German Heritage Baking Volume I

 

German Heritage Baking Volume I is a collection of appealing classic German baking recipes collected and curated by Heidrun Metzler. Originally published in 2024, this reformat and re-release is 277 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

All the classic delicious old-world sweets are represented arranged thematically: shortbread base pies/tarts, cookies, sponge/tortes, and a huge collection of toppings/fillings/garnishes to accompany. Recipes are written with an introduction, yields, a bullet list of ingredients, and step by step directions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) measurements only. Nutritional/caloric info is not included (probably a good thing :)). Ingredients may require a specialist supplier or bakery store, the author gives specific info about the individual flours and baking supplies used.

The photography is simple but clear and in color throughout. Serving suggestions are appealing and appropriate. There is enough supportive detail in both the instructions and photographs for the average keen home cook to do a credible job. Some of the ingredients aren't strictly speaking German heritage (tiramisu, ricotta, and a few others would have to be considered diaspora or fusion), but overall it's a comprehensive collection full of delicious recipes.

Four stars. It's not overly polished or edited into blandness, and that's cozy and appealing. 

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

Dogtangle

 

Dogtangle by Max Huffman is a trippy science fiction political fantasy graphic novel with a stream-of-consciousness strobe vibe. Due out 4th Nov 2025 from Fantagraphics, it's 136 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The graphics are monochrome greyscale with a sketchy/cubist style (see cover), and intentionally often chaotic and difficult to interpret. Generally no clean lines, lots of chaos, and it's not always clear what's going on (and it's *clearly* intentional). The whole feels absurdist and off-kilter (again, clearly intentional on the creator's part).

The SF/biotech parts of the story are well done, if absurdist. It's disturbing, with some Kafkaesque elements, but not horror. It's unclear what the intended audience is, but it's certainly an intriguing concept, chaotically executed. It will engender love/hate reactions from readers.

Recommended for fans of dystopian political biotech graphic novels. Four stars, for the art and concept, not really for the actual execution or any cohesive story. It's a bitingly sarcastic judgement of our current climate.  

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

And to All a Good Bite - Andy Carpenter #32

 

And to All a Good Bite is the 32nd (!!!) Andy Carpenter legal procedural mystery by David Rosenfelt. Due out 14th Oct 2025 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

For current fans of the series, this is a good one. It's full of the same sarcastic, warm humor and the same ensemble cast as previous entries in the series. Andy is, of course, central to the story and still trying to figure out how to stay retired and avoid working. This is such a long running and consistently well written series that saying it's "more of the same, worked around a different mystery" should be enough of a recommendation by itself. Although it's the 32nd book in the series, the mystery is self contained and the necessary back-story is written in without major spoilers for previous books. 

This is pure comfort reading. It's got a likable protagonist, his likeable and eccentric compatriots, an engaging mystery, humorous dialogue, and a solid climax, denouement, and resolution. I adore Andy's supporting team, especially Marcus, though they all get a look in. 

It's formulaic, true, but they're so enjoyable. This book does deviate slightly from the previous books (it's not an earth shattering difference), and it's (as always) a zero-sum game, but it was nice to see Andy get to present closing arguments, and the jury get to deliberate without last second Hail Mary passes.  

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 19 minutes and is expertly narrated by Grover Gardner who manages to juggle the various accents and characters of all ages and both sexes without problems. Readers will certainly find themselves grinning and laughing along several places with the wonderful narration. The read was definitely enhanced by the narrator. The sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.

Five stars for both the text and audiobook versions. All around fun read. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, and for a solid long-term binge/buddy reading project or read-a-thon.

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

 

 

The Summer War

 

The Summer War is a standalone fairytale novella by Naomi Novik. Released 16th Sept 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Del Ray imprint, it's 144 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. 

A true fairy tale in the classical form, it's by turns clever, scary, wondrous, and elegantly, but simply, constructed, with an internal symmetry that is timeless and pleasing. The author is up to the (daunting) task, and it's a solid read start to finish. Due to the short form, there's not a lot of character development, but they're archetypes, so it doesn't detract from the story as a whole.

Four stars. Timeless and elegant in its symmetry.

