solving, love of reading/learning, and diversity are all positively presented in a simple and accessible manner. 

Four stars. A delightful read and it would make a great selection for public, school, or classroom acquisition, home use, or gift giving.

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

An Insidious Inheritance - Clara Dawson 1

 

An Insidious Inheritance is the first Clara Dawson historical mystery by Amelie West. Released 28th Jan 2025, it's 303 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a well written, creepy paranormal historical mystery set in the depths of the American depression in 1933. Clara inherits a run-down inn after the death of her estranged father. Things almost immediately start going bump (or creak) in the night, and between the hostile locals and inexplicable happenings in the environs, she fears she might be losing her mind. 

The author has a gift with setting, and the entire novel has an edgy, brooding, and threatening aura that is disquieting and compelling in about equal measure. It feels like the tension ratchets up waiting for a jump scare that doesn't materialize. 

The isolated setting adds to the overall Gothic atmosphere. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self-contained in this volume, though it is marketed as the first of a series; it works well as a standalone.

Four stars. Enjoyable historical mystery. It's not derivative at all, but there are flashes of Shirley Jackson and maybe a little Henry Farrell in the mix. It would make a nice choice for a buddy read or mystery book club selection.

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

The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats: Demystifying These Often-Misunderstood Creatures

The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats is a beautifully illustrated and well written monograph on fascinating and often maligned creatures by Dr. Alyson Brokaw. Due out 11th Feb 2025 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 312 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is an up-to-date collection with information about bats: their anatomy, their niche in the local ecosystems, evolution, range, habitat, diet(s) (hugely varied), their senses and how they interpret and learn, and how *we* learn about *them*. Dr. Brokaw is a behavioral and sensory ecologist and this is her niche/expertise. She writes eloquently and accessibly for average readers.

Although it's not rigorously academic in tone or writing, it is well annotated throughout, and the chapter notes and references are likely worth the price of admission. It will provide many hours of further learning. 

The photography is wonderful throughout, clear and in color, with explanatory captions. Many of the photos throughout are close up/macro shots with incredible detail.

Five stars. This would make an excellent choice for public or (secondary) school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving. Dr. Brokaw's knowledge and passion shine through in the writing. 

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

Murder on a Country Walk - Julia Bird Mysteries #6

 

 

Murder on a Country Walk is the sixth Julia Bird village cozy mystery by Katie Gayle. Released 11th Sept 2024, it's 250 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The earlier books in the series are also available on KU. 

This is such an engaging modern village cozy with a genuinely appealing female amateur sleuth who's late middle-aged, intelligent and earnest, and generally well meaning. Despite a long career in social services in London, a recent divorce (her husband married their (male) gardener), and other major curveballs, she maintains a mostly positive outlook on life. Having acquired a cozy cottage in a cozy village in the Cotswolds, she's ready for the next adventure which includes a cozy garden with some chickens. The only fly in the ointment is the sudden preponderance of murdered people... Once again, she's into the breach to solve the suspicious deaths.

The author has a deft touch with humour and there were several scenes which surprised a grin or giggle out of me. The characters are well rendered and (mostly) believable within the allowable framework of the genre. It's peopled with the usual small town eccentric characters, and the plot moves along at a good pace.

I also liked that instead of the usual trope-y antagonistic and incompetent local police force, protagonist Julia's ally from the earlier books, DI Hayley Gibson is back on the case once again. They strike up a surprisingly good cooperation again and make a good team.

The main mystery is self contained in this volume, so it works well as a standalone. There are currently six books extant in the series making it a good candidate for a long weekend binge read or buddy read. Genuinely well written and fun to read.

Four stars.

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

 

Super Frenemies! - Simon and Chester #5

Super Frenemies! is the 5th Simon & Chester young reader graphic novel by Cale Atkinson. Released 24th Sept 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

This is a touching, funny, human (and ghost) story about cooperation, learning, growing up, facing our own fears and prejudices, and resolving our differences and finding common ground. The story arc is accessible, but the author/artist does a great job of making it engaging, sometimes funny, and serious. There are great messages (about racism, judgement, learning, and cooperation), as well as a solid narrative story. 

Four and a half stars. Nice art, and a good story, well told. This would be a great choice for public or school library, classroom reading circle, or home use. 

