Cult Following: The Extreme Sects That Capture Our Imaginations―and Take Over Our Lives

Cult Following is an interesting and accessible monograph by J.W. Ocker on cults; what they are, how they function, and how they impact individuals and society, Released 10th Sept 2024 by Quirk Books, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This book delivers precisely what it promises. It's an in-depth look at cults, how they form and operate, and a precis/overview. Surprisingly and gratifyingly, the emphasis isn't primarily on religious cults (though there's a necessary aspect of salvation/belonging which is fundamentally necessary to a cult to attract and hold followers - the author goes into detail in the book). A general foreword with background leads into specific short chapters on individual cults arranged thematically: the search for truth (koreshan unity, chen tao, ordo templi orentis, +), protection (people's temple, manson family, ant hill kids, +), purpose (fandom +), salvation (branch davidians, synanon, +), and betterment (ho no hana sanpogyo, breatharianism, heaven's gate, NXIVM, +). It's a broad spectrum, spanning a long time period, and lots of different cultures. It's fascinating to see the common threads binding humans seeking a "better way" and the people who exploit it. 

It's written in completely layman accessible language, and is not rigorously annotated; there are no chapter notes. The author/publisher have included an abbreviated bibliography for further reading. The language throughout is neither prurient nor outré. There are no photographs or questionable graphic content. It's typeset simply, in high contrast black, white, and some highlighted red text. There is no index in the book. 

The unabridged audio format has a run time of 8 hours 17 minutes and is read by Kimberly Wetherell. She has a strong, professionally trained, well modulated neutral American accent in this read. She does a good job with the sometimes shocking text and reads with engagement. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for nonfiction and current history fans, possibly a buddy read or book club alternate selection. 

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

Ghost Food: 75 Spooky, Fun, and Frightening Halloween-Inspired Sweet Treats

Ghost Food is a cute Hallowe'en themed recipe collection with recipes developed and curated by Cayla Gallagher. Due out 5th Aug 2025 from Skyhorse Publishing, it's 200 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.

Exactly as advertised; Hallowe'en themed, heavy on cute, light on scary, and accessible for all-ages. Recipes are grouped "whimsically" into themed chapters: haunted mansion, pumpkin patch, creepy carnival, witch's coven, and vampire's lair. 

Recipes are written with a title, but no real substantive description, followed by a bullet list sidebar with ingredients. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units, followed by step-by-step prep directions. The author/publisher have included a metric conversion chart in the back of the book.

Most of the necessary ingredients will be easily accessible at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Nutritional information is not included. 

The photography throughout is clear, bright, and in color. It's a nice collection of fun recipes and would be helpful for seasonal parties, potlucks, or sleepovers. It's not -aimed- at younger readers/cooks, but there are lots of recipes in the collection which could be made by youngsters with some supervision. 

Three and a half stars. The lack of recipe descriptions and flavors is odd, but there are many really -cute- things to cook and enjoy. 

It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library acquisition. 

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

3D Printers A Beginner's Guide, 2nd Revised and Expanded Edition

3D Printers A Beginner's Guide is an information rich primer for home users of 3D printers written and curated by Oliver Bothmann. Originally released in 2015, this second edition, released in Feb 2025 by Fox Chapel, is 168 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is an introductory overview. The author explains the scope and processes involved in sourcing, choosing, acquiring, setting up, and first steps in learning and using a 3D printer for home/hobbyist users. He doesn't cover the necessary facility/learning involved with CAD/CAM which will be necessary for self-designed prints. 

The first 20% includes a jaw-dropping array of amazing items (including articulated clothing, 3D printed food items (!!), furniture, and much more which will amaze and inspire readers. The chapters following the introduction cover accessing and using data (Thingiverse, etc), printing, trimming/finishing, and service access for printers. The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated sources and links list (heavily slanted toward readers in EU areas, but North American readers will find the same resources with an internet search), as well as an abbreviated bibliography and cross-referenced index. 

Four stars. This book alone won't be sufficient for users who are trying to get started who are completely without other resources.. but it definitely gives a lot of good ideas and a general push in the direction of further instruction. It's absolutely mind-blowing what's possible with 3D printers and this book does give a good overview.

It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, for makers' spaces or as a support text for classroom & workshop instruction.