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

A Gargoyle's Guide to Murder: An Accidental Alchemist Mystery - An Accidental Alchemist Mystery #9

 

A Gargoyle's Guide to Murder is the ninth (!!) fantasy mystery in the series by Gigi Pandian. Released 10th Oct 2025, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This series features an immortal alchemist (Zoe) + sidekick (a gargoyle Watson to Zoe's Holmes) as well as a rotating ensemble cast. It's cute and undemanding with a fair bit of banter and, Lord Love a Duck, a ton of food talk (vegan proselytizing). For readers who've stuck around since the beginning, it won't be a surprise (and for readers who gave up after the first *very* zealous book in the series, it's developed very well and you might want to give it another try). 

It's an easy read, and the author has found her footing as far as pacing goes. There is a bonus vegan recipe at the end of the books, for sticky toffee muffins, and, as always, there's quite a lot of food talk throughout. Not unexpected, when half the dynamic duo is a gargoyle chef. 

Unlike the other books which are set in the Pacific Northwest, this one takes place in the UK, so much of the cuisine featured is classic English fare. 

There's not an overwhelming amount of continuity in the series, and this adventure is self contained, so it would be a good point to jump in and sample the series, with the understanding that the returning characters do have developed backstories, and reading them out of order will give some minor spoilers. Also, the first couple books in the series were much heavier handed (with some truly questionable character motivations and vegan zealotry), so reading this book first will probably be a good idea.  

Four stars. Light culinary fantasy mystery. It would be a good choice for a buddy read, or for true die-hard fans of culinary mysteries. (Plus the French gargoyle chef sidekick). 

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

 

The Glass Slide World - The Naturalist Society #2

 

The Glass Slide World is the second book in an alternate historical fantasy by Carrie Vaughn. Released 7th Oct 2025 by Amazon on their 47 North imprint, it's 276 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 previous (1st) book in the series, is also available on KU. 

This is emphatically mostly a natural history novel set in the mid-Victorian era with a female protagonist partially constrained by her gender and the rigidity of scientific study and all the sexism and snobbery that implied. Secondarily, it's a fantasy novel, and readers who are -primarily- interested in the fantasy aspects might well be less engaged than readers who just love drily (pseudo)academic narratives (c.f. Fawcett's Emily Wilde series).  This story picks up a couple decades after the first book and primarily follows daughter Ava's studies to qualify as a physician as well as a naturalist. 

The author is adept at narrative prose; the descriptions are beautifully rendered and the characters are well developed, believable (for the genre), and three dimensional.  The author either has a true deep-dive fascination with natural history, access to a solid research librarian, or both. There are a number of fairly in-depth explanations of microbiological concepts and species, as much as the first book was a rabbit hole of ornithology, this one turns to the hidden world contained in a drop of water. There's a distinct nod to upcoming books, maybe we can get Ms. Vaughn to turn her sights toward lepidoptery sometime. :)

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 3 minutes and is capably read by Barrie Kreinik (new for this volume). She has a precise, classically trained voice and does a good job of the disparate accents, male and female, and a range of ages. MC Ava's voice is mostly cut-glass RP English, but the narrator's voice is fairly soothing and isn't grating or strident. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.  

Four stars. Engaging and (mostly) satisfying. It would make a good buddy read. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Emily Wilde should definitely pick this one up.

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

 

Murder on Platform Four - Tate and Bell Mystery #5

 

Murder on Platform Four is the fifth Tate & Bell historical mystery by Irina Shapiro. Released 30th July 2025, it's 324 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 available on KU. 

This is a well written Victorian mystery series featuring an intelligent and driven female protagonist who's a nurse. She's practical, strong, honest, and intelligent, her partner in investigation is an inspector at Scotland Yard. Both have quite tragic back stories. The prose flows very well, and although it's often melancholy, the author does a very good job of being historically accurate (classism, racism, drug abuse, misogyny, murder, prejudice, and corruption) without being completely unrelentingly depressing. 

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

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

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

Schott's Significa: A Miscellany of Secret Languages

 

Schott's Significa is a nonfiction monograph by Ben Schott on jargon, language, and usage and how it intersects and is defined by subcultures. Released 7th Oct 2025 by Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Arranged as a collection of 53 glossaries/primers, the author turns his observations on the parlance and vocabulary of such disparate groups as Gondoliere, Taylor Swift fans, and Medical professionals. Each has specific and common language and Mr. Schott examines how the language is influenced and shifts over time.

It's fairly dry; it's a catalogue of words, arranged alphabetically, but fans of the author's work will find this a solid reference. It's not annotated, though there are chapter notes and references included in abbreviated form at the end of the book.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, as well as a nice reference for die-hard word nerds.

