The Winds Further West - Alexander McCall Smith

The Winds Further West - Alexander McCall Smith

Pub. Date: July 29, 2025

She read

After facing professional and personal setbacks, Dr. Neil Anderson resigns from the University of Edinburgh and seeks solace on the cloistered Isle of Mull. There, he uncovers some treachery that caused his troubles and is urged by a close friend to seek revenge. Will he succumb to the desire for vengeance, or will the peace and tranquility of life on Mull, as well as all the hateful divisions in the world, influence his decision?

This standalone novel by the renowned Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith, best known for his #1 Ladies’ Detective Series, captivated me. It’s a heartwarming tale of healing amidst our divided times. McCall Smith’s signature perceptive and often poignant observations of life infuse the narrative with depth and wisdom. Even amidst the turmoil of a character or the world around them, reading McCall Smith’s work is always soothing. His characters are well crafted and impart profound philosophical and practical insights.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @aaknopf for the DRC.

*****

 

Bald is Beautiful - Carola Schmidt, Dian Ovieta (illustrator)

 Bald is Beautiful - Carola Schmidt, Dian Ovieta (illustrator)

She read

This is a “letter for a fabulous girl.” Beautifully and very colorfully illustrated, it is written for a young girl who has lost her hair to let her know that she is beautiful and she is loved. Bald is powerful. Accept yourself and be yourself!

This is a short inspirational read for anyone at any age going through the effects of losing their hair. One of the actions suggested is a hat and scarf shower. What a great idea!!!! Although the author emphasizes that a person can wear those items or not because bald is beautiful, it provides a nice option for friends to show support as well as have some fun together.  I think this is a great idea no matter what the age of the person going through this challenge. 

I love the message in this read.

*****

The White Crow - Michael Robotham

 The White Crow - Michael Robotham

Pub. Date: July 1, 2025

She read

Philomena McCarthy is the daughter of a notorious gangster who is leader of a local crime family. She severed ties with the family by becoming a police constable in London. Her marriage to a fireman brought a fragile reconciliation with her family. Now, her two worlds collide when, on patrol in the middle of the night, she finds a young child wandering, covered in blood. It seems, as part of a robbery of the child’s parents’ jewelry store, her mother has been killed and her father is found with a bomb strapped to him. Some evidence suggests Phil's family may be involved in the case. The investigation puts not only her career but also her life in jeopardy. 

I was first introduced to Philomena in 2021 in what was touted as a standalone novel, When You Are Mine. In my review at that time, I said that I hoped this would become a series. Well, wishes sometimes come true, as this is the second book in what is now being called a series featuring this character.

Robotham’s writing style and character development are captivating. The book boasts a colorful cast of characters and a rapidly paced, suspenseful plot that kept me utterly engrossed. I particularly enjoy Phil. Her strength and persistence which sometimes lead her to make questionable decisions. Perhaps these flaws will be rectified as she matures in her role. Despite the underlying darkness, humor is a constant presence throughout the book, making it a very entertaining read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @ScribnerBooks for the DRC.

****

The Unraveling of Julia - Lisa Scottoline

 The Unraveling of Julia - Lisa Scottoline

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

She read

Julia’s adoptive parents have died, and her husband is murdered protecting her from a mugger. As her life begins to unravel, foreshadowed, she believes, by her horoscope, she receives word that she has inherited a sum of money as well as a villa and vineyard in Tuscany. Julia has no idea who the woman is who left her this estate, but wonders if she could be someone related to her biological parent(s). She travels to Tuscany to investigate, where she learns her benefactor was quite eccentric, perhaps even paranoid. Julia soon finds her emotional state spiraling and her life in danger. 

Let me start out by saying that I don’t typically relish what I call fairy tale stories (suddenly inheriting wealth, etc.) or paranormal elements, but I have always enjoyed Scottoline’s writing so I wanted to read this, her latest work. Despite my reservations, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An engrossing read, I didn’t want to put it down. It is suspenseful and atmospheric, with twists, some spookiness, and a romance.  Astrology and supernatural events are integral parts of the story, as is the search of an adopted child for her roots, along with some information about real characters in Italian history. The characterizations are strong and diverse. Even if you are not a devotee of the paranormal, suspend your belief for a while and enjoy this well-written story.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @GrandcentralPub for the DRC.

