Buzz Books 2026: Fall/Winter

 

Buzz Books 2026: Fall/Winter. These semi-annual previews are available free for download from the Buzz Books website here (or Amazon here or B&N, or other retailers) and are invaluable for planning TBR lists, avoiding some books which the buzz has overhyped (or just don't fit with you personally), and one of my favorite uses, to stretch our boundaries.  I am guilty, I admit it, of walking straight toward my favorite sections of any bookstore.  I think the vast majority of us are guilty of the same... we have limited book budgets and time and want to stick with the tried-and-true authors who have traditionally delivered for us. When I find an enjoyable free way to maybe find a book which is a great fit for me without committing to a purchase first, it's a win-win.  I have found a number of debut authors this way who have gone on to become fast favorites.

These collections are a great way to get a free 'taste' sample from authors who might well otherwise fly under your radar entirely.

Aside from the generous chapter excerpts included in the book, there's always a publishing preview with notable upcoming releases along with author and publisher info.  I always find upcoming books from authors I love without having known they had an upcoming release.  Valuable timesaver for that reason alone.

Five stars; a valuable resource.

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

A Curious Kind of Magic

 

A Curious Kind of Magic is a standalone YA romantasy adventure by Mara Rutherford. Released 21st Oct 2025 by by Macmillan on their Wednesday Books imprint, it's 368 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, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a sweet and well written story with three young main appealing characters, each with responsibilities and challenges, trying to help one another and (as in real life) often getting in their own way in the process. The YA angst and hurt and misunderstandings are there of course, along with a solid adventure, lots of magical artifacts, found family, wishes, bereavement, and a curse. 

It's full of whimsy and adventure. The romantasy tropes (missed chances, enemies to lovers, second chances) are on full display. On the whole, a satisfying romp, with a good denouement and resolution. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, for romantasy fans, or possibly as a buddy read. 

 

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

 

Strange Ways to Die in the Dark Ages

 

Strange Ways to Die in the Dark Ages (~420-1327 C.E.) is an interesting and layman accessible historical monograph by Emily Bush and Carrie Ingram-Gettins. Released 28th Feb 2026 by Pen & Sword History, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Worldwide release outside the UK, 9th April 2026. 

Sometimes irreverent, there's a solid historical basis for the information contained and the authors manage to bridge the gap between dark humor and pathos quite well. They cover politically derived causes, natural causes (disease, pathogens, bad food/environmental causes), floods, starvation, accidents (so many unpleasant (and dumb) ways to die), executions,  wars, and more or less what readers would expect from the title and description.

The authors have also written a sister volume about the Tudor Era. Unlike that book, this one is more heavily annotated and the chapter notes make for a well rounded experience in the read as well as providing tantalizing ideas for further reading. This is definitely aimed at fans of the period who aren't academics themselves (at least not academically inclined -in the subject-). Professional historians will likely miss the rigor of more academic based research, peer review, annotations, or rigorous bibliographic info. It is lightly humorous and quite amusing, so gains some in that respect.

Four stars. This is an illuminating and interesting book of history and never dryly academic or boring. This would be a good selection for public library acquisition, home library, and for fans of history, culture, and the macabre. 

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

Just Another Dead Author - Berit Gardner #2

 

Just Another Dead Authoris a wryly humorous second outing for Berit and friends by Katarina Bivald. Released 12th Aug 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.

Writer and observer-of-life Berit is off to the French countryside to a retreat for writers, hoping for a quiet working holiday, when the awful keynote speaker drops dead at her literal feet. She's soon following her insatiable curiosity, trying to solve the murder and stay alive herself.  

The author's dry comedic timing is a wonder to behold, and the book is delightfully *full* of delightful bookish tie-ins and sly unforced bibliophile in-jokes which will bring smiles to lovers of books. 