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

Murder on the Marlow Belle: A Novel - Marlow Murder Club #4

 

Murder on the Marlow Belle is the fourth book in Robert Thorogood's Marlow murder club amateur sleuth cozy series. Released in the USA 16th Sept 2024 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is an interesting and engaging cozy featuring a 77 year old (but quite young at heart) protagonist and her two unlikely allies, a brash young(ish) professional dog walker radio personality, and the local vicar's wife. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are once again into the breach, this time investigating the untimely death of a local luminary who washes up fatally perforated after encountering 2 unanticipated bullets.

The main mystery plot-line has a fair number of parallels with golden age books from yesteryear and readers of the Golden Age will be able to think of half a dozen which are quite similar. That being said, it *is* a clever plot device and the author does it a good turn.

The characterizations are well rendered and distinct. The main character is a cruciverbalist (crossword setter) and the prose is cleverly wrought with fun wordplay throughout. Additionally, she's the type of person who takes charge (often just stampeding ahead recklessly), is an excellent sculler, strong and brave, and isn't afraid to take chances (although some of them will have readers shaking their heads in disbelief). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 15 minutes, and is expertly narrated by series narrator Nicolette McKenzie. She has a clear, well modulated, and nuanced voice and does an impressive job with a myriad of local (English) accents, both male and female. Despite having a full cast of varied characters, it's never a problem to keep them sorted during the read.

There's a distinct Agatha Raisin vibe, and fans of MC Beaton, Deanna Raybourn, and Richard Osman will probably like this series as well. The resolution and denouement were as expected, but satisfying nevertheless. This is the fourth book, there's a fifth book due out from the same publisher in third quarter 2026, making this one a good candidate for a binge/buddy read or book club project.

Four stars. Quite humorous and cozy. 

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

 

Hemlock & Silver

 

Hemlock & Silver is a beautifully written, engaging standalone fantasy retread of Snow White by T. Kingfisher. Released 19th Aug 2025 from Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out summer 2026 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. 

As always, brilliantly written and transportive, the author writes compellingly . This is a fairy tale in the classic style, but inside an original story framework. It's a standalone story, and self contained without any suggestion that there are plans to revisit the characters or setting in future. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 50 minutes and is expertly read by Jennifer Pickens. She has a well modulated alto voice and does a good job with the disparate accents of a wide variety of characters, male and female (and feline) of a range of ages. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.  

Four  stars. Good choice for public library, home use or buddy read. There are instances of body horror, animal death, murder and magic, some fairly graphic, so sensitive readers should be aware. 

 

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

Rosetta Stone - Digging up the Past series

 

Rosetta Stone is an interesting archaeology title and part of a series for primary school readers, Digging Up the Past. This volume is by Trudy Becker. Released 1st Aug 2025 by North Star Editions on their Apex imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in library binding and paperback formats. 

This is a well written set of illustrated books aimed at early readers (~7-9 years). Simple text and full page photographs explain some of the background, discovery, and importance of the Rosetta stone to our current understanding of Ancient Egyptian language, culture, and life.

This would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition. The author/publisher have included a simple glossary, a few discussion questions, and some links to more information and further learning. It would also make a good addition to the home library, especially for science interested youngsters. The series covers lots of interesting topics in archaeology, natural history, and anthropology in understandable accessible language.

Four stars. Well written, clearly illustrated, and age appropriate. 

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

 

Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan

 

Babs & Aggie: the Good, the Bad and the Vegan is a very funny shopfront cozy mystery (and series starter) by Hazel Hitchins. Released 28th Feb 2025 by Troubadour, it's 258 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents. 

Immortal witches of legend, Babs and Aggie have at turns been friends, frenemies, nemeses, or all three at once. Babs (and her chicken clawed house/familiar) show up to help Aggie find her groove. Aggie just wants to keep her head down and run a village cafe and keep a low profile, which is difficult with an animated hut squatting in one's garden. 

The humor is warm, quite wabbly/wobbly, and a lot of *fun*; there are flashes of wit similar to Tom Holt (although it's absolutely not derivative, there's just something about mythological people in everyday mundane situations and the comedy that ensues that has a similar vibe).  Although it is very cozy and adorable, there are some content issues for death of a pet (off-page, prior to the start of the story), domestic abuse and assault.

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, for fans of cozy fantasy, or for a buddy read. There's currently no publishing information available for book 2 so it could be a while.

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

 

 

The Witch's Orchard

 

The Witch's Orchard is a tense psychological mystery thriller set in Appalachia by Archer Sullivan. Released 12th July 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in July 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents. 