****

You Belong Here - Megan Miranda

 You Belong Here - Megan Miranda

Pub. Date: July 29, 2025

She read

Beckett Bowery was asked to leave Wyatt College after a tragedy caused by her roommate called into question her complicity. It was difficult to leave; her parents taught at the school, and she grew up in a house adjacent to it. Now, 20 years later, daughter Delilah, against Beckett’s better judgement, attends Wyatt on full scholarship; her grandparents still reside in the same house in this small college town. When Delilah appears to go missing, the past returns to haunt Beckett. Danger ensues, and secrets are revealed.

Told in two timelines, the events of the past slowly unfold while the race is on to find Delilah. While this may not be my favorite Megan Miranda story, I couldn’t put it down, reading late into the night to finish it in one day. There are twists in this suspenseful, eerily atmospheric read which begs the question: how far will you go for your child?  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @ _SimonElement @MarySueRucciBooks for the DRC.

****

The Lake Escape - Jamie Day

 The Lake Escape - Jamie Day

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

She read

Julia, David, and Erika have been coming to Lake Timmeny, Vermont since childhood, their families owning adjacent houses. Their friendship has been long and enduring. This year may be different. David has built a huge glass house obscuring the view of the two others and has brought his young, sexy girlfriend along with his twin children. He has hired Izzy as a nanny, but she seems to be there under the shadow of a secret. The three friends have secrets of their own. The lake is notorious because two girls disappeared whereabouts unknown thirty years apart, leading to the legend “the lake takes them”. It is now thirty years since the last disappearance and another person goes missing. 

Told from two points of view with a bit of a convoluted plot this is a twisty, sinister trip through toxic relationships. There are twists galore, some unexpected, others easy to guess. With a plot that begs the question how well do we know our friends, it is a fast, engrossing read. As a comic break from the suspense, I enjoyed Julia’s musings of how she would post current situations to Instagram. Her comments are quite entertaining.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

The Blue Horse - Bruce Borgos

 The Blue Horse - Bruce Borgos

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025

She read

When two people are killed during a wild horse round up in Nevada, state and federal officers, including his girlfriend Detective Charlie Blue Horse, join county sheriff Porter Beck in investigating. In addition to trying to deal with the outside personnel while solving the murders, Covid is beginning to ravage the area and Porter’s sister goes missing. And just what does a lithium mining operation have to do the situation? There is danger everywhere.

This is the third in the Porter Beck mystery stories. Let me start out by saying I don’t typically chose books with horses in them, but I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and wanted to stay with it. I was rewarded with a suspenseful, action packed, thrilling ride through the west filled with a variety of colorful characters. I enjoyed that a variety of timely topics were touched upon by the plot, including environmental concerns around mining and rare earth minerals, the ethics of using modern methods to round up wild mustangs,  PTSD among our nation’s veterans and I love Porter’s “deputy" dog, Columbo.

Although part of a series, this would work as a standalone. Trigger warnings; there is violence against both humans and animals. There is also some questionable plausibility, but that didn’t take away from my being fully engrossed in the story.  

Thanks to  @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress @minotaur_Books for the DRC.

****

A Lethal Cocktail - Ciar Byrne

 A Lethal Cocktail - Ciar Byrne

Pub. Date: May 22, 2025

she read

It is 1929 and Virginia Woolf (yes, THAT Virigina Woolf) and her sister, Vanessa are invited to the sophisticated Tudor Close Hotel in Rottindean by their friend, Lady Ottoline, to meet a young man who she thinks is just perfect to work with Virginia in publishing her books. The young man is also part of an unorthodox acting troupe. The hotel happens to be booked for the wedding of Mimi Mason, a fashion designer, to Lord Abernathy. The ladies are invited to the wedding festivities. When Mimi is poisoned at a pre wedding breakfast, Virginia and Nessa join the local police inspector to investigate.This would not have been the first marriage for both Mimi and the lord and with ex wives and husbands in attendance, there is no shortage of suspects.  

