Scream City - Hannah Morrissey

 Scream City - Hannah Morrissey

Pub. Date: Jan. 26, 2026

She read

Alice Foster’s grandfather was a serial killer arrested in the 1980s by Rex Hale’s father. Their lives have been on a downward spiral ever since. It is now 1997, and there is a copycat killer terrorizing the neighborhood that is scheduled for gentrification. Both of them are under suspicion for the murders. 

Hannah Morrissey writes gritty, atmospheric novels. It has been said she has created a new genre - Midwestern noir. This read lives up to the noir moniker. Well written, with dual timelines, it is a bleak tale with strong character development. It took a while for this story to resonate with me, but by the end, I enjoyed it. 

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

****

Split Second: Thirty Two Switcheroo - Janet Evanovich

 Split Second: Thirty Two Switcheroo - Janet Evanovich

Pub. Date: Nov. 10, 2026

She Read

 

As the title indicates, this is number 32 in the adventures of hapless recovery agent, Stephanie Plum of Trenton, NJ. In the last installment, she made the snap decision to get married.  Can that marriage possibly last?

Whatever you think can go wrong in Stephanie’s pursuits, does, and things you can’t even imagine go awry.  All of the familiar characters are here; Lula, Connie, hunky Ranger, Morelli, Rex the hamster and my favorite, Grandma Mazur, along with Evil Eye Grandma Bella.

As usual, Stephanie is on the trail of a few different bail jumpers, some very dangerous. Someone is also on her trail, sending her threatening messages, along with a menagerie of critters. She takes a short break from her recovery cases to help out Ranger protecting a young girl who has been threatened with kidnapping.

While the Stephanie Plum novels can be over-the-top, I genuinely enjoy them. The absurd situations and vibrant characters are all highly entertaining.  Perhaps it's the Jersey setting/jokes/lifestyle that resonate with me as I am a Jersey girl at heart.  

This series is just plain fun and provides quick and amusing reads.  I often find myself more interested in the characters than the plot. However, this particular plot involves a bit more adventure than the usual antics. Of course, cars are also destroyed…I think I lost count of how many.

Although I have read all but one of the books in the series, this can be read as a standalone. However, it would be so much more fun to go back and read some of the earlier installments to gain a deeper appreciation of these classic characters.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AtriaBooks for the DRC.

****

Rapid and Fatal - Patricia Cornwell

 Rapid and Fatal - Patricia Cornwell

Pub. Date: Jan. 19, 2026

She read

A billionaire couple is found dead in their home, allegedly from yellow jacket stings to which they were highly allergic. Forensic Examiner Kay Scarpetta suspects all is not what it seems and when she links their deaths to another one in her morgue, she discovers they are the victims of an international serial killer who leaves almost no trace. 

Although this is the 30th in the series featuring Dr.Kay Scarpetta and supporting characters, it would work as a standalone. It is fast paced, engrossing, and highly readable. I enjoy Scarpetta’s character, as well as the surrounding individuals in her life, except perhaps for her sister, who can be a bit overbearing. I always find the forensic information and latest technology presented in these narratives to be both interesting and well-explained.

Fans of the Scarpetta series will welcome this new addition. Others new to it are in for an intriguing story. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @ScribnerBooks for the DRC.

****

Bad Honeymoon - Jessie Garcia

 Bad Honeymoon - Jessie Garcia

Pub. Date: Jan. 19, 2027

She read

Becca, a TV reporter in Minnesota, flies to Florida, enticed by a story that is sure to bring high ratings—a honeymoon gone wrong as recounted by the newlywed, Eve. After meeting with Eve initially, the woman ghosts Becca, and the reporter returns home disgraced. 

When a body is found on the beach Becca just visited, and all the evidence points to her, she is arrested. With her personal and professional reputation on the line and her own marriage in trouble, she and those close to her struggle to find out the truth.

While I’m not typically a fan of a wrongly accused plotline, I couldn’t resist this story after reading two other books by this author that I enjoyed. Admittedly, the story did make me cringe a bit, not due to the writing itself, but rather because of my own biases.

This is an entertaining, engrossing read. There are twists, turns, and a significant clue along the way. Told from multiple POVs, I enjoyed seeing the story unfold from the different characters’ perspectives. 