The author/publisher has also included suggested discussion topics and questions for book clubs and personal analysis. It's not entirely clear from the publishing info provided, if this book was translated into English (the author is Swedish), but if so, the translation work is perfectly seamless and invisible. There are currently 5 works in the series (book 2.5 and 5 are currently only available in Swedish).  Book 3 is due out from the same publisher in late August 2026. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 33 minutes and is masterfully read by Helen Lloyd. She has a perfect voice for the read, slightly gravelly and practical, and easily switches between numerous regional accents, from cut-crystal RP to a pretty credible regional mix, as well as MC Berit who is of mixed Swedish/English descent. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read, and the narrator is an absolute delight. 

Four stars for both print and audiobook. Highly recommended for public library acquisition, home use, and bookclub/buddy discussions.

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

 

The Keeper of Magical Things

 

The Keeper of Magical Things is a gently engaging and enjoyable cozy fantasy standalone by Julie Leong. Released 14th Oct 2025 by Penguin Random House/Berkley on their Ace imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in library binding, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

This is a beautifully written story, full of unlikely heroes, found-family, humor, small adventures,  a cat-dragon, and a magical quest. It's pure comfort reading and escapist fantasy (and sorely needed right now with everything going on in the world). It felt like wrapping up in a warm duvet with a pot of tea. 

It's not derivative at all, but fans of Travis Baldree, Sarah Beth Durst,  and Rebecca Thorne will enjoy this one as well. It's full of secondary characters with their own intricate, well rendered stories, and the whole is a nice patchwork of small adventure vignettes. Warm and escapist enjoyment. 

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 10 hours 56 minutes and is capably read by Natalie Naudus. She has a warm and well modulated voice. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read. 

The first book in the same world (but not precisely a prequel, there are different central characters, apparently), was released in Nov 2024 by the same publisher. 

Four and a half stars. A beautiful and enjoyable read.

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

Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef

 

Salt, Sweat & Steam is an unvarnished stress-and-pressure filled memoir of her education and the pressures of haute cuisine by Brigid Washington. Released 28th April 2026 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press 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 isn't a tell-all and there's nothing titillating. What the author excels at is the day to day pressure and stress of training as a chef at one of the most elite culinary schools in the world (Culinary Institute of America). She's from Trinidad, and had come out of a big life change (breakup) and although she had a degree in journalism, she wanted to pursue a culinary career path.

The most compelling parts of the book are her related experiences as a Caribbean Islander in New York, and her self-built community of other islanders, experiencing New York, as well as her clear fondness and respect for her background and history as a Trinidadian. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 4 minutes and is read by the author herself. She has a warm very lightly accented voice. Although not a professionally trained voice actor, she does a credible job with the narration. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. Recommended for fans of memoir, foodies, as well as for public or post-secondary school library acquisitions. 

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

 

Self-Help from the Middle Ages: What the Seven Deadly Sins Can Teach Us About Living

 

Self-Help from the Middle Ages is an interesting self-reflective and philosophical contemplation of modern day existence through the lens of the medieval era by Dr. Peter Jones. Released 14th April 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Doubleday imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

This is absolutely *not* "shiny happy people" instagram influencer self-help. It is a thoughtful, philosophical, accessible-but-intellectual and reasoned historical comparison of the guiding precepts from the middle ages in Europe which invites the reader to draw their own conclusions about how it should (or can) apply to self-reflection and growth. 

There's no question that modern life is tiring and damaging for all but the most privileged people today. This book invites the reader to consider the medieval analysis of the seven deadlies (pride, envy, anger, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lust) and see, through stories and historical writings left behind, what can apply to our own personal living. 

The author has a brisk and intellectual style. Although he's an academic himself, the language is layman accessible "everyday" English and engagingly simple. It's annotated well and meticulously throughout, and the included chapter notes are probably worth the price of the book for further reading. 

Well written and understandable and surprisingly deep.

Four stars. Highly recommended. It would be an excellent choice for public or post-secondary library acquisition, home use, or possibly as a solid non-fiction selection for book club analysis.