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

Quilling Round The Year: Beautiful Quilled Creations for Every Season

 

Quilling Round The Year is a colorful and beautiful tutorial guide with projects written and developed by Rachel Warrillow. Due out 29th April 2025 from Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The projects are attractive and accessible for a range of skills. Really all of them are do-able for beginners with some patience. They're arranged seasonally (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and all are colourful and appealing. The author has written a very good primer covering tools, supplies, paper choice, forms used in quilling, and more. 

Each project includes step-by-step instructions accompanied by many clear colour tutorial photos. The instructions are easy to understand and follow. The author/publisher have included full sized templates as well as an abbreviated sources and links list (slanted toward readers in the UK, but a simple internet search will help readers who live elsewhere) and a gorgeous inspiration gallery (also in colour). 

Quilling is admittedly a niche craft, but it's lovely to see it getting a boost. This would be an excellent choice for public, school or home library acquisition as well as for collective artists' studios and makers spaces.

Five stars.

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

Amoya Blackwood Is Brave

Amoya Blackwood Is Brave is a sweetly illustrated book for beginning readers about being true to ourselves and taking up the space we deserve by Chantaie Allick. Released 15th April 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 40 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a simple and sweetly illustrated book. Young Amoya is a bit boisterous; she sings loudly, shines brightly, and raises her hand to answer all the questions in class. She is told to be quiet, don't put herself forward, don't take up so much space. As she gets more and more withdrawn and quieter, she finds she's making herself smaller and smaller. Her grandmother encourages her to shine as her authentic self. It's such an important message for youngsters, especially girls, probably even more so for young girls of color. 

The text is simple and easy to read and the illustrations by Aaron Marin are full of small details, inviting readers to spend a while noticing small details. The art is colorful and kinetic... full of movement and action. The cast of characters are diverse (including a wide variety of ages, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities).

Although aimed at a younger (preschool - 2nd grade) audience, this is truly an all-ages book and adults will find lots to enjoy here as well.

Four and a half stars. It would be a good acquisition for public and school library and home use/gift giving. It would also be a good choice for a classroom reading circle or preschool story hour with a wide scope for discussion.

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

 

How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard

How Can I Help? is an accessible, interesting, and often sobering look at natural diversity and the challenges of invasive species in the context of suburban and exurban spaces presented by Dr. Douglas Tallamy. Released 8th April 2025 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 376 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. 

According to the WHO one of the biggest threats to humanity is the loss of biodiversity across climates and geographical areas. Dr. Tallamy does a good job of presenting the facts along with a list of achievable local/personal actions readers can incorporate which will have a net positive benefit for local native species.

It's written in layman accessible language and although it's not annotated or academically rigorous, the author does a very good job of  "showing his work" and the resources bibliography and links at the end of the book will provide readers with many hours of further reading. The concluding chapter/appendix contains a number of good questions from the author for readers to consider. 

Graphically, it's simple and direct. There's not a lot of photography, but what there is, is high quality, clear, and in color.

Four stars. Dr. Tallamy has a strong and sure voice, and provides concrete ideas for helping recover our planet. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, and for book club discussion. 

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

Life-Changing Salads: 100 Plant-Based Salads and Dressings Beyond Your Wildest Greens

Life-Changing Salads is a well written recipe collection of style forward vegan salads by Danielle Brown. Due out 29th April 2025 from DK, it's 256 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 an accessible, colorful, appealing ode to the perpetually popular salad meal. The author has a great sense of style and the unusual blending of taste and color will definitely pep up the boring standards. The recipes are grouped thematically: go-to salads, fruit salads, grains, pasta, chopped, warm, seasonal, no-lettuce, and dressings. The author/publisher have also included useful content including a background info/salad FAQ, vegan lifestyle FAQ, and an overview over essential equipment.

Recipes are written with an intro, yields, and ingredients in a bullet list followed by step-by-step prep instructions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units with metric in parentheses. Special dietary info (soy-free, nut-free, good for entertaining, leftover friendly, etc) is provided in color coded header bars for each recipe. Ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Nutritional info is not included in the recipes.

Each recipe is accompanied by one or more photos. Photography is clear and in color throughout. Graphically it's colorful and energetic, with clean lines and easy to read text. Photos of the author and her attractive family are scattered throughout. She has a breezy, chatty, friendly, humorous style and the humor comes through in many of the recipe names and accompanying text.