Although a murder mystery, this is a delightful read mostly because of the very colorful characters. As a mystery, it is fast paced with a decent plot and red herrings galore. I also enjoyed the fashion commentary, especially Otto’s eccentric, richly hued outfits. Although I do not typically seek out fictionalized accounts of historical characters, it is fun imagining Virginia Woof and Vanessa Bell as Agatha Christie type amateur sleuths. 

This is book 2 of the Woolf and Bell Mysteries. Although I did not read the first one, this worked well as a standalone. I look forward to reading the next installment.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @HeadlineAccent for the DRC.

****

The View From Lake Como - Adriana Trigiani

 The View From Lake Como - Adriana Trigiani

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025

She read

Giuseppina (Jess) Capodimonte Baratta is a member of a close knit Italian American family in Lake Como, NJ. Yet, as a divorcee now living in her parents’ basement and seemingly “chief cook and bottle washer”for them, she is unsettled with her life and feels stifled creatively. Working with her Uncle Louie in a family marble business, his death brings some surprising and unsavory news about the business. That, along with a promised trip to Italy from him and a long held secret revealed by her parents causing a rift, provides an opportunity to reset her life. Will traveling to Italy resolve her inner conflicts and mend her and her relationships?

This is the second novel by Trigiani I have read and enjoyed. She has a great way with words, and I like her witty, sometimes biting humor in the midst of the drama of life. She has a good feel for family relationships with all the joy and angst they bring. Her vivid descriptions of Italian life (both in the US and in Italy), transport the reader to the actual locations where one can experience the tastes, smells, climate, the beauty. I liked the subplot addressing the plight of women of a certain age who were too early for the advances brought by the feminist movement. For some, there may be too much time spent on descriptions of all facets of the marble business; to others it will be instructive. 

By the way, as a former Jersey resident, I can attest that there really is a Lake Como borough, albeit small, in NJ. It formerly was known as South Belmar and there really is a lake there.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @PenquinBooks @DuttonBooks for the DRC.

*****

Buzz Books 2025:Fall/Winter

Buzz Books 2025: Fall/Winter- Publishers Lunch

This is a sampler of books being published fall/winter 2025, with excerpts from some of them.  It provides a great opportunity to construct a TBR list for the coming months.

 I always look forward to the Buzz Books editions. I just finished this one and now have a list of books from favorite authors as well as some intriguing new titles for the fall/winter. Looks like I am “booked” through the winter.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers Lunch BUZZ Books for the DRC.

*****

The Lake's Water is Never Sweet -Giulia Caminito

 The Lake's Water is Never Sweet - Giulia Caminito

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025

She read

Gaia lives a poverty stricken life with her domineering mother, disabled father, older brother who is embracing Anarchism, and younger twin brothers in Rome. An opportunity arises for the family to move to a lake community where Gaia completes her schooling. The family struggles financially and Gaia never has the material goods or opportunities of many of her peers. Her vulnerable relationships with female and male friends are fraught with self doubt, resentments, changing loyalties. 

Beautifully written, the prose is almost lyrical at times. Many will find this reminiscent of a Ferrante novel; I thought it darker. Caminito paints a bleak picture of those at the bottom of the social/financial ladder. Coming of age in the 1990s, Gaia is filled with insecurity. sadness, fear, anger, rage at times. I really didn’t get the sense that she felt any hope for her future. 

People will have differing reactions to the final chapter. I liked it. I enjoyed the evocative reminiscence.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @spiegelandgrau for the DRC.

****

Bring the House Down - Charlotte Runcie

 Bring the House Down - Charlotte Runcie

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025

She Read

During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Hayley meets Alex in a bar and sleeps with him. Unbeknownst to her, he is a theater critic who has just given her performance a scathing one star read. When she finds out the next morning, she responds by making her one person show all about Alex and the atrocities he has inflicted upon women over the years. The  show becomes hugely popular with negative repercussions for him. The only person who seems to still support Alex is Sophie, a fellow critic who is struggling with her own professional/domestic situation.