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

There's a Griffin on My Back - Mighty Moods Book 3

 

There's a Griffin on My Back is one of a beginning reader series about feelings and emotions written by Meredith Rusu. Released 10th March 2026 by 4U2B Books, it's 40 pages and is available in hardcover and ebok formats. 

The series presents different big emotions which will be familiar to everyone. It's not always easy to share the spotlight with a sibling, but that's what Robby has to do, when his little sister's ballet shifts the focus away from his time in the spotlight for his soccer talent. 

The text is simple and accessible, told in free rhyming verse. The accompanying digital art, by Martín Morón is colorful and full of movement and small action details. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library, for classroom reading circles, and for the home library. 

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

A Claim to Murder - Honey Driver Mystery #14

 

A Claim to Murder is the 14th outing for amateur sleuth/hotelier Honey Driver by (pseudonymous) Jean G. Goodhind. Released 12th Aug 2025 by Joffe Books, it's 268 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

Despite being the 14th book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. There are some fairly silly and over the top developments and plot twists, but it's a village cozy. The "over the top" characters and dialogue were mostly on the right side of charming and didn't shade over into annoying, so it was a fun read. Honey and partner Steve are back in Bath after losing their boat, only to find their skeezy insurance agent has come to a sticky end. Cat lovers will enjoy the appealing addition of a Bengal cat to the cast of characters. 

The ending is a bit of a muddle and felt quite rushed.  

Three and a half stars. Charming. It would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read. 

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

 

Luca the Dragon Vet - 1

 

Luca the Dragon Vet is the first volume in a new nichijou-kei (slice of life school manga) by Yuna Hirasawa. Originally published in Japanese in 2023, this English translation and reformat from Kodansha is 208 pages and will be available in paperback format. Projected release date 28th July 2026, with book 2 releasing in mid 4th quarter 2026 from the same publisher. 

This is a well written and engaging manga. MC Luca and the other vet students are responsible and driven. They're from widely divergent backgrounds, but they want to dedicate their lives to healing and supporting dragonkind. There's excitement and danger from practically the first page. 

There's also some mystery surrounding Luca's father's death, which adds depth to the storyline. The magical school, the friend group interactions, and the dragons (always the dragons!) add depth and whimsy. Although sometimes high-stakes and exciting, there's a lot of fun and adventure had. 

The art is intricate and detailed with lots of energy and action.  

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home library, or gifting to a manga-reading friend. 

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

Every Bite Counts: Smaller Portions and Smart Nutrition for Eating with a Low Appetite

 

Every Bite Counts is an interesting and engaging meal solution plan for readers who are dealing with low appetite, surgical recovery, illness, or GLP-1 effects written by Rob Hobson. Released 5th May 2026 by The Experiment, it's 256 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The author discusses the potential problems of maintaining metabolic health and calorie intake no matter what the source of diminished appetite is: GLP-1 use, chronic illness, recovery, age, or other causes. Roughly 30% of the page count is a solid analysis of the principal reasons as well as coping/compensatory strategies for combating food aversion. It also contains a number of tasty tempting appetizing recipes as well as some sample meal plans. 

Recipes are written with introduction, servings, nutritional info, ingredients in a bullet list, and full step-by-step prep instructions. Ingredient measurements are given in imperial (American) units only. Most of the ingredients will be readily available at most well-stocked grocery stores in North America. 

Roughly 25% of the dishes in the book are accompanied by one of more photos. The food photography is appealing and well styled. The photos are in color throughout. There are a number of plant based (veg*n friendly) recipes and meal plans included. The author/publisher have also included supportive appendices including portion tables with reduced serving sizes included, vitamin/mineral tables with target foods to eat, an abbreviated reference/bibliography, and a cross-referenced index.

Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or professional use (caretakers, nutritionists, etc). 