Four and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, and for readers who are looking to incorporate more vegan dishes in their daily routine.

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

Society of Lies

Society of Lies is a psychological thriller by Lauren Ling Brown.  Released 1st Oct 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Bantam book imprint, it's 336 pages and 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 one of the "buzz" books of 2024 and was also a Reese's Book Club pick. Despite the pedigree, this is an often muddled, ambiguous, and chaotic story centered around two sisters at Columbia, jockeying for position in the "Eating Clubs". The characterization is diffuse; sketched in for most of the secondary characters. Motivations are murky or contradictory and most of the misunderstandings could've been cleared up with a 20 second conversation.

Many (most) of the characters are not particularly nice, and some are downright unpleasant. The author has painted Columbia and the eating clubs as being full of cruel spoiled rich kids who delight in bullying one another, with lots of partying and little academic work. The denouement and resolution are somewhat ambiguous and unsatisfying. 

Three stars. It's a mixed bag. Given the demand for the book it will likely already be on public library acquisitions lists. It would also be appropriate for book club discussion.

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

The 15-minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 150 Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful Recipes with 4-week Meal Plan and Easy Shopping Lists

 

 

The 15-minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners by Yolanda Blake is a cookbook and recipe collection slanted toward the Mediterranean Diet with pantry lists, meal plans, and shopping guides included for preparation and time-saving.  Released 16th Jan 2025, it's 105 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

The layout is logical and easy to follow. The introduction covers the basics of the Mediterranean Diet, tools, supplies, & how-to. The following chapters include the recipes arranged roughly by category: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks & sides, soups & salads, and desserts.

Ingredient measurements are supplied in American measurements only. The nutritional information:  fat, carbs, protein content are listed for the recipes as well as serving sizes.  Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in sidebars with the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made with easily sourced ingredients. Many are very simple, none of them are overly complex.

The photography is not abundant, however most of the recipes do contain a small color photo of the finished dish.

This is a nice collection of recipes and even allowing for the fact that some of them are very similar to others in the same category, this will keep cooks going for ages.  

Four stars. Worth a look for readers thinking about giving the diet a try, especially since it's currently included in the kindle unlimited subscription.

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

The Essential Bonsai Book: Techniques for Creating Beautiful Trees

 

The Essential Bonsai Book is a well written and beautifully photographed course on creating and curating a bonsai collection written by Jonas Dupuich. Released 15th April 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter imprint. It's 224 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. 

The book is a more in-depth monograph on bonsai aimed at keen intermediate level to expert gardeners. There is an abbreviated introduction followed by training, pruning, care, and maintenance with emphasis on carrying out the correct procedure at the right time. The photography is standout, with "action" photos which are clear and without obscuring tools or hands in the way. In fact the entire book is beautifully photographed with an accessible and understandable graphic layout.

Gorgeous gorgeous bonsai in all their glory, showing a wide variety of species trained into both traditional and modern silhouettes. Worthwhile and inspirational.

Five stars.

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

The Magnolia Bakery Handbook of Icebox Desserts

The Magnolia Bakery Handbook of Icebox Desserts Volume 2 is an absolutely gorgeous collection of no-bake desserts collected and curated by Bobbie Lloyd. Due out 22nd April 2025 from HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow Harvest imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The entire collection is stylish, elegant, and impressive. The recipes themselves contain abundant clear photos in color. Many (not all, but most) are surprisingly "do-able" and really just *look* super impressive. The majority don't require a ton of specialist equipment or esoteric ingredients and will be well within the scope of the average home cook with an adequately equipped kitchen space. 

Recipes are grouped thematically: cakes, pies, cheesecakes, bars, banana pudding, other puddings, and base recipes. Recipe ingredients are provided in a bullet list sidebar, followed by step-by-step instructions. Ingredient measures are written in imperial (American) units with metric in parentheses (yay!). Nutritional information is not provided. Most ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America.

Everything about this collection is generous... the photography is abundant, clear, and in color... the recipes themselves are graciously proportioned, a bit old fashioned, and beautiful. They're not overly fancy or fussy... 

Five stars. It does a perfect job at what it sets out to do. This would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, as well as for gift giving.  