The protagonist is a tough, young, ex-military PI with a tragic back-story. Set in Appalachia, the MC has a fair bit in common with the isolated, clannish townfolk she's hired to investigate. Her employer is the teenaged older brother of a young girl who disappeared a decade ago in a spate of abductions. 

There's a bit of folklore which plays a central role in her investigation. Seeing her interact with (stir up) the locals in the course of her work is interesting, if a bit disjointed. The story arc is over-the-top and the denouement will require a prodigious suspension of disbelief on the reader's part. That being said, it is quite atmospheric with lots of tension. 

There are graphic depictions and rough language. Themes of pregnancy loss, mental illness, abduction, abuse, drugs, assault, etc. The ending was hasty and felt tacked on. It seems likely that this will be a continuing series featuring Annie, the main protagonist. 

Three and a half stars. 

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

An Enemy in the Village

 

An Enemy in the Village is the 18th Chief Bruno novel by Martin Walker. Released 1st July 2025 by Knopf, it's 305 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.

These books are such enjoyable reading breaks. They're like inviting and civilized visits with an old and dear friend. They're full of quirky characters who are intelligent and cultured (and the occasional villain). There's so much to learn about the food and French cuisine, wines, history, and the countryside. But, at the end of the day, they're murder mysteries and the untangling of the mysteries are well written and engaging.

There is some difficult content included here, however gently written; pregnancy loss, partner betrayal, infidelity, suicide (and ideation) as well as more mundane grievous bodily harm, physical and sexual assault, and Machiavellian politics.

There's a lot of content devoted to Bruno's basset hound's "love life", and some to his own love life, and his horse Hector, and while it might've been a little over the top, a fair bit of why I choose to spend time on this series is the culinary and cultural asides. I loved it. This is a book for slowing down and savoring. 

The denouement and resolution are mostly satisfying and Bruno once again ties up the loose threads (except possibly of his love life), and he and Balzac and Hector can once again concentrate on the important non-violent aspects of life, love, and wine. 

This was an interesting, if melancholy, read. Long live Bruno!

Four stars.

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

 

Dinner Party Animal: Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration

 

Dinner Party Animal is a stylish, fun, and attractive collection of themed recipes collected and curated by Jake Cohen. Released 30th Sept 2025 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow Harvest imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, spiral bound, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

Almost everyone missed gathering with friends during (and after) covid, and many of us simply got out of the habit of gathering for food and social interaction. This book provides 16 well rounded versatile party menus including recipes, styling, and even some conversation prompts! 

Ingredient measurements are supplied in imperial (American standard) measurements only.  Nutritional information is not included. Each recipe has a header with a short description of the recipe, yields, and approximate prep-times. Ingredients are listed bullet style in a sidebar followed by step by step directions. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in text boxes in the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made for the most part with easily sourced ingredients. Not many of these are very simple, some of them are quite complex (but worth the effort).  The author has also included shopping lists and a timetable of prep tasks to be carried out in the day(s) before an upcoming party.

The author has a fun and upbeat style of writing. He's by turns whimsical and entertaining and his love of entertaining, friendship, and the social aspects of bonding over food, shine through in the text. It's also a beautiful book in its own right: lavishly photographed, the serving suggestions and food styling often include colorful serving accessories and well appointed tables as well as visually appealing well made food.

Five stars. This would make a superlative gift for an enthusiastic cook, as well as a great selection for public or secondary school library acquisition.

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

 

The Dark Library

 

The Dark Library is a standalone Gothic mystery thriller by Mary Anna Evans. Released 24th June 2025 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, 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. 

This is such a slow paced, often creepy mystery thriller full of unpleasant characters, hidden motives (trust no-one), evil academics (and worse). Even the titular MC doesn't get away unscathed. It's equipped with a very very slow-burn romance subplot and a deus-ex-machina ending that will stupefy readers (not necessarily in a good way). The dialogue is often stilted and strange keeping readers off-kilter and guessing. 

There are some graphic scenes, including mental health issues (relayed through the lens of current treatment in the WW2 era), s*xual assault, rampant sexism/racism, class snobbery, academia, murder, etc. It's definitely not a cozy read, and the twists were often over the top. Readers should bring a prodigious suspension of disbelief. 

Three and a half stars. For fans of historical mystery thrillers.  

