Modern Bushcraft

 

Modern Bushcraft is a well organized tutorial guide by Tim MacWelch. Released 30th June 2026 by HarperCollins on their Cider Mill Press imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The book contains a collection of self-sufficiency and survival info, arranged thematically into logical chapters: safety, knives & tools, ropes knots & lashings, building a camp, water, fire building, food in the wild, campfire cooking, and navigation. The author has decades of experience, including teaching these skills, and it shows. He emphasizes safety throughout, and the book is refreshingly free of grandstanding and macho attitudes, and full of useful practical tips on securing a safe camp, providing food and shelter, and also fitting into and protecting nature and wild spaces. 

The book is full of breathtaking color photos, as well as illustrated with simple colored line drawings which support and supplement the text very well. Important concepts are placed in highlighted text boxes throughout. This isn't a book which will lend itself to being read cover to cover, but for short interludes or as a reference, it's useful.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, for activity groups, and possibly for scouting groups/leaders. 

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

Griffin Speaker - Griffin Speaker #1

 

Griffin Speaker is the first book in a middle grade fantasy series by Jan M. Flynn. Released 5th May 2026 by Disney on their Hyperion imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 2nd quarter 2027 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 an absolutely not-nuanced lambasting of socially stratified societies, colonialism, and political systems. It's sort of a more kid friendly dystopian novel such as Hunger Games, than any sort of cozy fantasy. The pacing is quite uneven, but the world building is interesting and well thought out. There isn't a lot of nuance to be found in the story, including the secondary characters, and especially the background structure, but at the end of the day, it's a story about an underdog (Rain) with a special gift, who defies odds to save herself and maybe change the world. 

There's not a lot of character development for Rain in this book in the series, but it's the first book, so there's that. 

Three and a half stars. It's somewhat depressing for a middle grade reader. It would probably be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, or home library. 

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

 

The Five Seasons Method: A Gentle Path toward Emotional and Spiritual Balance

 

The Five Seasons Method is a thoughtful and well written philosophy/lifestyle guide explaining the Chinese 5 Seasons method of balance, emotional regulation, and spiritual balance by Leda Elliott. Released 4th Aug 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

We're constantly bombarded relentlessly at all times with information, news, updates, work, family, and everything else screaming for our attention. The vast majority of people are more tired, less rested, less balanced, and often mentally and physically unwell.  The author has a calm, precise, and encouraging writing style and provides concrete do-able exercises for breathing and centering which are layman accessible. 

Each of the seasons has a chapter, with themes, exercises for emotional work (and gifts), seasonally associated strengths to use, and invitations and affirmations. It's definitely got a more "alternative" vibe, and not so much "westernized medicine" vibe, so readers will probably already know that going in. 

Four stars. Gentle, interesting, relaxing, and calm. It would be a good choice for public or home library, or possibly for practitioners, alternative treatment folks, etc. 

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

Origami Gift Wrap: 25 Beautiful, Tape-Free Techniques for Mindful Gift-Giving

 

Origami Gift Wrap is a well illustrated tutorial guide to Japanese gift wrapping and presentation techniques with tutorials by Megumi Lorna Inouye. Due out 8th Sept 2026 from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

These are mindful designs, which are made to showcase a presentation or gift thoughtfully. The author shows ways to wrap different shapes, how much material is needed, and how to go about folding the designs. Each of the folds are appealing, but even more valuable is the calm and deliberate (mindful) writing. Ms. Inouye has such a restful, kind, and welcoming style of writing.

Five stars. The folds/wraps themselves are original, very pretty, and timeless, and the slow and methodical process is lovely as well. It would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library acquisition. 

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

Science Fiction Ecologies: Worldmaking with Butler, Le Guin, and Merril

 

Science Fiction Ecologies is an interesting, layman accessible, and scholarly monograph on worldbuilding in (science) fiction by Dr. Shelley Streeby. Released 25th Aug 2026 by NYU Press as part of the Postmillenial Pop series, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

Interpreted through the lens of three feminist speculative fiction writers, Octavia Butler, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Judith Merril, Dr. Streeby analyzes how the authors utilized notes, resources, extant real-life science and ecology to build a believable framework for their own fictional works. 