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

Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi: A Scientist's Guide to the Wild and Wonderful World of Mushrooms, Molds, and More

 

Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi is a scientifically correct and layman accessible guide to fungi by Dr. Gordon Walker. Due out 22nd April 2025 from Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The layout is logical and easy to follow. Beginning by defining the characteristics of fungi (not just mushrooms!) the author carefully builds up to larger interconnections and the roles fungi and fungal systems carry out in their respective ecosystems. It's surprisingly easy to follow, and felt at times like an engaging narrative as the very best nature/science writing does. It's not rigorously annotated, but the author has included a glossary, an abbreviated bibliography/resources, and many QR code links for online content. There is also a charming amount of poetic whimsy and philosophy encapsulated in the author's prose. It's a pleasant mix. The photography and illustrations are clear and well rendered throughout the book.

Educational and edifying without being stodgy or tedious, readers will likely learn a lot and come away from the book with a much deeper appreciation of the finely tuned and wondrously interconnected web of life encompassing all of us. Absolutely recommended for fans of science/nature writing, and especially to fans of Stephen Jay Gould and similar.

Five stars.

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

Zee Zee The Humble Bee

 

 Zee Zee The Humble Bee is a picture book for young readers written and illustrated by Michael Obiora. Released 28th March 2025, it's 28 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Accompanied by a simple story in very loosely rhyming verse, this illustrated young reader book introduces Zee Zee, an athletically gifted but arrogant young bee who -always- wins the weekly bee race. She's alienated her friends and is sad and lonely. The Queen of the hive gives her some unsolicited advice and she learns to be more humble without dimming her own talent to fit in.

It's a good message which is somewhat obscured by the art which can be charitably described as rendered in a naive style (see the cover art). The bees are anthropomorphic, with little running shoes and humanoid faces, and a crown on the queen bee. I respect the author's decision to do everything himself, but am not at all sure the story is best served by doing that, but at the end of the day, it's a fun and effective story with a good message, and will undoubtedly find a solid welcome with babies to early primary school kids.

Prose, spelling, and vernacular are UK spelling, but won't pose any problems in context for readers from the USA. 

Three and a half stars.

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

Simply Beautiful Beading

 

Simply Beautiful Beading is a tutorial and style guide for simple beaded projects by Heidi Boyd. Released 19th Aug 2004 by Penguin Random House on their North Lights imprint, it's 128 pages and is available in softcover and ebook formats. 

This is a nice collection of beginner friendly tutorials with lots of simple beaded jewelry, soft furnishings, and decorative objects. Many of them are simple and unfussy, a few are distinctly odd, but even given that stylistically not everything is going to appeal to every reader, there are lots of good ideas for further experimentation. The instructions and materials are general enough that even if the exact materials are not widely available, some substitutes will be easy to source from any good crafts store or online. 

Tutorials include tools and materials in a bullet list sidebar, tips and suggestions, and a step by step guide. Each tutorial is accompanied by multiple color photos which are clear and easy to understand. 

Four stars. The designs are mostly really simple, but many (most) are appealing and it would be a good choice for readers who are interested in getting started with beading, or general crafting and don't really know where to start. It would also be a good choice for maker's groups, scouts, home studio, etc.

 

Crumb: A Cartoonist's Life

Crumb: A Cartoonist's Life is a well written, frank, and overall balanced biography of R. Crumb written and curated by Dan Nadel. Released 15th April 2025 by Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 480 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. 

Crumb, apart from his iconic contributions to fundamentally change the landscape of comic/narrative art, is an interesting oddball and this is an unflinching biography. It's not a soft sell at all, the author relates his difficult childhood, violent/distraught home life, nerdy (bordering on creepy) personality, and sexual kinks. (As such, although factual in recitation and not prurient or sensationalist, it might not be appropriate for children or sensitive readers). 

The biography format is chronological, setting the subject's early life, growing up in a home prone to instability and violence, depression, mental health, and leaving home. It's very often poignant, and every success comes with intense struggle and setbacks. The author has a knack of remaining academically rigorous and factual, whilst conveying the pathos and frustration of Crumb's life. 

Although it's very well annotated and supported throughout, the language is layman accessible and the whole is readable and easily understandable by non-academics. The links and resources are comprehensive and will provide many hours of further reading. About 25% of the book's page count are facsimiles of Crumb's art.