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

 

A Parade of Horribles

 

A Parade of Horribles is the eighth outing for Dungeon Crawler Carl (and Princess Donut) by Matt Dinniman. Released 12th May 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley Ace imprint, it's 704 (!!!) 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, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

This is a fun and well written take on light comedic dungeoncrawler fantasy/LitRPG. MC Carl is unwillingly thrust into a starring role in a survivor reality TV contest when an alien invasion puts a major crimp in *everyone's* day.  Princess Donut (his ex-GF's pampered show cat - brimming with Persian "tortitude") is a main character in her own right, and the book is positively bursting with sarcastic humor and improbable situations, with viewers from across the universe tuned in to see what happens next, and which contestants get eliminated, permanently. Each adventure sees the contestants thrust into a new floor of the dungeon with new loot, new puzzles and traps, and ever more creative ways to crash and burn.

This is one of the biggest, "buzziest" books in a few years, and it really does kinda live up to the hype. It's very very funny from the start off (Princess Donut is a being Not To Be Trifled With). It's not at all derivative, but the bonzo, zany humor will likely appeal to fans of Charles Stross and Tom Holt. 

Jeff Hays delivers in the audiobook narration which has a run time of 20 hours 26 minutes. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.  

Four and a half stars. There are currently 8 books in the series and Mr. Dinniman seems to be holding steady at a book a year. It would make a great choice for a genre buddy/binge read. It's definitely full on silly, but it's diverting, which is a blessing given the raging dumpster fire that is life on this planet at the moment.

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

 

The Book Club Murders - Book Club Murders #1

 

The Book Club Murders is the first book in a new village cozy series by Maggie Allswell. Due out 26th May 2026, it's 319 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This was a good series start with a solid small village cozy vibe. The author is a technically adept writer and provides necessary backstory without info-dumping. The narrative is lighthearted, including an ensemble cast of oddball small-town characters (including a widowed assistant funeral director who gets around on her mobility scooter). 

There are some fairly silly and over the top developments and plot twists, but it's a village cozy, so it's really part of the whimsy. The "over the top" characters and dialogue were always on the right side of charming and didn't shade over into annoying, so it was a fun read. The language is clean, the murder(s) are off screen and free from gory violence, there's no direct graphic sexual content; it's a well written and charming cozy. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 40 minutes and is capably read by Jilly Bond. She has a well modulated voice and does a great job of often rapid fire dialogue and a range of ages and regional accents. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. Charming, silly, and well written. It would be a good choice for home library acquisition as well as a fun buddy read. 

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

The Luminous Fairies and Mothra

 

The Luminous Fairies and Mothra is an interesting and accessible Mothra origin story commissioned in 1961and here translated into English by Dr. Jeffrey Angles. Released in Japanese in 1961, this edition with reformat and re-release by The University of Minnesota Press, was published 13th Jan 2026. It's 120 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a readable translation and engaging narrative story in its own right. For fans of the kaijuverse (Japanese monsters, Mothra, Godzilla, Rodan, Gamera and the others), this is a cool origin story giving Mothra's background and early encounters with humans. Additionally, there's substantial academic commentary which is interesting and really worth the price of admission by itself. 

It's admittedly a niche audience, but a fun and educational read. Although written in accessible language, it's meticulously annotated throughout. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or post-secondary library acquisition, home library, or gifting to fans of Japanese monster movies. 

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

 

 

Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter

 

Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter is a standalone historical urban fantasy by Heather Fawcett. Released 17th Feb 2026 by Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 368 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 an appealing magical fable set in 1920s Montreal featuring a crusading cat rescuer, her stray charges, and an irascible (but handsome) magician. Her undying zeal for protecting her furry cat friends and finding them worthy stable homes leads her to look the other way at the suspiciously low rent she is offered to occupy a new and larger locale after her former digs are obliterated by a magical duel which destroyed most of the neighborhood in her last location. 

This is a warm and fun tale, fairly high stakes and occasionally quite thrilling (magic users don't play by The Queensberry Rules).  The denouement and resolution are sweet and satisfying, and the writing, as always, is correct and engaging. It's very very full of cats. Readers should enjoy descriptions of cats, their care, their behavior, and their interactions (with each other and with humans and other creatures).