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

Compound Fracture

Compound Fracture is an unflinching blood-filled thriller/light horror standalone novel by Andrew Joseph White. Released 3rd Sept 2024, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is marketed as YA, but fair warning, it's *very* brutal in places. It's exceptionally well written, honest, direct, and truly worthwhile, but so bloody and graphic. Having grown up in WVa, and seen firsthand the generational trauma, poverty, desperation, widespread bone-deep racism/sexism/homophobia and violence, the author does an impressive job of getting inside the almost inexplicable choices a lot of the people growing up in rural conservative communities make politically (to continue to be exploited, as long as there are *some* people who are even *more* marginalized and abused than they themselves are). Trigger warnings, homophobia, ableist abuse of neuroatypical/autistic people, transphobia, graphic violence, body horror, opioid abuse, sexual abuse, generational trauma, poverty, and certainly some I'm missing.

It's raw. It's very very well written. 

Four and a half stars. Not an easy read. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition. Likely far too violent/triggering for school library. It's politically relevant to a degree that would make it a very good choice for gender studies/Appalachian studies, allied subjects (American southern rural politics/culture/literature), and allied subjects. 

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

The Baguette Murders - Brittany Murder Mysteries #3

The Baguette Murders is the third Brittany cozy murder mystery by Anne Penketh. Released 28th Jan 2025 by Joffe Books, it's 234 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is a nice village cozy, set in Brittany and featuring an ensemble cast of expat Brits and locals from the area. The author does a nice job of showing the daily issues and occasional frictions of locals vs. incomers, without being at all preachy or strident. It's a pleasant read and the mystery (if a bit over the top in the details) is well constructed and a good puzzle to work out during. 

It works perfectly well as a standalone with the codicil that the returning characters have a history with one another from earlier books and there will be minor spoilers if read out of order. It is perhaps a tiny bit more graphic than the run of the mill village cozy (head injuries with blood described on page), and there is some moderately strong cursing occasionally, but overall it's not egregious. 

Four stars. Eminently readable and entertaining. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home readers, and a good series binge/buddy read.

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

Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook

Ramadan on Rahma Road is a beautifully colorful illustrated children's storybook with lots of recipes collected and curated by Razeena Omar Gutta and Faaiza Osman. Due out 4th Feb 2025 from Barefoot Books, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover format. It's aimed at children aged ~6-8 years (lexile measure 940L), but kids in the target age group will definitely need some adult supervision in prep/cooking the recipes contained here.

This is a true collection of recipes from all over the world, presented in a story about the diverse families living on Rahma Road. The colorful illustrations by Atieh Sohrabi are full of movement and small details that invite readers to take a closer look. It's done in a simple/naive style, but Ms. Sohrabi has done an excellent job of showing the array of foods, clothing, styles, and colors of the characters. 

In addition to the food, the authors have also written a nice wraparound story about the cultural traditions and beliefs of a wide variety of world cultures (Middle East, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Antipodes). 

Four and a half stars. It's a lovely story about diversity, cooperation and friendship. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, classroom use, home library or gift giving. 

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

Furever After - Magical Cats Mystery #16

Furever After is the 16th (!!) magical cats cozy paranormal mystery by Sofie Kelly. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in 1st quarter 2025. 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 appealing, well written series with a likeable librarian protagonist as amateur sleuth along with her anthropomorphic/supernaturally gifted kitties and her fiancé who's in law enforcement.  The language is very clean (only an occasional mild curse, nothing worse), there's no graphic on page violence or sexual content, and it's an appealing, satisfying read. In addition, in this installment, there's a nice art theft mystery, some murder, and a visit with the ensemble returning characters.

Although it's the 16th book in the series, the mystery is self contained in this book and it works very well as a standalone, with the understanding that the returning characters have a history, and there will be spoilers for the earlier books if read out of order.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, for mystery fans, and a binge/buddy read. 

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

Nothing but the Bones - Bull Mountain #4

Nothing but the Bones is the fourth novel set in Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich. Released 16th April 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in March 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

This is an exceptionally well written, albeit gritty/graphic crime novel. The characters are so well rendered and believable (quite often horrifyingly so). The story is peopled with flawed, broken, criminal, bloody characters and the descriptions are unflinching.The story arc staggers from one catastrophic occurrence to the next and it's almost impossible to just look away. It's a compelling story, well told, but not at all pleasant.

There's a jagged honesty in Mr. Panowich's narrative. The denouement and resolution are satisfying but it's a bumpy ride to get there. Despite being the 4th book, it works well as a standalone (and seems to be a prequel and side story to the first books). 

Four stars. Recommended for fans of Joe R. Lansdale, Michael Connolly, Denis Lehane, and Robert B. Parker. 

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