Four and a half stars. Recommended unreservedly to readers of biography, comics, graphic arts, nonfiction, etc. It would make an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home readers, and potentially as a support text for related instruction (comics history, graphic literature, modern American lit, etc).

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

The Ideological Brain: The Radical Science of Flexible Thinkinghttps://www.leorzmigrod.com/

 

The Ideological Brain is an interesting and layman accessible monograph by Dr. Leor Zmigrod on the complex interconnectedness of neurology and how it shapes and informs ideology. Released 25th March 2025 by Henry Holt & co., it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Political beliefs and conditioning have profound effects on the brain. Dr. Zmigrod carefully explores the ramifications between political ideology and belief, and neurology at a very fundamental level. She winds up setting up the equation backwards from what most people would formulate... instead of saying how does a particular belief system *affect* the brain.. she posits that certain world views are more likely rooted in cognition and actual physical biology. (Which is both profound and troubling). 

It's an interesting book, and shows how ideology has profound effects on behavior, and how some people are more likely to become radicalized and susceptible to extremism. 

It's not an easy read, there's some amount of technical jargon involved, but overall, it's layman accessible, and the author writes in plain non-academically rigorous language. It's meticulously annotated throughout, and the chapter notes will provide keen readers with lots of scope for further in-depth learning.

There aren't a lot of *conclusions* included, but it's certainly food for thought. Dr. Zmigrod is unquestionably a very intelligent, but the text is light on the actual complex science (which is probably understandable given the difficulty of translating for laypeople reading).

Three and a half stars. It would potentially be a good choice for public or post-secondary school library acquisition, for science interested non-fiction readers, and for home reading. 

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

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief - Skandar #1

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is the first book in a middle grade fantasy series by A.F. Steadman. Released 3rd May 2022 by Simon & Schuster on their Young Readers imprint, it's 448 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 an engaging and well written series starter for middle grade readers (Lexile measure 830L). The characters are well rendered, and there's plenty of action to move things along. Young Skandar has always wanted to see wild unicorns, but events conspire against him becoming a unicorn rider until he's recruited by a mysterious stranger to save their world. 

It's a "chosen one" trope, but well done and an exciting top notch adventure story. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 57 minutes and is capably read by David Dawson. He has a well modulated professionally trained voice and does a good job of seamlessly hopping through a number of disparate accents of both sexes and a wide range of ages. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library, home use, or, with 4 books extant in the series (and a 5th coming out), a good binge/buddy read or book club project.

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

Using Gravestones to Trace Your Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians

Using Gravestones to Trace Your Ancestors is a well written and accessible guide for family historians with emphasis on graveyards and attendant records and with a focus on the British Isles. Due out 30th May 2025 from Pen & Sword, it's 152 pages and will be available in paperback formats. 

This book, by Amanda Leedham, is one of a group of books published by Pen & Sword aimed at laymen genealogists researching their family background. The information is arranged logically and finding the relevant info the reader is seeking is straightforward. The themes cover a wide variety of topics and include winnowing sources and just getting started, accessing (and understanding) records, additional resources, symbology, different types of gravestones, official records and resources, and more. The author has included many black and white photographs, facsimile and historical records to help.

This is a very well done and practical treatise on how to get started doing family research and how to carry on; which resources are likely to reward the effort and how to make use of uncovered information. The writing is layman accessible, but it's also well annotated and the bibliography and chapter notes will provide readers with a number of further options to explore.

Four stars. This would make a superlative selection for library acquisition, home use, or as a gift to a history interested friend or relative.

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

 

Tchotchkes and their F*cked-Up Thoughts: The Messed-Up Minds of Your Trinkets and Treasures

Tchotchkes and their F*cked-Up Thoughts is a niche collection delivering precisely as advertised on the title, collected and curated by Elisabeth Saake. Released 15th April 2025 by lifestyle publisher Collective Book Studio, it's 120 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a collection of simply drawn, single page entries with lots of odd tchotchkes (household items, more or less), and what they might think about where they find themselves, and how they're silently judging us. 

It's not a book to be read, per se, there's no cohesive narrative at all. The vibe is sarcastic and a little edgy (hula girl reminds everyone to keep their hands off her coconuts). There are some which are clever; the arts is appealing, and overall it would maybe be a good choice for that oddball friend who enjoys finding "odd stuff". 

Three stars. Strangely appealing. 