Four stars. This would be a good choice for a buddy read, for public or home library acquisition, or potentially for a fantasy/UF type book club selection. 

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

The Wandering Inn - The Wandering Inn #1

 

The Wandering Inn is the first part of a -massive- serialized epic crossworlds fantasy by PirateAba. Originally published (and ongoing) from 2018, this reformat and re-release by Harper Avon (HarperCollins) is due out 11th Aug 2026. This volume is 688 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book 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. 

Started as an online serial fiction  LitRPG self-published series, it took off in a big way and has a massive active fan following; there's even a fandom wiki fanbase with character entries (there are thousands).

With a word count in literal millions, this is not a super fast-paced action driven speedfest. It's slow, stately, occasionally exciting (getting chased by cannibalistic goblins, singed by a dragon, etc).. but mostly it's an innkeeper, thrust into a fantasy setting, and learning how to survive, set up her inn, and gain [innkeeper] levels. 

Five stars with a hefty codicil: this is not a fast easy read, the cast numbers in hundreds (maybe thousands?), it's been going on for years and is still actively being written. There's 8 -years- of background and a gargantuan canon. On the other hand, it's easy and accessible (and potentially free to access online) to get started. 

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

 

Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life

 

Mind Over Grind is an interesting and accessible monograph on work/life balance and how to potentially set healthy boundaries by Dr. Guy Winch. Released 10th Feb 2026 by Simon & Schuster, 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.

Dr. Winch is a clinical psychologist and public speaker, and he makes quite a lot of salient points about how work can easily take over our lives. He also offers insights with specific concrete techniques for making a clear dividing line between work-life and mindset, and non-work hours. 

There are a lot of good takeaways here, especially for readers who have jobs (healthcare, teaching, professional service, etc) which can easily turn into unhealthy lifestyle obsessions (living to work instead of working to live).

The tone throughout is friendly and compassionate; even when talking about relatively weighty mental-healthcare topics. 

Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition.

 

 

Fake Query Letters by Dead Authors

 

Fake Query Letters by Dead Authors is a funny (and very useful) tongue-in-cheek guide to cover/query letters as if they were written by famous authors, long departed. Editors David Griffin Brown and Michelle Barker have written a useful guide for aspiring authors to help with the difficulties of navigating publishing and skirting the pitfalls of being too self-effacing or too self-aggrandizing. Released 17th Feb 2026, it's 149 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Although ostensibly aimed at authors actively honing their craft, there are a number of good takeaways for anyone using the written word as a medium of expression. The authors do a good job of making tone accessible and breaking down the salient points into logical steps which make *sense*. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, home reference library, writers' groups, workshops, and similar. 

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

Cozy Kawaii Christmas: 50 Adorably Festive Coloring Pages

 

Cozy Kawaii Christmas is a cute holiday themed coloring book with adorable animals (capybara, axolotls!). Due out 11th Aug 2026 from Cider Mill Press, it's 112 pages and will be available in softcover format. 

All of the illustrations by Ela Jarzabek are nicely detailed, really cute, and have a cozy, nostalgic vibe. There's enough detail to keep readers actively engaged, but not overwhelmed. There are 50 pictures, with blank backing pages so they can be framed if desired, and there's no risk of bleed-through. 

This would be a good stress-relieving quiet activity, and also great as a gift (bundled with some good colored pencils or gel markers). Due to the nature of the book, it's probably not a great choice for public or school library acquisition. 

Four stars.  Very very cute.

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

The Contemporary Cottage Garden

 

The Contemporary Cottage Garden is an inspiration and practical guide to cottage garden style gardens curated and written by Pamela Hubbard. Released 5th Sept 2023 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 256 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Beautifully photographed through, the author does a good job of naming cultivars and showing them in her own gardens. It's mostly a book which is useful for inspiration, as opposed to a straight tutorial guide with plans and specific guidance.