Bad Honeymoon would make a fun, easy read for vacation, a day at the beach, or just a lazy day at home.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

The Parkwood Murders - Chris Chibnall

 The Parkwood Murders - Chris Chibnall

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2026

She read

A dead body is found at Parkwood Holiday Village, a self-contained resort in the woods. It is up to Detective Nicola Bridge and her team to investigate. Money for resources is tight, police staffing is slim, time is a pressure as the guests want to leave, and there is no shortage of suspects. The case becomes more complicated when it is discovered that the body of a young woman disappeared from the resort five years ago. 

With an intriguing plot, this is an engrossing, fast-paced, entertaining read. A solid character-based police procedural, there are twists, turns, and red herrings.  Secrets and lies among the suspects will keep the reader guessing as to the culprit.

 I like Nicola, a capable individual dealing with personal issues while doing her best at her job. I also like Harry, her younger, less experienced partner who proves to be adept and the very quirky Mel.  

Written by the creator of Broadchurch, this is only the second in the series. It can be read as a standalone. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Vikingbooks for the DRC. 

****

The Inflammation Reset: The 28-Day Plan to Reduce Pain, Restore Energy, and Reverse Hidden Inflammation The Reset Series, Book 1 by Ron Yaffe

 The Inflammation Reset: The 28-Day Plan to Reduce Pain, Restore Energy, and Reverse Hidden Inflammation

The Reset Series, Book 1

by Ron Yaffe

Fatigued?  Achy? Brain fog? Weight you can’t lose? The culprit may be inflammation….inflammation that has been building up in the body for years. Inflammation caused by poor diet, stress, toxins, inadequate sleep. The author, a naturopath and functional medicine practitioner, explores the specifics that cause this inflammation and proposes a 28 day plant to reverse it. 

There are specific, realistic recommendations for reversing this trend.  I found the discussion of and plan for diet and exercise particularly instructive, as were the suggestions for specific blood tests to request from your physician.  Now, if only there were some magic to help improve poor sleep. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @victoryeditingngc for the DRC.

*****

Buddhist Practices for Calming Anxiety and Regulating Your Nervous System - Tim Desmond

 Buddhist Practices for Calming Anxiety and Regulating Your Nervous System

 Tim Desmond

Pub. Date: Jan. 12, 2027

This is a valuable introduction to some of the fundamental principles of Buddhism, particularly their relevance to managing anxiety. The concise chapters provide insights into understanding anxiety and practical techniques for dealing with it. 

What struck me while reading this was the overlap between some of the thoughts and practices proposed and the methods employed in cognitive psychology.  I intend to reread this book multiple times to fully grasp the processes and their practical applications. 

Thanks to @Netgally and @w.w.Norton for the DRC.

****

Arendal - Karl Ove Knausgård

 Arendal - Karl Ove Knausgård

Told over a 4-day weekend, the narrative begins on a frigid night in 1976. While on the way home to his wife and two children from a business trip, Syvert’s car breaks down in Arendal. Arendal is a place where he used to summer as a child, where he still has some acquaintances, and where his mother now lives. Forced to spend the night there, his time is filled with memories, thoughts, and fleeting encounters with people known and unknown to him. Overriding all is his mourning for the love of his life from whom he walked away. Is reclaiming that love possible? 

This is the fifth installment in the Morning Star series.  Although it has been recommended to read the entire series in order, I found this standalone novel to be a satisfying read on its own.

Introspective and somewhat morose, Syvert seems to be on a downward spiral of cigarettes, alcohol, memories, and an overwhelming sense of longing and trying to find his place in the world.  His thoughts may haunt the reader for a while after the story concludes. The narrative is a bit mystical with episodes of premonitions and déjà vu. The author skillfully creates an atmospheric and evocative environment, painting a vivid picture of biting cold and relentless weather conditions. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PenguinPress for the DRC.

****

Her Lips are Sealed - Helen Phifer

 Her Lips are Sealed - Helen Phifer

Pub. Date: Sept. 28, 2026

A young woman living by herself is found murdered, her lips adorned with bright red lipstick. The killer leaves behind a chilling note warning of more victims to come, sealed with the imprint of the woman’s lips. When a second woman is found dead in a similar manner, with the same red lips and accompanying note, Detective Morgan Brookes and her colleagues are thrust into a race against time to uncover the culprit and prevent further deaths.