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

High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening: Practical Tips for Growing Your Own Food

High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening is a new well illustrated gardening guides by Christy Wilhelmi covering a range of gardening topics. Released 8th April 2025 by Fox Chapel, it's 256 pages and is available in paperback format. 

This is a well written garden tutorial and inspiration book aimed specifically at readers who want to employ organic methods to garden more effectively and productively within a limited space. The author does a really good job of highlighting specific potential problem areas and providing creative solutions. The information is written in clear and concise blocks with photo illustrations.

The chapters are arranged thematically around specific design elements: creating pollinator friendly spaces, planning, soil building, planting, irrigation, trellises and hardscaping, problemshooting, etc. There are some resource lists and bibliography and index which will give some further planning ideas for readers to explore. The photography is clear and in color throughout.

Four stars. This would be a good choice for public and school libraries, gardening groups, community/allotment gardens, suburban gardeners, homeowners, etc.

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

CNC Woodworking for the Absolute Beginner: Winning Tips, Techniques & 5 Skill-Building Projects

CNC Woodworking for the Absolute Beginner is a well written introduction to CNC (computer numerical control) routers for woodworking with several project tutorials by Ralph Bagnall. Released 16th April 2025 by Fox Chapel, it's 88 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The author has a popular online social media presence and writes with a very easygoing and encouraging voice. The tutorials are well curated and useful, including games, shop help tools, and decor. The book is full of color photography throughout and illustrations are clear and easy to understand. There are also QR links throughout which lead readers to fully filmed tutorial and related technique videos. 

This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, makers' groups, home use, or gift giving. For readers who also enjoy thrifting and upcycling, this book has some good ideas for upcycling and recycling otherwise undecorated wooden surfaces.

Four and a half stars. Dinged a bit for the extreme brevity, but thematically it works and the QR links are a nice addition.

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

Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre

 

Cabinet of Curiosities is a fascinating and well curated collection of weird/odd/macabre history tidbits presented by Aaron Mahnke. Released 12th Nov 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Although a bit chaotic in organization (intentional, on the part of the curator, as it happens), this book is absolutely *packed* with the sort of interesting (sometimes *odd*) party trivia which will boost readers' performance at pub trivia nights as well as potentially enhance their allure at cocktail parties.  

The entries run the gamut from American history to war to true crime. Each entry is a few pages at most and contains lots of minutiae and background info. Some will be familiar to most readers, much of it will likely be new. This is emphatically not an in-depth book. There are few annotations, and the author presents information sourced heavily from Wikipedia (which is *fine* but generally can't be regarded as rigorous). Still, it's a fun ride.

The sound-effects enhanced unabridged audiobook runs 12 hours 58 minutes and is read by the author (and guest). He reads engagingly and well and has a chatty mid-America folksy accent. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read, and the soundtrack does a lot to enhance the experience. 

Four stars. It would make an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting purposes. 

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

A Front-Page Murder - Poppy Denby Investigates #1

 

A Front-Page Murder is the first Poppy Denby historical cozy mystery by Fiona Veitch Smith. Originally released in 2015 (as The Jazz Files), this reformat and re-release by Bonnier on their Embla imprint, it's 257 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 other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

Historical mystery styled on the golden age, set in the interwar period in London. It features an intelligent young female investigative journalist determined to make a name for herself. The tempo is solid and the author excels at likeable relatable characters; it's easy to form a rapport with Poppy. The ending is rushed and a bit too info-dumpish to be entirely successful, however it -is- satisfying and complete in this volume. There are 6 books extant in the series at this point and it would make a good choice for a long binge/buddy read. 

Four stars. Especially recommended for fans of interwar golden age cozy mysteries. 

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

Mysterious Ways

Mysterious Ways is a YA/coming-of-age novel by Wendy Wunder (yes, that is apparently her real name). Released 27th Aug 2024 by Macmillan on their Wednesday Books imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is aimed at the younger end of YA (circa 13-18 years), although there's some relatively explicit (consensual) sexual content, frank discussion on mental health and healthcare, and suicide and self harm ideation which might not be appropriate for some readers. There's also a strong element of magical realism (MC Maya is more or less perfectly telepathic and has other supernatural abilities (thought control, healing, etc)). It seemed to be along the lines of "whatever the author needed to advance the scene at the time". 

