Something to Look Forward To - Fannie Flagg

Something to Look Forward to - Fannie Flagg

Pub. Date: Aug. 19, 2025

she read

These thirty short stories, almost vignettes, offer insightful observations of American life as it unfolds. Many of the stories are interconnected, and all are written with Fannie Flagg’s signature blend of insight, pathos, and humor. I particularly enjoyed the clever twists in many of the stories and the colorful and endearing characters.

This book is a delightful read that serves as a refreshing palate cleanser. It evokes a sense of humanity that I believe we all desperately need right now. While it’s possible that you won’t love every story, I highly recommend this fast-paced read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

*****

 

Dark in Death - J.D. Robb

 Dark in Death - J.D. Robb

She read

This is #46 of 70+ in the Lieutenant Eve Dallas (AKA In Death) series. A woman is stabbed with an ice pick while watching Psycho in a theater. As Eve begins her investigation, a mystery writer comes forward and says the murder appears to be a recreation of one she wrote in one of her books. Eve delves into the mystery series and discovers an earlier homicide also seems to have been influenced by this author’s writing. Eve, her wealthy husband, and her colleagues race against time to decipher the clues and save the next victim based on the books. 

 I have wanted to try a book by prolific writer J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) for a while. My bad is that I didn’t realize this is set in the future in the 21st century. Despite not being a fan of futuristic themes, I enjoyed this book and coming to it in the middle of the series was not a problem. The clever plot held my attention and I liked the bits of humor throughout. While I could have done without the romantic scenes between Eve and her husband, overall this was an entertaining, suspenseful read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for a reader’s copy.

****

The Story That Wouldn't Die - Christina Estes

 The Story That Wouldn't Die - Christina Estes

Pub. Date: Aug. 19, 2025

She Read

Jolene Garcia, a TV reporter determined to make a name for herself in the Phoenix market, often finds herself one step behind JJ, the golden reporter from a rival station.  When a local business owner dies in an accident, she is convinced this was no accident. After all, he was contesting the legitimacy of the bid process used by the city. Even though her boss and the local police tell her to drop it, she doggedly pursues her intuition, hoping to expose corruption at City Hall and maybe even win a second Emmy along the way.

This is the second in a series, but it does work as a standalone. In this story, Jolene’s chaos and blind determination despite the possible consequences grated on me a bit. But she is kind-hearted, and I give her credit for having made something of herself despite her horrendous early history. 

There are colorful characters here, and the mystery will keep readers guessing. Author Estes is an award-winning reporter and demonstrates that she knows her way around this sometimes toxic field. It is interesting to learn the pressure that TV and other journalists are under in this social media-crazy world.

Those who enjoy a lighter mystery written with pathos and humor will enjoy this read. 

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

****

One Dark Night - Hannah Richell

 One Dark Night - Hannah Richell

Pub. Date: Aug. 19, 2025

She read

In the small village of Thorncombe, a student at a prestigious local school is discovered dead after a teenage Halloween party in the woods. Local legend claims that the ghost of a young woman murdered on her wedding day haunts the area. Amidst this mystery, Rachel, the school counselor, grapples with her own personal struggles. Her daughter, Ellie, a student at the school, is harboring secrets, and her ex-husband, Ben, is the local detective investigating the case. There is no shortage of suspects. 

This five-star thriller is a compelling read. The masterful plot keeps readers guessing until the very end. It’s suspenseful and atmospheric, with elements of spookiness, dark academia, and Gothic flavor. The characters are believable and well-developed.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Atriabooks for the DRC.

*****

The Couple Before Us - Daniel Hurst

 The Couple Before Us - Daniel Hurst

Pub.  Date: July 17, 2025

She read

Dionne and Christian, expecting their second child in a few months, need to move into a larger home. She acquiesces to her husband’s desire to move into a brand-new estate home, despite qualms about it. However, her life takes a terrifying turn when she finds a chilling note that says “something terrible happened to the couple who lived here before”. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes she can trust no one.

Hurst fans will welcome this new addition to his body of work. I have read some of his books, which I characterize as “popcorn thrillers”, enjoyed the Doctor’s Wife series, and chose this one because the premise intrigued me. 

At first, I wondered if this book was really for me. I initially found the main character quite annoying. However, I compulsively forged ahead and was glad I did.  At about the halfway point, the suspense and action accelerated, and I didn’t put the book down until all the twists, turns, and secrets were revealed. 

 If lighter, fast-paced, fun, escapist suspense reads are for you, check this one out. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BookOuture for the DRC.

****

We Are All Guilty Here - Karin Slaughter

 We Are All Guilty Here - Karin Slaughter

Pub. Date: Aug. 12, 2025

She read

This is the first installment of a new mystery/thriller series by popular author Karin Slaughter. In a small town in Georgia, Emmy Lou née Clinton has followed in her sheriff father’s footsteps and is a deputy under him. The Clintons are a large clan well known in the area.