Although written in layman accessible language, the author is an academic, and it's written very precisely and meticulously and rigorously annotated. The chapter notes alone are probably worth the price of admission. It's already a big book as it it, but it would've been interesting to see Dr. Streeby also turn her lens on other luminary female speculative fiction authors such as Sheri Tepper, Nnedi Okorafor, and Ann Leckie to name a few. 

Interesting and very well written. Dry in places, but engaging and readable. 

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended for public or post secondary library acquisition, as well as very useful for writers and other creatives. 

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

Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop - 満月珈琲店の星詠み #3

 

 

 

Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop is the third book in a cozy fantasy series by Mai Mochizuki. Originally published in Japanese in 2021, this English language translation was released 25th Aug 2026  by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint. It's 224 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.

There's a vibrant sub-genre in Japanese food related cozy fantasy, the genre is generally called "iyashikei" (Kamogawa Food Detectives, Tales from the Cafe, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Dallergut Department Store (which was Korean, but same basic genre), etc), and this one fits right in with the others. There's definitely a dreamlike, slightly trippy, aspect (the cafe is ephemeral and changes location depending on circumstances dictated by the patrons' needs, always on the full moon, oh, and it's staffed by giant anthropomorphic talking cats).  

The book has a misty quality, and the cats wax poetic to their patrons about Japanese astrology (quite a lot) and philosophy, and music. It contains a fair bit of "woo-woo" pop psychology, but overall it's entertaining, full of whimsy, and fun with a serious bent. The patrons themselves are a mixed lot, but the story is written around their lives and fates and how their stories relate to their larger world. The other books in the series follow a similar format, with new/different patrons and their issues.

The prose is beautifully wrought and although slightly discursive and meandering, manages to make some good points about the meaning and trajectory of life, choices (and how they can affect our entire lives), acceptance, and being truthful (and kind) to ourselves. The translation work, done by series translator Jordan Taylor, is seamless and invisible. The text flows very well, and it doesn't read as though it's been translated (which has to be the goal), although the whole vibe is indelibly Japanese. 

Four stars. Well written, professionally translated, and full of whimsy, it would make an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and a challenging and enjoyable book club selection/buddy read. There are currently 6 books in the series in Japanese, this is the third to be translated and published for English speaking audiences. The others are slated for translation and release later.

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

 

More Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead

 

More Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead is the second book of illustrated animal facts and info by Brook Hartman and illustrated by Maria Garcia. Due out 1st Sept 2026 from Sourcebooks, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Aimed at younger readers (~6-8 years), this is a colorful collection of cute animals which are either predators, venomous, or otherwise caution inducing. The art is cute and full of small whimsical details and will appeal to the youngest. It is emphatically not in a realistic style, in fact it's cartoonish, but might inspire readers to try rendering some of them by themselves. Each animal has its own entry spread, including binomial (Latin) name, range and habitat, conservation status, and a short explanatory essay. These short fact filled entries are entertaining and very simply written in age appropriate language. 

The book is *full* of puns and silly alliteration (menacing marsupials, brr-ocious beauties (Arctic fox), deep blue squee, and many others). Most of them fall flat for adults, but they'll probably work for small kids. The entries seem to be factual, and there weren't any glaring errors.  

Three and a half stars. It would potentially be a good choice for public or school library acquisition.

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

Land of Oz

 

Land of Oz is a sandbox anthology with 13 fantasy stories, edited by Marie O'Regan & Paul Kane. Due out 1st Sept from Titan Books, it's 368 pages and will be 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 throughout. 

This is a nice collection of varied short stories set in Oz and with many characters featured in the canonical Oz books. 

The stories are varied, there were (as always) some which were less engaging, but all were well written and competently plotted. They were mostly in the 4 star range(ish). This is a well curated solid anthology of stories in the 3-5 star range. There are 13 stories in the anthology and all are previously unpublished fiction from very well known and some lesser known authors. 

One reason collections and anthologies are so fun is that short fiction is really challenging.  It's spare and the authors don't have a wealth of wordage to develop characters or the plotting.  Well written short fiction is a delight. Also, if one story doesn't really grab the reader, there's another story just a few pages away.  