The pacing is quite choppy and hops around a lot and the secondary characters are mostly sketched in and then dropped. Ostensibly set in Pennsylvania, the scenery is 100% generic "American" and could have just as easily been set in Colorado, Maine, or Maryland. 

Three stars. Oddly written, with glimmers of charm/whimsy which never fully materialize. 

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

Liar's Point - The Texas Murder Files #5

 

Liar's Point is the fifth Texas murder file procedural mystery by Laura Griffin. Released 21st May 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a well written mystery thriller procedural in a long running popular series by an established prolific genre writer backed by a traditional publishing house and the necessary machinery for producing a polished enjoyable read. Although the mystery, denouement, and resolution (also well written) are complete and self-contained in this volume, the series revolves around a returning ensemble cast whose interrelationships have developed over the course of several books, and as such, there will be minor spoilers if read out of order.

There's some graphic violence, as well as some "spicy" romance scenes (consensual, explicit), and a HFN ending. Trigger warning for language, stalking, and partner abuse.  

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 26 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Teri Clark Linden. She has a well modulated alto voice and does a pretty good job with the regional (Texas) accents, as well as a variety of characters of both sexes and a range of ages. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition (with the understanding that there's some explicit content), as well as a binge/buddy read. 

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

Wild Watercolor: Weekly Lessons and Techniques for Stunning Creations

 

Wild Watercolor is a tutorial and style guide for watercolor by Karen Elaine. Due out 16th Sept 2025 from Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The author has an inviting, calm, and encouraging style of writing. She explains a bit of her own background with a short artist's statement. The brief introduction includes illustrated lists of tools and supplies and some basic techniques for getting paint onto paper, for sketching, for selecting subjects and other useful information for beginning painters. Especially salient tips and info are written into highlighted text boxes which are easy to find and remember. The book itself is set up as a weekly tutorial course with guided techniques grouped by level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Each of the tutorials includes specific step by step color photos and process illustrations with instructions for color choice, brushes, and special techniques used. Most of the tutorials cover several pages and are simple enough to give beginning watercolorists confidence by rendering them as illustrated. 

This is a very pretty book with a lot of useful information and tips for rendering natural subjects with watercolor. It would make an excellent choice for self-study or for public or school library acquisition.

Five stars.

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

 

The Crystalline Crucible

 

The Crystalline Crucible is an oddly chaotic YA adventure mystery by Adam Rowan featuring a neurodivergent protagonist named Maxwell, who is a gamer and devoted to puzzle mysteries and treasure hunting games. Released 14th May 2024, it's 260 pages and is available in ebook format.

The bones of a good story are here but the author never really seems to land on whether it should be sarcastic or silly or semi-serious. It careens from scene to scene without much coherence. The writing itself is competent, and written in UK English vernacular. The characterizations are more outlined than solid and due to the disparate natures of the characters (most of his circle of acquaintances seem to tolerate or actively loathe Max), it's choppy and unsettling. 

One of the first scenes in the book sees Max breaking into a museum to "borrow" (steal) a mammoth tusk to find a clue, getting arrested, and subsequently bailed out reluctantly by his friend. His boss dislikes him, his friends seem to only tolerate him, and he mostly remains blissfully ignorant of the fact or doesn't care. His backstory is just *bizarre*.

Three stars. The language is rough for a middle grade - YA novel, and it's not clear for whom this novel is really intended. It would have benefited from a thorough professional editing process. It's unpolished, but there are definitely glimmers of a solid story.

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

The Gardener's Plot

The Gardener's Plot is a well written, engaging debut cozy mystery by Deborah J. Benoit. Released 5th Nov 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats (paperback due out in early 4th quarter 2025). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

Garden themed small town cozy. It's full of the quirky characters, gardening trivia, and small-town drama that readers expect. The murder mystery is self contained in this volume, and there are overarching character development threads which suggest this will be the first of a series. 

It's a debut effort, and as such, it's not as polished and doesn't feel as complete as a series standing on its own merits with 5+ books extant. Worth a look for readers who enjoy garden themed cozy mysteries with female amateur sleuths. (MC Maggie is bloody lucky she will be *around* for book two, but it's not too farfetched for the genre average overall). The characterization is not highly developed, but hopefully the author will revisit the background in future volumes. 