During the Fourth of July fireworks, two teenage girls mysteriously disappear and are later found brutally murdered. A man is arrested, convicted, and imprisoned. Twelve years later, after an investigative podcast casts doubt on his guilt, he is released. However, when another teenager goes missing, the race is on to find her and uncover the true culprit. 

This book weaves together a captivating blend of mystery, thriller, family drama, police procedural, and a small-town saga. Although totally engrossing, it is not a fast read. The plot is well-crafted, featuring suspenseful twists, red herrings, and intriguing characters. Slaughter captures well the claustrophobic feel of a small community where everyone knows everyone else’s business. 

This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a new, thrilling mystery series with relatable characters. 

Trigger warnings include topics of violence, child abuse, and pedophilia.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @WilliamMorrowBooks for the DRC.

*****

Gone in the Night - Joanna Schaffhausen

 Gone in the Night - Joanna Schaffhausen

Pub. Date: August 12, 2025

She read

Annalisa’s life is a bit complicated. Her persistence in an earlier case resulted in the arrest of her brother who is still incarcerated. She has left the police department where her ex and now current husband, Nick, was her partner to open her own PI business and she is pregnant with their first child.

Her brother reaches out to her to take the case of a fellow inmate, Joe,  convicted of a murder that he insists he didn’t commit and supports his assertion with a letter he received claiming the eyewitness to the killing lied. To further muddle the situation, her husband was the arresting officer.

As she unravels the tangled web of Joe’s history, similar murders are discovered and a missing person is somehow involved. Annalisa’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth puts her relationship with Nick at risk.

Joanna Schaffhausen has become one of my favorite writers. Well written, this was a great read. There is an intriguing plot and strong character development. The suspenseful and engrossing narrative keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Annalisa is a strong female protagonist, laser-focused on finding the truth, even if it strains her relationship with family members.

The fifth in this series, this would work well as a standalone. Schaffhausen provides valuable background information that enhances the reader’s understanding of the story. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the first four installments, as well as the author’s Ellery Hathaway series. 

Trigger Warnings: Domestic and child abuse (non graphic). 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

*****

Kiss Her Goodbye - Lisa Gardner

 Kiss Her  Goodbye - Lisa Gardner

Pub. Date: Aug. 12, 2025

She read

The fourth installment in the Frankie Elkin series takes her on a journey to Tucson, where she embarks on a quest to find Sabera, an Afghan refugee who vanished three weeks prior. Sabera’s closest friend, who believes Sabera would never abandon her young child, even in the face of an overbearing husband, summons Frankie to Tucson. When a video emerges showing Sabera fleeing the scene of a double murder, Frankie starts to unravel a complex and perplexing mystery.

This installment continues the series’ tradition of delivering fast-paced, engrossing, and suspenseful reads. It delves into two distinct themes: the fundamental mystery and the plight of refugees. I really appreciated Lisa Gardner’s research on the latter aspect and found it eye-opening and heartbreaking. 

Frankie Elkin is a unique character. A recovering alcoholic who has forsaken a settled life to track down cold-case missing people, all of her possessions fit into one suitcase as she travels the country, seeking those whom others have forgotten. To support herself, Frankie takes on various jobs in the different locales she visits, and her job in this particular case is quite amusing.

Although references to Frankie’s past are made, which were previously explored in earlier installments, this book can be enjoyed as a standalone read.

While some aspects of the book may stretch the boundaries of believability, it remains an entertaining and captivating story. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the DRC.

****

The Witch's Orchard - Archer Sullivan

 The Witch's Orchard - Archer Sullivan

Pub. Date: Aug. 12, 2025

She read

The Witch’s Orchard - Archer Sullivan

Pub. Date: Aug. 12, 2025

Ten years ago, three young girls vanished in a secluded Appalachian holler (valley). In their place, applehead dolls were left behind. One child was eventually returned, but the fate of the others remains an enigma. When the brother of one of the missing girls approaches Annie Gore, a former US Air Force investigator turned independent private eye, she can’t resist the opportunity, especially considering her financial situation. Annie’s upbringing in Appalachia proves invaluable in understanding the townspeople and the pervasive influence of the local legend, “The Witch of Quartz Creek.” 

This is a great debut novel. I couldn’t resist reading it in one day; it was  captivating and well-written. The atmosphere is immersive, and there are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. Annie stands out as a unique female PI character with her mountain and military background. I like that she maintains her composure even when dealing with insults or rebuffs when approaching individuals of interest. While some elements may seem a bit implausible, the overall experience is engaging and entertaining. As a debut novel, The Witch’s Orchard deserves five stars.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

*****

Some Recollections of St. Ives - David Mamet

 Some Recollections of St. Ives - David Mamet

Pub. Date: Aug. 5, 2025

She read

Presented as the memoir of Charles Hollis’ forty year career at the fictional St. Ives School, this is a sometimes esoteric commentary on the nature of education, youth, the military, politics, relationships, indeed, life itself. Hollis attended the school in the late 1800s, and later returned as an instructor and eventually headmaster from 1939 through the mid-60s.