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

Elvira's Cookbook from Hell: Sexy, Spooky Soirées and Celebrations for Every Occasion

 

Elvira's Cookbook from Hell is a tongue-in-cheek collection full of sauce, humor and fun by everyone's favorite mistress of the dark, Cassandra Peterson. Released 30th Sept 2025 by Hachette on their Grand Central imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The book is arranged around thematic menus, complete with serving suggestions and recipes: beastly brunch, romantic graveside picnic, tricks 'n' treats, dining with the dead, macabre monster movie munchies, etc. There are 10 occasions in all, including a wedding feast. All are presented with Ms. Peterson's trademark wit and style. It's a very fun book.

Recipes contain a description and background introduction, ingredients in a bullet list, and step-by-step cooking instructions. Ingredient measurements are supplied in imperial (American standard) measurements only.  The nutritional information is not included. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in text boxes in the recipes. There are several vegan/vegetarian friendly recipes included. Presentations are, thematically, true to the aesthetic of the book (there's a breakfast puff pastry pie shaped like intestines and stuffed with sausage, for example).   

The photography is well done and abundant; most of the recipes are illustrated with photographs which are clear and well done. Many of the recipes which aren't vegan-friendly could be made plant based with a little experimentation. The entire book has a fun, utterly irreverent, campy vibe.

Four and a half stars. Definitely one to thrill folks who love themed parties, or Elvira, or fun.

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

The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal

 

The Genius Bat is a well written and engaging monograph on bats by Dr. Yossi Yovel. Due out 7th Oct 2025 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

Bats (and the folks who study them, often obsessively) are interesting. Misunderstood and historically often maligned, Dr. Yovel presents engaging, often compelling, and enlightened current field research. He writes methodically, and peppers the facts and science with his notes and experiences. 

The book is arranged thematically: bats social structure and interactions with other bats, echolocation and neurobiology, evolution, and conservation. Although this is a book full of natural history and science, it's written in layman accessible everyday language and is easily understandable. It's not annotated (sadly) and although there's an index, there's no bibliography or links for further reading. 

The book's emphasis is on a field scientist's experiences in his travels, on professional interactions and social encounters, and much less about *bats*. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is noticeable. For readers who are interested in the day-to-day existence of a neuroscientist and researcher in the wild, and less invested in learning a lot about bats, this is an engaging read. Some offhand comments about local social interactions, real-world political conflicts, and professional alliances and feuds in the relatively rarefied world of field ecology will leave some readers confused/repulsed. 

Three and a half stars. There *are* some entertaining nuggets to be gleaned; they're scattered in the disconnected narrative.

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

Murder in the House of Omari

 

Murder in the House of Omari is an intricate and unsettling locked room historical mystery by Taku Ashibe. Originally published in 2021, this English language translation from Penguin Random house on their Pushkin imprint was published 29th July 2025. It's 288 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.  

This historical mystery stretches over several generations with the targets belonging to the once-prosperous Omari family. It's written more as a multigenerational saga than directly as a murder mystery. The author does a nice job of scattering references to both Japanese literature and western mysteries (Christie, Phillpotts, and Queen) throughout the story. 

The story hops from timeline to timeline and with a large cast of characters which can be a bit disorienting and confusing. The author/publisher have included a helpful dramatis personae list which can be consulted to keep the characters and their interrelationships somewhat straight. 

The translation work by Dr. Bryan Karetnyk is mostly seamless. The place names, many of the literary references, and the overall aesthetic is indelibly Japanese, but the scansion and word choices are good and the narrative seems to be true to the original story and won't be a problem in context for western readers. 

Three and a half stars. Difficult and disjointed, but worthwhile to see these gems being translated for western audiences. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or possibly as a mystery bookclub selection or buddy read.

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

Algospeak

 

Algospeak is a well written monograph on how much influence (much of which most of us are unaware) social media and online presence has on modern life, written by self-styled word nerd Adam Aleksic. Released 15th July 2025 by Knopf, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

Admittedly niche, this is nevertheless a fascinating deep dive into the metrics which drive daily life and control to a surprisingly large degree what we see and hear on social media, how successful (or unsuccessful) media influencers are, and to an increasing degree how we experience our lives. The author has a humorous narrative voice, but there are a lot of interesting, and fairly profound, bits of information relayed between lighthearted banter. He uses academic nomenclature and concepts, but despite being linguistically accurate, it's never dry and it is quite fascinating. The chapter notes are well annotated and extensive and for interested readers, are probably worth the price of admission.

He discusses linguistic drift, how groups co-opt language to suit purpose (as it ever has been and ever will be), what the future might hold, and what we can do to influence it in a positive way. 