This debut fiction by a Scottish journalist familiar with the world of art and critics is a compelling narrative that gives the reader much about which to contemplate. There is exploration into ageless topics as well as some  that are very contemporary. It touches on mysogyny, art and criticism, the power of men and critics, motherhood, grief, Me Too, cancel culture. Despite such deep and sometimes dark subjects, it is entertaining, even amusing at times. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DoubleDayBooks for the DRC.

****

Rage - Linda Castillo

 Rage - Linda Castillo

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025

She read

Kate Burkholder, formerly Amish, is the police chief in the small Ohio town of Painters Mill. When children playing discover a dismembered body of a local Amish man, Kate’s investigation leads to uncovering shocking and sordid goings on in the community, as well as danger for her. She is assisted by her small but reliable staff and husband John Tomasetti, employed by the Ohio Bureau of Investigation. 

Well written, with good character development and a solid plot, this is an engrossing, suspenseful read. I read it in a day as I couldn’t put it down. Set during the summer, the atmospheric descriptions were so vivid I could feel the uncomfortable heat and humidity. Be forewarned, though, no cozy mystery this; the crimes are pretty brutal.

I like Kate.  She is a strong, well adjusted, endearing protagonist who does seem to get herself into dangerous predicaments.  I know she is short staffed, but when will she learn to always have back up with her during an investigation? 

I like the author’s use of and translation of deitsch. Where else can you find a police procedural, thriller, and insight into the Amish culture? This is the 17th in the series. Although I have read some of the prior installments, this can be read as a standalone.  I look forward to the next Kate Burkholder story.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinspress for the DRC

*****

Dogged Pursuit - David Rosenfelt

 Dogged Pursuit - David Rosenfelt

Pub. Date: July 1, 2025

She read

This, the 31st installment in the Andy Carpenter series is actually a prequel.  For those familiar with the series, Andy has just switched from being a prosecutor to starting out as a defense attorney. It explains how he met Laurie and how he came to adopt Tara, his beloved golden retriever.

When Andy goes to a shelter to adopt a dog, he chooses Tara. But Tara is pen mate with a cute beagle who is there because his owner has been arrested for the car bombing murder of three people. The only way Andy can keep the pen buddies together is to get permission from the alleged killer, Frank Tierney. Somehow, as he gets that permission, he gets roped into defending Frank, his first murder case representing the defense. He takes on Laurie, a former police officer as investigator. As he delves into the life of the main target of the bombing, nefarious dealings are discovered and Andy’s life is in danger. 

With a solid plot, colorful characterizations, twists, turns, courtroom drama and great humor, this is a very enjoyable, fast paced read. What a treat to learn more of the origin story of Andy Carpenter, his associates, and, of course, his dog, Tara. This book  is a mystery, legal thriller, heart warming and comedic.  What more could you ask?

I came late to this series, having been introduced to it only a few years ago by a fellow bookstagrammer.  It is now one of my  “must reads” whenever a new one is available.  Every read is a delight. If unfamiliar with Andy Carpenter, this is a great time to start the series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the  DRC.

*****

Don't Let Him In - Lisa Jewell

 Don't Let Him In - Lisa Jewell

Pub. Date: June 24, 2025

She read

A marriage is over; the husband done with his wife. A florist with two sons is living with her husband and their daughter; no matter how hard she works, they never seem to have enough money and why does the husband keep disappearing?  The wife of a murdered restauranteur receives a gift and note from an acquaintance of her late husband. Suddenly he is in her life, pursuing a relationship. What do these women and men have in common? Are they on a collision course?

Told in shifting timelines and sometimes alternating POVs, this is another psychological thriller from popular author Lisa Jewell. Like peeling the layers of a rotten onion, the true character and exploits of the main male character are slowly revealed. This is like watching an accident you know is going to happen….you just can’t look away from the story. As fantastical as elements of the plot may seem, manipulative, misogynist, narcissistic monsters like this do exist….just watch a few Dateline or other true crime episodes. One can only hope that women learn something from this tale…put away your naivety and develop some protective radar.   

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Atriabooks for the DRC. 

****