Four stars. Beautiful and inspirational book.It would make a good selection for public library acquisition or home use.

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

Death at the Door - Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries #2

 

Death at the Door is the second outing for roommates Ruby & Cordelia by Olivia Blacke. Released 21st Oct 2025 by by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in Sept 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 throughout. 

This is a light cozy with some darker moments. There are themes of substance abuse, alcoholism, lots of mentions of suicide, infidelity (long term), financial irregularity, domestic violence, substance abuse, and some not-quite-cozy descriptions of violence and murder. 

It -is- a cozy, however, with a very strong central paranormal theme (one of the main characters is a ghost). It's sort of a "buddy caper" with a duo of women, one of whom is living challenged. The writing is light and easy to read, and the character driven action flows well. The dialogue isn't always very well polished and there were a few issues with pacing throughout. It mostly felt like a setup for future series books, and whilst that isn't a deal-breaker, it did lead to some frustration with the here-and-now of the mystery in *this* volume on which the two main characters are supposed to be concentrating. 

It's warm and humorous and a definite comfort read. It would make a good choice for a weekend buddy read for fans of paranormal cozies. Some of the "features" of ghost-Cordelia's existence were a bit lazy (she can do anything she *believes* she can do), but again, probably ok inside the parameters of the genre. 

Three and a half stars. It will be interesting to see this series develop. Book 3 is due out in fourth quarter 2026. It would be a nice short binge/buddy read. 

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

 

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer

 

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer is a very well written procedural mystery thriller by Ragnar Jonasson and the second book of a trilogy featuring Helgi, a detective, and crime fiction fan. Released 9th Sept 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in early Sept. 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. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (but not the first one) is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

Like the first book, the narrative jumps around a lot in time, and it will probably take readers a while to find their footing within the story. Readers who hate cliffhangers should be aware going in that although the main mystery in this book is resolved in this volume, it ends on a fade-to-black cliffhanger that will have them growling in frustration.  

Originally published in Icelandic in 2023, the translation work on the English edition by Victoria Cribb is seamless. It flows very well in English translation.

Aside from the solid mystery, the main character, Helgi, is a huge crime fiction fan and the book's peppered with lots and lots of titles and background for avid readers to check out. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 5 hours 5 minutes and is very capably read by an ensemble cast. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. Annoyance at the cliffhanger fade-to-black ending shouldn't dissuade readers from enjoying a good procedural with bleak and well described isolated settings, lots of three dimensional characters, and a (mostly) good and subtle resolution and denouement. Content warnings for domestic violence, physical violence, and physical and psychological abuse/mental illness.

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

Rock Paper Incisors: A Skunk and Badger Story - Skunk & Badger #3

 

Rock Paper Incisors is a beautifully written and illustrated book featuring friends Skunk & Badger. Released 14th Oct 2025 by Hachette on their Young Readers imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback format due out 1st Sept 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. 

This is a rollicking and fun book with surprisingly deep takeaways. Aimed at young readers circa 8-12 years old, there are solid lessons about friendship, personal growth, kindness, boundaries, found family, and learning to work together.  

Although ostensibly written as a read-alone for 7-12 year olds, this would also be a superlative choice for a read-along or library circle/activity read (maybe with a question and answer discussion afterwards). It would also be a great choice for a read-to-me adult/child bedtime story. There is also wide scope for some silly voices and sound effects.

Five stars. Charming, original, well written and beautifully illustrated.

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

Owls: Nocturnal Birds of Prey from Around the World

 

Owls is a well written, layman accessible, beautifully illustrated book about owls by David Alderton. Due out 19th May 2026 from Amber Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardback format. 

This book is aimed at an all-ages audience, and is written in understandable language. The information is well arranged into thematic chapters separated by owl types and with a nice chapter about nesting and owlets. The author/publisher have included an abbreviated index, but no annotations or resource links are included in this volume. 