Four stars. Fascinating. It would be an excellent choice for public or post-secondary school library, for home use, or for book club analysis. 

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

Murder at Cape Costumers - Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #7

 

Murder at Cape Costumers is the 7th Book Club cozy by Maddie Day. Released 26th Aug 2025 by Kenzington, it's 352 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audiobook, 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 fairly standard village cozy with the requisite cast of eccentric town oddballs hiding things from one another, a moderately large cast of suspects, and the main character, bike shop owner Mackenzie (Mac), and an October/halloween themed mystery with creepy costumes and murder. 

It's an enjoyable read, if trope-y (but that's why storefront cozies are such a popular niche genre). It's not at all derivative, and fans of Ellery Adams, Kate Carlisle, and Lynn Cahoon will find a lot to like here.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 10 minutes and is read by series narrator Rachel Dulude. She has a full, well modulated alto voice and does a good job of delineating the characters of a range of ages and both sexes. She has a sort of neutral New England accent which doesn't overpower the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read, for public library acquisition, or for the home library. The mystery is self contained in this volume, however, there are multi-book story arc elements which will be spoiled if read out of order.

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

The Poisoned King - Impossible Creatures #2

 

The Poisoned King is the second book in a middle grade fantasy adventure by Katherine Rundell. Released 11th Sept 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Children's imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a very well written fantasy adventure for middle grade/tween readers. It's full of a huge range of classic creatures and two young protagonists whose cross-realms worlds' ("real" world and "fantasy" world) continued existence depend on their cooperation and success. There are scary antagonists and several high stakes conflicts. It's part of a 5 book story arc, but each adventure is self contained.

The incidental art by Ashley Mackenzie is beautifully rendered and fluid and suits the narrative very well.  

Much of this book is darker than the average middle grade lit, and there are some genuinely traumatic scenes including deaths of characters and creatures. The two main protagonists spend a fair amount of the book running from a murderer. 

The book hype compares the writing to Pullman, and that's quite apt. It's genuinely dark in places, but always lyrical. It's probably not appropriate for the younger end of the middle grade reader audience, or for more sensitive kids. There are valuable takeaways and it's entertaining and engaging for all ages. 

Four and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library. 

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

 

Parm to Table: Italian American and American Italian Recipes from Ponza to the Bronx

 

Parm to Table is a nice collection of Italian influence recipes developed and curated by Chef Christian Petroni. Released 23rd Sept 2025 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow 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 and references throughout. 

This is an appealing and wide-ranging collection which hits most of the best known standards, but also includes some interesting lesser known dishes which could potentially become fast favorites. Chef Petroni has an appealing informal writing voice and the book is peppered with memories and personal stories which are appealing and engaging. It's not just a dry collection of recipes.  

Dishes are arranged thematically in chapters: Italian American classics, family style, weeknight go-tos, Ponza (a little island in the Mediterranean Chef's family are from), soups & braises, heroes (the sandwiches), condiments & sauces, and dolci (sweets). 

The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in imperial (US standard) only. Most of the ingredients can be easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. No nutritional information is included. Tips and variations on each recipe are included in a text box at the end.

The book also includes a short author bio, and a metric conversion chart, as well as a cross referenced index.

The photography throughout is clear and in color. Process/tutorial photos are unencumbered, clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Graphically it's very well done and colorful.

Four and a half stars. This would make a superlative selection for public or secondary school library acquisition, as well as for the home cook's reference library. Lots of classic comfort food to be found here. 

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

Living in the Present with John Prine

 

Living in the Present with John Prine is a beautifully written, moving, and worthwhile memoir by Tom Piazza recounting some of his friendship with the artist/icon. Released 9th Sept 2025 by W.W. Norton, it's 208 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. 

John Prine was never a rock star. He was solid, present, honest, unvarnished, with a middle class blue-collar appeal that was never fake or superficial. He did what he did and did it so well for so many years. His music was (is) universal, funny sometimes, ironic, solid. Music people could fix their cars to, or perform brain surgery (a colleague has it on his surgical theater playlist along with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chopin, and a few others). We all thought he'd be there forever, until he just wasn't.

Author Tom Piazza is a writer/journalist who encountered Prine as the subject of an article, and who became a friend in the last years of his life. This book is much less about Prine's early life and the minutiae of his biography, and includes much more life philosophy, day to day humor and some frustration, challenges, and so so many vignettes from his vast lived experience in the music industry for more than 5 decades. The stories are the meat and bread of this moving work. 