Four stars on average. It's a diverting read.

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

 

Early Man Was a Woman - Reclaiming Prehistory

 

Early Man Was a Woman is an interesting graphic novel by Ulli Lust. Originally published in German in 2025, this English translation is being published by The Experiment. Due out 1st Sept. 2026, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The author interprets extant physical artifacts and art from a feminine point of view, reinterpreting the earliest prehistory through a feminist lens. It's engaging, and probably factual, given general human nature and the proclivity for the writers of accepted history (men) to revise the records to suit patriarchal systems, and Ms. Lust makes some intuitively salient points, though not absolutely proven beyond question. 

It's illustrated throughout in 4 color printing. Despite being written in completely layman accessible language, it's well annotated throughout, and the chapter notes will provide many hours of further reading and exploration. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or post secondary school library acquisition, home use. Fans of nonfiction graphic novels (like Larry Gonick's works) will like this one. 

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

 

Coltrane The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend

 

Coltrane is a beautifully and extensively illustrated retrospective and memoir of the legendary John Coltrane assembled by a host of friends, family, and his son Ravi. Due out 1st Sept. 2026 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover format. 

Coltrane was a cultural icon; an incredibly talented and innovative artist, respected and acknowledged during his lifetime and down to the present day. He only lived 40 years and managed to have more of an impact on musical culture during his performance years than most manage in a long lifetime. 

This book contains 7 essays by collaborators, his son, and celebrities, followed by chronological pictorial chapters: 1950-1959, 1960-1963, and 1964-1967. The essays are short and written in unvarnished, layman accessible language. 

The pictorial chapters are full of stunning formal and casual photographs. Each is accompanied by a short caption. Photography credits are extensive and interesting, included at the end of the book.  

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or for home use or gift giving to modern music enthusiasts. 

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

Murder in Rome - Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #15

 

Murder in Rome is the 15th (!!!) Armstrong and Oscar destination cozy mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 2nd May 2026 by Boldwood books, it's 258 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series, are also currently available on KU. 

This is a beautifully descriptive and well written destination mystery set in the outskirts of Rome. Expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty Labrador sidekick Oscar are enlisted to investigate the murder of the stratospherically wealthy uncle of a TV celebrity. It's a very limited suspect pool, comprised chiefly of his generally unlikable inner circle/family living in and attached to the palazzo where he died. Armstrong's insights are valuable and he is attuned to otherwise hidden motivations. 

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well controlled and believable. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, so it works well enough as a standalone, but the writing and mystery are so well planned and executed, that it would make an excellent very long binge or buddy read. 

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

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended.

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

 

Natural Healing Handbook

 

Natural Healing Handbook is a collection of AI enhanced/written herbal tutorials by Cliff Adkins (even his author photo is AI). Released 1st July, it's 99 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 throughout.  For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

The content is easy to access and understand. It's written in simple layman language, and contains recipes arranged thematically: introductory chapters on methods and materiale (how-to) including a short chapter on dosing and uses, a short herbal (covering 20 herbs), sleep anxiety & stress relief, immune system, digestion, liver support, skin care/topicals, and building a home apothecary. 

All the illustrations are AI. All the recipes are AI and written with generative AI. The author/publisher have included a QR code which links to additional resources (jar label templates, dosing recommendations, etc).

Readers must ask themselves how they feel generative AI should be used. For folks who do not mind AI generated books, this would be a 4 star read. For readers who are terrified by scraped and repacked content, 1 star. 

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

 

The Calico Cat at the Chibineko Kitchen - Meals to Remember at the Chibineko Kitchen #2

 

The Calico Cat at the Chibineko Kitchen is the second cozy food-oriented slice of life novel in a series by Yuta Takahashi and translated by Cat Anderson. First published in Japanese in 2020, this English language translation was released 24th Feb 2026 by Penguin Random House on their Viking Penguin imprint.  It's 224 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is such a warm and whimsical story, entirely character driven. It meanders, often touchingly, through the daily lives, dreams and hopes of the characters and their interactions with one another. It's indelibly Japanese in its sensibilities, culture, and grammar. It does read as though it's literature in translation (in this case that's not a bad thing). The translation work is competent and seems true to the original text. There are 10 books extant in the series, and this is the second book to be translated into English. It's a cozy, enveloping, escapist read.  There's an entire genre of gentle food/cafe oriented vignette novels with characters whose stories are tied together around food. This is another such. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 4 hours 44 minutes and is capably read by Hanako Footman. She has a warm light voice, well modulated and pleasant to listen to. The sound and production quality are high throughout.  