It's full of interesting factual info about owls, but the photography is the star of the show. There are a ton of macro photos with breathtaking detail, so clear and colorful. The bulk of the photography is from stock sources (detailed credits are given in the frontspiece matter). Owls really are magnificent birds.

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

Five stars.

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

 

Making Magnificent Wood Art: Crafting Imaginative Works with Everyday Woodworking Tools

 

Making Magnificent Wood Art is a guide to wood mosaic with tutorial projects by Meleah Gabhart. Released 24th Feb 2026 by Fox Chapel, it's 128 pages and is available in softbound (paperback) and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a very well written and logically arranged tutorial guide featuring lots of intricate and attractive wood mosaics. The projects are beautifully complex and unbelievably detailed.

The introduction covers tools, materials, setup, wood selection, and safety. The choice of scroll saw is covered in depth. The practical tutorial chapters which follow include info on the process of cutting, forming, finishing, detailing, hanging the finished project, lettering, etc. The text is accompanied by plenty of clear, color photos throughout. 

The bulk of the subject matter is given over to an in-depth and fascinating exploration of wood as medium, with detailed information about choosing grain, active planning and use of materials to exploit color and natural variations, planning projects and some troubleshooting.  

The project tutorial chapters include four full projects with instructions. Scale templates are included. Each tutorial includes an introduction, list of tools and supplies, and step-by-step photo/text directions. It is *not* a beginner guide, although with access to tools, materials, and guided instruction, a keen (and patient) intermediate woodworker could conceivably do a credible job. 

Four and a half stars. Well written and illustrated. Very well photographed throughout. This would make an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, gift-giving, activity groups, maker's groups, and for the woodworker's home studio library.

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

 

While the Patient Slept - Sarah Keate #2

 

 

While the Patient Slept is a nice addition to the American mystery genre, and an early crime novel written by Mignon G. Eberhart. Originally published in 1930, this re-formatting and re-release as part of the American Mystery Classics series was released 3rd Feb 2026. It's 312 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats in this edition. 

The American Mystery Classics series has unerringly plucked important but potentially lesser known crime gems and presented them (with expert introductory content and commentary) to new generations of crime fiction readers. 

This is a well written mystery, full of gothic atmosphere and tension. Nurse Sarah is involved in another mystery assisting the police when a murder occurs in the room where her patient (a stroke victim) was sleeping. It's a continuing series (total 7 books) but works perfectly well as a standalone. 

Recommended for lovers of gothic suspense, American historical mystery, as well as a support text for allied scholastic examination (modern American literature, etc). The erudite and informative introduction by Lisa Unger is a highlight of this edition. Four stars.

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

Treasures of the Vikings

 

Treasures of the Vikings is a beautifully photographed monograph on the material artifacts of the Scandinavian Vikings by Dr. Tom Horne. Due out 19th May 2026 from Amber Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

The author (who is a specialist in Viking age trade and material artifacts) does a good job of presenting the trade routes and daily lives of the people in a layman accessible manner. He makes the historical info engaging and interesting (and exciting in places). 

The book's chapters are arranged thematically: from childhood through adulthood, daily life, household items, clothing, weapons of war, and religious customs and burial objects. The book is filled with clear color photos from archaeological digs and the finds they uncovered. 

It's a sleek and interesting collection with accessible commentary from an expert who is clearly engaged in the subject and knowledgeable. 

Five stars. Great collection. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting. 

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

The Book of Cannabis: The History and Future of the Plant and the Drug

 

The Book of Cannabis is a comprehensive monograph on cannabis by Dr. Jeremy Narby. Released 21st April 2026 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Essentials 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 a wide ranging, well researched, grounded book about cannabis and mankind's relationship with it. Although written in everyday layman accessible language throughout, it's meticulously annotated, and the chapter note annotations are likely worth the price of the book, just by themselves. 

The chapters are mostly written around the social and cultural impact of the plant (the author is an anthropologist) and he writes eloquently and well about musicians, artists, and intellectuals as well as attempts at prohibition through history (in North America), the future of cannabis (in the USA) and varieties. 