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 4 hours 44 minutes and is superbly read by John Pruden.  He has a gravelly natural baritone, Midwest American accent, and is so perfectly suited to the subject that it's often sublime; unvarnished and honest, and quite moving. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Prine's surviving family were involved with the writing and interview processes, and his widow wrote the foreword. 

Five stars. Well written and engaging. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home library, and gift giving. 

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

 

The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie: The Facts Behind the Fiction

 

The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie is a well researched and engaging monograph curated and written by Drs. Jonathan Oates and Anna-Lena Berg. Due out in the UK 30th Oct. 2025 (30th Dec, elsewhere) from Pen & Sword, it's 232 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

Well written and annotated, this is a collection of true-crime histories which influenced Agatha Christie (and other authors). Some, like Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden, and Dr. Crippen, are still quite famous and well known down to the modern day, whilst some of the included stories (notorious in their day) have faded and will be unfamiliar. 

The authors have done a good job of setting the real-life history in context, with contextual quotes from relevant works in Christie's oeuvre for readers to search up on their own. It's not annotated, there aren't really chapter notes, but the book's content is enhanced by numerous facsimile documents and archival photos of relevant locations and people, victims and perpetrators.

Four stars. Definitely one for the true crime podcast audience, and for die-hard Christie fans. None of the included photos are lurid, although there are some courtroom and media descriptions which were a bit explicit (but dulled from the passage of time). It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or for the true-crime lover's home reference library. Potentially some good nuggets of info for mystery writers.  

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

 

Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist

 

 

Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist is a well curated and accessible biography by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner. Released 9th Sept 2025 by Simon & Schuster, it's 400 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

The author has done a great job of weaving together interviews from the artist himself, his friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues, and collaborators, to form a picture of Mr. Miranda's prodigious creativity, talent, and admirable work ethic. The author writes accessibly and engagingly, and it was a pleasurable and immersive read. 

Although not an academic treatise, it's meticulously annotated, and the chapter notes and links are probably worth the price of the book alone.

Four and a half stars, it would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or gifting to fans of musical theatre. 

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

E Is for Edward: A Centennial Celebration of the Mischievous Mind of Edward Gorey

 

E Is for Edward is a beautifully illustrated and intricately written biography/centennial celebration of Edward Gorey written by and produced under the auspices of the Gorey Charitable Trust. Released 23rd Sept 2025 by Hachette on their Black Dog & Leventhal imprint, it's 384 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.

Part Edwardian sensibility, but with a definite ascerbic *twist* of the macabre, Gorey has always been wonderfully, undeniably, out of step with the mundane world. This is a comprehensive, encyclopedic, beautifully curated collection of his illustrations, his work as a playwright, author, set designer, and oddball. Apart from starting with Gorey's early life, the biographical bits are arranged quite whimsically, and can be sampled non-consecutively at whim without losing much context. 

It's lavishly illustrated and is a treat to flip through. The authors have included a number of archival photos and facsimile documents as well as page after page of Gorey's sketches and drawings.

Five stars. Wonderful reference for fans of the artist as well as for readers interested in the period. 

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

The Unfathomable Curse - The Undetectables #3

 

The Unfathomable Curse is the third mystery featuring an ensemble cast of misfit paranormal detectives by Courtney Smyth. Released 23rd Sept 2025 by Titan Books, it's 496 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. Audiobook due out from the same publisher in early 3rd quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

This is a queer friendly paranormal investigative team with multiple representations including disabled, witchy, and breathing-challenged (i.e., a ghost). There's a bit of a scooby-doo vibe along with a very well fleshed-out magical system and interesting three dimensional characters.

Although the denouement and resolution are self-contained in this book, the plot follows on *heavily* from the backstory and setup in the earlier books, so readers who come into the series with this book will likely be somewhat lost for a while. It's an ongoing series, but each installment is self contained with a complete (and satisfying) story arc.

Four stars. Serviceable plot, well written characters, plotting maybe a trifle slow (it's a hefty book), but overall recommended for fans of UF/fantasy/mystery/paranormal. Language and graphic content are roughly R-rated. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or for a marathon binge/buddy read (roughly 1500 pages extant so far). 

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

 

Cold Burn - National Parks Thriller #2

 

Cold Burn is the second National Parks thriller by pseudonymous author duo A.J. Landau. Released 29th April 2025 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, although this book is not, the first book in the series is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.  