Four stars. It's a delightful very short read. Quite a lot of story, without conflict or action. A relaxing and delightful experience. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, book club discussion, or home library. 

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

The Dying Light - Two Rivers #4

 

The Dying Light is the fourth Matthew Venn procedural murder mystery by Ann Cleeves. Released 29th Sept 2026 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 384 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 throughout.

This is another beautifully written mystery set in North Devon and featuring Detective Matthew Venn, a cerebral and solemnly intelligent investigator tasked with unraveling the tragic deaths of two young women at a very high-end summer home. The pacing of the investigation is unhurried and the characters built up so well and in such detail that they live and breathe. The secondary characters are carefully and completely delineated and distinct. Even Lucy Braddick from the earlier books in the series is included tangentially in this book as well. It really was a delight to read. 

Although it's the fourth book in the series, it works very well as a standalone. This book is also quite intricately plotted, but there aren't any major spoilers if they're read out of order. The denouement and resolution were exciting and well crafted, although melancholy.

The language is rough in places (R-rated), and there are some blood/gore descriptions on page. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 48 minutes, and is expertly read by series narrator Jack Holden. He has a pleasantly nuanced voice and manages numerous characters with widely divergent accents (and ages, and both sexes) impressively well. One of the main characters is from Liverpool, the secondary characters are varied and have accents from Scotland to the Southwest and points in between, and he manages all of them with expertise and precision. Sound quality and production values are high throughout.

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, as well as a series binge or buddy read.

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

 

This Year: 365 Songs Annotated

 

This Year is an excellent lightly illustrated collection of annotations, lyrics, and miscellany for fans of The Mountain Goats, by John Darnielle. Released 2nd Dec 2025 from Macmillan on their Farrar, Straus and Giroux imprint, it's 560 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 throughout. The pen and ink incidental art by John Keogh is spare and moody and suits the writing very well. 

This is a free flowing book, and as the author suggests in his short but interesting introduction, it's entirely left up to the reader how to approach and consume the content. Read it cover to cover, skip around, day-by-day, or a mix of methods, it's left up to the reader. 

Each of the 365 entries contains lyrics/snippets/poetry and thoughts. This is, at the end of the day, a look inside a very very creative man's creative processes and his creative mind. It's a very interesting and engaging read, and will provide worthwhile takeaways for -any- creatively inclined person, even more so for fans of the Goats. 

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, for gift giving, or a niche challenge/buddy read. 

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

Scot’s Eggs - Last Ditch #8

 

Scot’s Eggs is the eighth cozy(ish) Last Ditch mystery by Catriona McPherson. Released 2nd Dec 2025 by Severn House, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, 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 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 such an exuberantly fun "closed" setting for a murder mystery with slice-of-life comedy. The ensemble cast couldn't possibly be more disparate; plucked from different cultures, socioeconomic strata, backgrounds, orientations, and family makeups, they're knitted together by circumstances and their apparently genuine fondness for one another. 

Faced with a potential crime scene (a blood splattered vintage car) and a missing (murdered?) pair of visiters to the Last Ditch they all call home, they are determined to figure out what's happened, and set about investigating in their own inimitable way. The "whodunit" and "how" is an impressively funny comedy of errors which reads like a cross between I Love Lucy, Scooby-Doo, and Queer Eye, with a little comedic Lost in Translation for good measure.

Despite being the 8th book in the series, it works reasonably well as a standalone and readers won't have too much trouble keeping the principal characters straight. All the disparate subplots wind together quickly into a satisfying (and exciting) denouement and resolution. The author has quite a talent with comedic timing and characterization and her comparisons of American and Scottish culture are spot on and very funny.