The denoument and resolution are, again, quite outlandish but not -way- too much for the genre. Readers should come equipped with a robust suspension of disbelief.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 38 minutes and is capably read by Patricia Santomasso. She has a professionally trained neutral Middle-Atlantic accent reading voice without intrusive quirks. Warm, but unobtrusive. She does characters of both sexes and a range of ages seamlessly.  Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

This would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or for fans of garden themed cozies.

Three and a half stars.

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

Olaf and Essex

Olaf and Essex is an appealing and well written middle grade adventure fantasy by Patti Calkosz. Released 13th Oct 2024, it's 369 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is such a fun and well written fantasy set in an alternate NYC and featuring an appealing cast of whimsical characters including anthropomorphic animals (Olaf and Essex are intelligent animals, a bear and fox respectively). Olaf accidentally foils a kidnapping gone wrong and acquires a magically competent baby whom he naturally wishes to protect and return to its parents. Hijinks ensue. 

The book is enhanced throughout by incidental illustrations beautifully rendered by illustrator Xiao. Although quite simple stylistically, they're full of small details and movement. 

Apparently the first in a series (The Magic Competents), there's not yet publishing info available about book two. 

Four stars. Well worth a look for all ages, though it's ostensibly aimed at middle grades and up. 

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

An Instruction in Shadow - Inheritance of Magic #2

 

An Inheritance of Magic is the second book in a new urban fantasy series by Benedict Jacka. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace imprint, it's 336 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 is talented and prolific. He knows how to write engagingly, and the world building here is very different from the Iron Druid chronicles. The story reads more YA(ish) than his other work, however, there are definitely non-YA descriptions and themes here, so sensitive readers should tread carefully. Happily the cat (Hobbes! ;) ) from book one, lives and is a great character in his own right (spinoff short stories, please, Mr. Jacka). Additionally and importantly, MC Stephen, who is basically an everyman James Bond with magic, now has a support "Q", his best friend Colin who is an appealingly nerdy sidekick who's also a dab hand with "real world" science he uses for good, dreaming up sigils with modern armour and weapons solutions, enhanced with drucraft.

That being said, there is also humor here, clever descriptive prose, nods to the sort of bureaucracy urban fantasy that brings Stross, O'Malley, Aaronovitch, Holt and the other boys in the band to mind, and further explanations of a really good magic system being expanded and refined. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 47 minutes, and is capably narrated by series narrator Will Watt. He has a well modulated classically trained voice and does a range of regional accents of both genders, well and seamlessly. His cut crystal RP voices for some of the Ashford reps are also slyly humorous, taking pokes at them aping the upper class they represent. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read.

Four stars. Given the publisher, this will be on most library acquisition lists already. It's a solid follow up to the first book (which was difficult reading because of some violent themes and descriptions). 

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

The Cat Who Saved the Library - The Cat #2

 

 

The Cat Who Saved the Library is an engaging bookish fantasy featuring literature and the love of reading, along with a return of the anthropomorphic cat from book 1, by Sosuke Natsukawa. Due out 8th April 2025 from HarperVia, it's 224 pages and will be 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 multi-layered book. On the surface, it's a fairly simple story with another young person who suddenly notices that many of her beloved books are going missing mysteriously. She's shocked when a talking tabby cat visits and asks for her help saving books. On a deeper level, the author has a lot to say about reading, and books, and the love of literature. 

There is a lot of literature name-dropping here and especially for young adult readers, there are numerous great works of western and eastern literature mentioned which will give hours of further reading prompts. 

The characterizations are very lightly rendered and most of them are not detailed at all. They're not all likeable, I found the titular cat, Tiger, to be supercilious and quite abrasive, for example. On the other hand, the author makes some valuable universal observations on the nature of friendship, interconnectedness, humanity, and what drives creativity. It makes an oddly endearing whole.

The translation from the original Japanese by Louise Heal Kawai was relatively seamless. It was easily understandable and relatable to readers whilst still maintaining a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 5 hours and 56 minutes and is capably narrated by series narrator Kevin Shen. He delineates the characters (of all ages, both sexes, plus cat)  well and distinctly. There were only a couple places where the dialogue was so fast moving that it's difficult to figure out out who was who in the scene. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording. 

Four stars. It's an undeniably odd but engaging story. Especially recommended for book lovers.

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