This is a niche book but very well written and specific. The book isn't illustrated. Highly recommended for modern anthropology fans, natural history, botany readers, CBD/cannabis connoisseurs or for gifting to CBD curious friends.  

Five stars. Very well written and detailed with a no-nonsense appealing easy to read layout. 

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

The Story of Birds: A New History from Their Dinosaur Origins to the Present

 

The Story of Birds is a well written scientifically correct and exciting book about birds from the time of the dinosaurs to our current world, by paleontologist Dr. Steve Brusatte. Released 28th April 2026 by Harper Collins on their Mariner Books imprint, it's 448 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 a gift for making the ancient world accessible, engaging, and *real*. The animals he describes and the world which they inhabited are very easy to imagine (and often terrifying). This is a well organized and interesting timeline with a definite narrative thread. The author provides numerous visual aids along the way; timelines, resources, chapter notes, and an index.

Although written in accessible layman language, it's meticulously annotated, and the chapter notes are likely worth the price of the book.

Five stars. Well written and interesting. It would be an excellent choice for public and home library acquisition,  gifting, or for a non-fiction palate cleanser book club discussion.  

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

A Novel Murder - Jane Hepburn #1

 

A Novel Murder is the first book in a cozy village bookish mystery by E.C. Nevin. Released 17th June 2025 by Knopf Doubleday on their Knopf imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher on 2nd June 2026.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is an ascerbic, sharply sarcastic, occasionally funny cozy mystery from the PoV of a publishing industry insider. Amateur sleuth Jane is hapless, disgruntled, cynical, frustrated, author at the end of her tether. At an industry publicity event, she's dodged by her agent, shoved aside, ignored, and feels invisible. 

The pacing is.... sedate. It's certainly not action driven. The characters (including the secondary characters) run the gamut from generally unappealing and a bit whiny, to outright insufferable. It's a very light quick read, and undemanding. It's unnecessary and ableist that almost every plus sized female protagonist is openly self-loathing, socially awkward, and inept (which moved it down a fair bit on the scale). 

There's such a mean-girl clique-ish vibe to the whole thing. Like "The Devil Weard Prada", it very much reads like a jaded industry insider getting their own back from an admittedly often uncaring industry.  

Three and a half stars. Worth a read for folks who enjoy bookish mysteries, amateur sleuths, and sarcastic digs at an unfeeling world. Book 2 is due out in August 2026 from the same publisher.

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

Beginner's Guide to Backyard Building: Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Constructing Your Own Shed, Studio, or Tiny House

 

Beginner's Guide to Backyard Building is a beginner-accessible technique and pictorial guide to planning and building small structures by Lee Mothes. Due out 5th May 2026 from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

There are so many good reasons to increase our self-sufficiency and gain techniques for improving our abilities to build and maintain the structures that protect and enhance our daily lives. Actually planning and building small structures seems like an unattainable goal for many (most?) but the author here does a good job of breaking down the process into step-by-step digestible chunks which are actually do-able. 

The book has a no-nonsense, no-frills layout. It's illustrated throughout in the "architect plan" style (see cover art) in color. The drawings are simple but detailed enough to give a good overview. The author's writing style throughout is friendly, positive, and supportive (definite "you can do it" vibes). There are a handful of photos, but they're more background/inspiration (including a sweetly nostalgic one of the author proudly sitting on a chair he made).

Worth noting: this book does NOT include actual plans. It covers planning and scope very well, but readers will need to grab some plans *before* grabbing a hammer and heading to the local big box store for materials.  

The author has included a couple of useful appendices including a glossary and measurement conversion lists, as well as an index.

This is a very useful and practical handbook. It would be a good choice for handy builders, self sufficiency readers, DIY folks, dreamers, and similar. It would also be a great choice for collectives, public library, activity/volunteer/housing groups.

Five stars.

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