Four stars. Definitely a good one for fans of comedic light murder cozies, and this series continues to move from strength to strength.

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

The Wives of Henry VIII: Rethinking the Stories Behind the Symbols

 

The Wives of Henry VIII is a layman accessible, well annotated, and fascinating monograph and  re-examination of the monarch's wives as real historical personages, through a more modern lens, written by Jessica Carey-Bunning. Released  9th April 2026 in by Pen & Sword, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

The author is a historian, and although this volume is meticulously annotated (and the chapter notes alone are likely worth the price of the book), it's not dry or written in overwrought academic language. The history is rendered into a comprehensible story; and in this case it's true, to the best of the extant historical records from the time period. It's rich in detail and symbolism, and the author has collated it into a readable whole. 

Four and a half stars. Well annotated throughout, the historical notes and references will provide hours of additional reading. Recommended for public and school library acquisition, home reference, gift giving, and for fans of history/historical re-enactors/SCAdians. 

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

Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop - The Highland Bookshop Murders #2

 

Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is a Scottish cozy shopfront mystery and the second book in the series by Jackie Baldwin. Released on 17th Feb 2026 by Storm publishing, it's 272 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 first book in the series is also currently available on KU, and there's a third book due out in Dec 2026.

For readers who love small-town cozies, mysteries, and light UK crime fiction, this one ticks a lot of boxes. It's capably written with an intelligent and appealing bookstore owner drawn into a murder which she stumbles into when she's delivering books to a shut in customer. The action does move resolutely forward, and it never drags, so although simple, it's an enjoyable and engaging read. There is no bad language or triggering content and the climax and denouement were satisfying and included a few twists. 

It works well as a standalone, and it's not necessary to read the books in order for continuity. 

Four stars. This is an enjoyable bookshop cozy. Fans of the genre will find a lot to like here. The second book is out and it's a continuing series. It would make a good short binge/buddy read. 

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

The Magical Map of Meows: A Bilingual (Spanglish) Adventure Story Teaching Global Meows and Cultural Curiosity

 

The Magical Map of Meows is a delightful multilingual (mostly Spanish and English) adventure story for young readers by Colette Smith, and illustrated by Nicole Nielsen. Released 19th Nov 2025, it's 42 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is such a cute, colorful, and appealing book. It's an adventure in rhyming couplets with easy to understand language, along with individual words written naturally into the text in Spanish. Mimi the kitty has made a magical map for her favorite human and they take off on an adventure south in Mexico. New Spanish words are introduced organically, and are easy to understand in context. 

The art is colorful  and immersive, with lots of small details inviting a closer look.

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

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

At Midnight Comes the Cry - The Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries #10

 

At Midnight Comes the Cry is the 10th Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne series by Julia Spencer-Fleming. Released 18th Nov. 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 4th quarter 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.  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. 

Although it's been a very long running series (book 1 was published in 2002), it won't be a problem to keep the characters or their relationships straight. The author provides the necessary backstory in the narrative, so new readers won't need a dramatis personae list to keep them sorted either. It would work moderately well as a standalone. The similarities in the (very) cold case murders and the modern day are well done and the writing in general is very capable and engaging.

Much of the book is concerned with the Reverend Clare, husband Russ, their infant son, and their day to day struggle to manage professional and family life. The author has a deft touch with suspense and characterization and overall the book is quite good. There are some dark themes which are potentially triggering such as trauma, sobriety, racism, alt-right/militia, etc. The language is rough(ish), with multiple usage of damn, hell, and similar and a couple of "f-bombs" used in context. Although it does work well as a standalone, the returning characters have a long history with one another and relationships which have developed over the course of the series, and minor spoilers should be expected if read out of order. 

Four stars. Well written and engaging. Likely moreso for prior fans of the series who have built up a relationship with the characters.

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

The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories

 

The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories is a collection of 9 previously-published short fiction pieces by Beka Gremikova. Released 30th Nov 2026, it's 262 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

The stories run the gamut, from warmly silly, to quite considered and serious. The author is a gifted wordsmith, and all of them are well written and constructed. Some are retellings of classic fairy tales (titular story, a retelling of HCA's The Little Mermaid), some are classic-adjacent, and a few are entirely whole-cloth fantasy/science fiction stories. 