 This book will not be for everyone. Do not expect a smooth narrative. At times, the thoughts are meandering; at other times,  succinct and to the point. Embrace this book for its rich use of language, historical perspective, keen observations, and the humor that lurks among the recollections. 

****

Jenny Cooper Has a Secret - Joy Fielding

 Jenny Cooper Has a Secret - Joy Fielding

Pub. Date: Aug. 5, 2025

She read

placed in a memory care facility, Legacy Place. While visiting Carol, Linda encounters a quirky character, Jenny Cooper, who claims that she “kills people.”  When two residents of Legacy Place die, Linda begins to suspect that perhaps there is some truth to Jenny’s claim. As she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Jenny, she finds she enjoys her company and it also provides a respite from her situation at home where her married daughter and ne’er-do-well husband have moved in with her.   

I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. While it certainly falls under the mystery/thriller genre, I found it to be also akin to literary fiction or women’s fiction. Fielding’s observations of aging, friendships, marital relationships, and the Florida lifestyle are both painfully and humorously accurate. She tackles difficult topics in such an entertaining manner that it diffuses their discomfort. And, oh that ending!

This story really resonated with me. I live in Florida, am aging, am dealing with friends facing the inevitability of assisted living, and I fall asleep every night watching Dateline, just like Linda. I am sorry to admit that this is the first Joy Fielding novel I have read and have to ask myself, what have I been missing out on?

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse @BallantineBooks for the DRC. 

*****

The Floating Amsterdam Flower Market - Annabel French

 The Floating Amsterdam Flower Market - Annabel French

Pub. Date: June 19, 2025

She read

Rose, weary of her monotonous and unfulfilling jobs in London, yearns for a change. Her mother, who passed away when she was young, nurtured in her a passion for horticulture. Enamored with the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market) in Amsterdam, she embarks on a journey to open her own stall at the market. Renting a somewhat dilapidated houseboat, she finds herself next to one occupied by an attractive, appealing, yet grumpy artist. Will Rose be able to thrive in the city of canals, and what will transpire with her sullen neighbor?

This heartwarming and uplifting tale, with its enchanting fairy tale quality, offers a refreshing respite in these challenging times. It’s impossible not to root for Rose, whose optimistic outlook and tendency to share her thoughts candidly are endearing. However, my favorite character is Amsterdam, beautifully portrayed by the author.

This marks the beginning of a new “floating shop” series, promising to be a charming and captivating journey.

Thanks to NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

****

The Locked Ward - Sarah Pekkanen

 The Locked Ward - Sarah Pekkanen

Pub. Date: July 5, 2025

She read

Amanda, adopted as an infant, grew up in a loving family. When her parents passed away, she inherited the bar they owned. Georgia, another adopted baby, was raised in a wealthy family where her parents’ biological child, Annabelle, was favored. Now, Georgia is in a locked psychiatric ward, accused of bludgeoning Annabelle to death.

Georgia reaches out to Amanda, leading Amanda to question everything from her true origin to her parents’ honesty and who she can trust as she investigates what really happened between Georgia and Annabelle.

Sarah Pekkanen weaves a captivating tale, skillfully alternating between two POVs. The plot is expertly crafted, with twists, turns, and deceptions as the suspense and danger build. The fast-paced narrative kept me totally engrossed, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading.

This is at least the seventh book I’ve read written or co-written by Pekkanen, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of them. She has become a “must-read” author for me. 

Thanks to #Netgalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

The Carpool Detectives - Chuck Hogan

 The Carpool Detectives - Chuck Hogan

Pub. Date: July 29, 2025

She read

During COVID, four mothers work together to try to solve a more than decade old cold case mystery involving the homicide of a business owner and his wife.

Although it reads like a novel, this is a true crime account, with names of all but the “carpool detectives” and some aspects of the story changed. It was interesting to learn the backgrounds of these amateur sleuths and how their histories led to their interest in this case. I get that trying to do this during COVID while caring for one’s family was very difficult, but I thought sometimes the narrative dwelled on that a bit too much.

The author takes time to fully develop the characters involved in the case, and as with any murder, there are red herrings and twists in the investigation. It truly is incredible how much information these four women uncovered, despite being hampered by COVID restrictions and initial reluctance on the part of law enforcement to share details. I thought the ending felt a bit rushed. I would have preferred more time spent on the unraveling of the solution and all the logistics to truly understand it. 

This read is a great treat and perhaps a motivator for armchair detectives! 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

****