This is an exciting and immersive very well written thriller set in and around Alaska. Espionage and cover-ups, special ops, and critical climate science, alongside really breathtaking scenery, well described are a winning combination. It works very well as a standalone, with the understanding that relationships and back-history which were written in book one will bring slight (not book-breaking) spoilers if read out of order. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours, 46 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Gregory Abbey. He has an -excellent- command of modulation and accents and delineates each of the characters well, with varying regional accents and of a wide range of ages and both sexes. He has a gravelly baritone which suits the gritty narrative well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four stars. It's not at all derivative, but fans of  C.J. Box, Hillerman, and Nevada Barr will find a lot to like here. With two books out, it would make a nice mini-binge/buddy read. 

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

Super Business! Simon & Chester #6

 

Super Business! is the 6th Simon & Chester young reader graphic novel by Cale Atkinson. Released 30th Sept 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 136 pages and is available in hardcover and paperback formats. According to the author, this will be the final chapter in the series. 

This is a touching, funny, human (and ghost) story about cooperation, learning, growing up, and finding out where we belong. 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 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.

 

Henry VIII's Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle: Her Life, Letters and influence on The Tudor Court

 

Henry VIII's Controversial Aunt, Honor Lisle is a well written monograph on Honor Lisle, prolific letter writer and diarist, by Tudor historian Amy Licence. Released 31st Aug 2025 in the UK and due out 15th Nov 2025 elsewhere, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is a fascinating book, full of background information medieval and current on the machinations and political positioning and influence of Henry VIII's aunt Honor Lisle, her family, and her communications. It includes solid annotations with references, as well as illustrations and facsimiles (in the back of the book) and a good cross referenced index.

This could've been a dry-as-dust recitation, but it's anything but, being infused with the author's warmth and clear -interest- in the period and in her subjects. There are anecdotes and history from early medieval times to relatively recent. Although it's rigorously annotated (and the chapter notes alone are likely worth the price of the book), it's layman accessible and illuminating.

Four stars. Engaging. This would be a very good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or for gift giving purposes for folks interested in the time period and the Tudors.

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

Ultimate Origami Challenge Kit for Kids 8-12: Fun Projects and Step-by-Step Folding Techniques to Go from Novice to Pro

 

Ultimate Origami Challenge Kit for Kids 8-12 is a nice tutorial collection curated by Brian Soonho Yoon. Released 9th Sept 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist Kids imprint, it's 124 pages and is available in hardcover (bundled with origami paper as a kit) 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 illustrated primer for beginners through advanced origamists. The tutorials are arranged thematically from easy to difficult and graded as: apprentice, whiz, pro, and specialist. Information is presented in straightforward easy to understand language and the format makes it easy to locate the info needed quickly. The sections include basic classic folds (kite, collapsed square, basic form, and collapsed triangle, crane, star, box, etc). Each tutorial builds on the information in the prior tutorials and by working through the book systematically, readers will build up enough of a skill set to move on to intermediate folding guides.

The book is lavishly illustrated throughout and the drawings & photos are clear and in color. There is an included explanation key for the folding diagrams at the back of the book. New symbols and folds are introduced in highlighted text boxes throughout with clear and easy to understand captions.

The author/publisher has included a certificate of completion in the back of the book for folks who finish the challenge successfully. 

This is a nice addition to the crafter's library. It would also make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, makers' spaces, activity groups and the like. 

Four and a half stars.

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

 

The Little Sock Knitting Book

 

The Little Sock Knitting Book is a sock knitting guide with tutorials from a collection of designers, curated by Christophorus Verlag. Originally published in German in 2024, this English language translation was out 26th Aug 2025 from Fox Chapel on their Landauer imprint. It's 48 pages and is available in paperback format.

This is a cute book with beginner to intermediate friendly patterns which will appeal to a wide range of readers. It's set up as a meny, choose from the toe finishes, choose a heel option, some different cast-ons, and different finishes. There are some patterns and options for sock bodies including surface patterns, colorwork, and lace options.

There is a very short, very abbreviated technique and how-to guide but readers shouldn't expect to use this as a learn-to-knit primer unless they also have access to a teacher/friend/youtube. Overall, it's a very short book. Also, the wear and tear that socks get is very different from sweaters, hats, and other items, and readers who rely on acrylic yarns for socks are likely going to be disappointed. European yarns (even with manmade fibres) are a different quality from what can be found at Hobby Lobby. 

Three stars. It's a very short booklet and could be useful for intermediate knitters as a resource to learn new heels, toes, and finishes. 

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