All are readable and engaging. 

Four and a half stars. Wonderful work. This is the second collection of short works by the author.  It would be a great choice for public or home library acquisition.

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

Revenge, Served Royal - Lady Petra #3

 

Revenge, Served Royal is the third Lady Petra historical mystery by Celeste Connally. Released 11th Nov 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2026. 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 engagingly constructed mystery with an intelligent female protagonist set in the Regency era. The author makes a solid attempt to maintain period accuracy without too much anachronism. This outing sees Lady Petra and the ton's illuminaries at Windsor Castle for new Queen Charlotte's inaugural pâtisserie competition. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 23 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Eilidh Beaton.  She has a clear, light, upbeat voice - not RP English, and quite modern sounding, but not distractingly so. She does a good job delineating the characters and it's not difficult to keep them straight during the read. 

Part of a continuing series, the 4th book is due to be released by Minotaur in 4th quarter 2026. 

Four stars. This would be a good choice for public library acquisition, gifting, home library, as well as a solid recommendation for a mystery bookclub discussion or binge/buddy read. 

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

Bidding for Murder - Stamford Mysteries #3

 

Bidding for Murder is the third Stamford mystery by E.C. Bateman. Released 6th Nov 2025 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's 384 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. 

Cozy mysteries set in and around the antiques trades are wildly popular, and this is a good one. MC Felicia is in the trade, and once again is drawn into investigating a sudden death which is soon followed by bodies left, right, and centre. The first books in the series were lightly humorous, but this installment has a more serious vibe (could be the body count).

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. This is the third book; if read as a standalone, expect minor spoilers for the earlier books in the series.

Three and a half stars. It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, home use, or possibly a binge/buddy read.

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

An Amateur Witch's Guide to Murder

 

An Amateur Witch's Guide to Murder is a standalone urban fantasy horror novel by K. Valentin. Released 14th Oct 2025 by Alcove Press, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a darkly funny black paranormal comedy with queer friendly representation, lots of chaos, demon possession, murder, and mayhem. Content warning for suicide, (human) cannibalism, family abandonment, graphic on page violence, descriptions of blood, gore, dismemberment, and lots of descriptive body horror, and rough language. 

Four stars, with the above codicils. The characters are appealingly incompetent weirdos, and the story arc is messy and intricately knotted. There's some light foreshadowing for future installments/adventures for the trio in future. It would make a good choice for a halloween themed buddy read, or home or library selection.

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

A Secret at Windmill Cottage - Dune Island #8

 

A Secret at Windmill Cottage is the 8th standalone Dune Island mystery romance by Kristin Harper. Released 16th Sept 2025 by Bookouture, it's 270 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.

There's an element of family saga to the stories in this series. Each is self contained and a complete story, set in and around the same area of New England. There are gentle themes of second chances, romance, healing, and a redemption arc for the main character. 

The story arc is well written and engaging, with well delineated believable characters and settings. The language is clean, without on-page violence and a without too much dramatic tension. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for a binge/buddy read, or possibly a solid book club selection. 

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

Sandbakkels and Sin - Cash Kristiansen Mysteries #1

 

Sandbakkels and Sin is the first Cash Kristiansen cozy mystery by George Robstad. Released 3rd Jan 2025, it's 254 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series is also currently available on KU.

This is a queer friendly, engaging, well written small town mystery with an appealingly intelligent protagonist. He's a consultant at an investment firm in the city, and his methodical, structured way of thinking serves him well when he's drawn into a mystery back in the rural area he's been away from for years. A frantic call from his aunt brings him back to Salt Cliff Isle, but the peaceful tranquil town he remembered from his youth has changed.

The series titles have a Scandinavian vibe from the baked goods at the Fjord & Fika cafe. The characterizations are well rendered and three dimensional. The main protagonist is gay, and the author does a good job of *not* making it his whole personality. It's not preachy or strident, and that's refreshing. There are themes of found family, and a good character arc. The pacing is sedate, and the vibe is definitely cozy (too cozy?). The denouement and resolution are a bit over the top, but not too much. 

Four stars. There's a second book out now, with a third in the works. It would be a good choice for a nice mini-binge or buddy read. 

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

The Last Death of the Year - New Hercule Poirot Mysteries #6

 

The Last Death of the Year is the 6th modern classic mystery featuring Poirot, by Sophie Hannah. Released 28th Oct 2025 by HarperCollins on their William Morrow imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

The plotting is very slow, built up over time and quite disjointed in places. There are no really sympathetic characters; they're all superficial oddballs, and the denouement is less of a crescendo than a scattershot collection of "facts" which have very little resemblance to the standards Christie employed. There were a number of outlandish plot twists which interfered with the suspension of disbelief (no spoilers - never fear), but in the end plot threads resolve, clues are sort of sorted, mysteries are mostly tied together, albeit haphazardly, and Poirot sallies forth in search of the next mystery. 

Readers in search of classic mystery fare will find this one fits relatively well as an homage to the genre. Despite featuring Poirot, this one is more enjoyable without trying to read it as part of the canon.

Three stars. Not Christie, but quite readable.

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

 

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas

 

12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas is a tongue-in-cheek holiday themed murder spree in the classic vein by Natasha Bache. Released 9th Oct 2025 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's 354 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. 

With nods and winks to closed suspect pool/isolated setting mysteries of yesteryear (And Then There Were None, A Pocket Full of Rye), as well as blackly sarcastic modern offerings (Knives Out, An Unwanted Guest), the author does manage to ramp up the tension whilst bumping off the most dysfunctional family in modern history one by one.

Somewhat predictable, but satisfying denouement and resolution (there weren't many people still alive at the climax). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 45 minutes and is capably read by an ensemble cast. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for a buddy/mystery book club read, or for public or home library acquisition. 

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

 

Undead and Unwed

 

Undead and Unwed is a cute romcom paranormal story by Sam Tschida. Released 28th Oct 2025 by Quirk Books, 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. 

This is a Hallmark movie set in Vermont, with a twist... the heroine is a 300 year old vampire, she's accidentally turned her influencer neighbor into one too, and she's inherited a falling-down-(literally)-bed&breakfast from her recently departed aunt. It's full of tongue in cheek sarcastic humor and little cultural references, lots of romance, and tied up with a HFN ending (potentially hinting at future installments). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 8 minutes and is capably read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw.  She has a bouncy, young voice which complements the vibe of the book. She does a good job delineating the various characters and keeps them distinct, as well as excellent comedic timing. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or possibly a nice buddy read. 

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

Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers - Death by Chocolate Mystery #9

 

Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers is the 9th "Jake" Tiptree baking-shop amateur cozy by Sarah Graves. Released 28th April 2026 by Kensington on their Cozy imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in 2nd quarter 2027. 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 standalone mystery in a long running series featuring many returning characters in an ensemble cast. There's a very light paranormal element, but it doesn't play a significant role in this particular story. It's set in coastal Maine, and the main protagonist, Jake, runs a bakery and has quite a storied past, although these days she mostly confines herself to baking in between solving murders. 

It's very light, well written, with (mostly) believable dialogue, a "caper" feel, and an over-the-top, satisfying denouement and resolution. Although it works well as a standalone, the characters do have a significant shared past, and some minor spoilers should be expected if read out of order. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for fans of light small town American cozies, or a binge/buddy read. 

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

Murder on the Cornish Train - Cornish Murder Mysteries #1

 

Murder on the Cornish Train is the first book in a mystery series by J.M. Hall. Released 28th May 2026 by Hachette on their Hodder & Stoughton imprint, it's 384 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.

Despite the cover, and blurb, and vibe, and marketing, this isn't a cozy, it isn't a historical mystery, and there's no murder/death until past the halfway point. There is a fair bit of philosophizing and rumination about the nature of grief, and life, and general *stuff*. The plot is character driven, and the cast is quite diverse, and generally interesting, but cozy mystery fans looking for a closed suspect group and Poirot gathering everyone in the dining car for the denouement are going to be sorely disappointed. 

Three and a half stars. There is currently no available publishing info for book 2. It would maybe be a good choice for a reading challenge/buddy read. 

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