This is the nineteenth installment in the Morgan Brookes series, one of my must-read series. I’ve read most of them, and while each book contributes to the development of the recurring characters, this one could stand alone.

This is another of Helen Phifer’s engrossing, fast-paced, thrilling narratives. This was one time when I guessed the culprit right from the beginning, but that didn’t stop me from being glued to the story, unable to put it down. What truly resonates with me in this series is not only Madison’s capabilities and determination, but also her profound empathy. 

I enjoy the camaraderie and teasing relationships among her team. The tension of the case is balanced by moments of biting humor, adding depth to the narrative. Some new characters are introduced in this installment, and I hope to see them again in future episodes. 

This is a good series for fans of British police procedurals, mysteries, and thrillers, especially those that feature capable female detectives with amiable supporting characters.

****

This Door of the Seas - Val McDermid and Jo Sharp

 This Door of the Seas - Val McDermid and Jo Sharp

Pub. Date: Jan. 5, 2027

This is a fictional account of the Darién Scheme in 1698, which changed the course of Scottish history. Scotland was impoverished and famine-stricken. Word of a paradise at the junction between North and South America (present-day Panama) inspired the funding of five ships and 1,000 men to sail there to establish a trading colony. Unfortunately, the venture failed, with the majority of settlers dying and the dream abandoned.

Told in epistolary format, the story of the promise and the collapse unfolds through letters by Dr. James Wallace to his wife, Eliza, and to Geographer Royal Sir Robert Sibbald. Written by bestselling author Val McDermid and her partner, Geographer Royal Jo Sharp, this novella is well researched and a compelling read. 

The epistolary style was an excellent way to convey this account, which had a great impact on the history of Scotland, and of which I was unaware. The hope, the mishaps, the death and destruction, the relationships with England and Spain; it is all here, along with some interesting observations about slaves and indentured servants. This is a very worthwhile read. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic for the DRC.

****

Dina Gets Lucky - Uzma Jalaluddin

 Dina Gets Lucky - Uzma Jalaluddin

Pub Date: Oct. 27, 2026

Dina, Arshad, and Lucky are law students in Toronto. Lucky is in love with Dina, but too shy to speak up, so he asks Arshad to intercede. Arshad, having designs of his own on Dina, lies to Lucky, denying any interest on Dina’s part. Due to family circumstances, Lucky is forced to move to Chicago, where he must abandon law school and becomes a successful contractor.  Arshad marries Dina with designs on becoming a partner in her parents’ law firm.

Disgusted with Arshad after a few years of marriage, Dina divorces him but keeps it a secret, not wanting to disappoint her Islamic South Asian parents or interfere with her sister’s upcoming wedding. Much to her surprise, the wedding serves to reunite Dina with Lucky, and that attraction is still there. Will they have another chance at love?

This is a fun second-chance romance novel that features what has to be one of the most over-the-top wedding celebrations ever. It is a very entertaining read, with a look at the Desi culture in North America, showcasing delicious South Asian food and vibrant clothing.  There is a villain and a hero, chaos, family drama, some screwball comedy, and a somewhat satirical look at the world of influencers, of which Dina’s sister is one. While some readers may want to shake Dina into finally standing up for herself and coming clean with her family, I do understand her plight. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing for the DRC.

****

Cragside - LJ Ross

 Cragside - LJ Ross

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2026

She read

This is the sixth in the DCI Ryan series. It was originally released in the UK in 2017, where it was a bestseller. A new release is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2026.

DCI Ryan and his fiancée are invited to a Victorian murder mystery party at Cragside, where they are temporarily living on the grounds. All goes well until the lights go out and the owner’s valet is found dead. Thought at first to be an accident, secrets from the valet’s life are revealed, and soon there is another dead body.

With an interesting plot and well-developed characters, this is an atmospheric and compelling read. I enjoyed the camaraderie and relationships among the members of Ryan’s team. They are characters to whom readers can connect. 

The setting becomes a character almost of its own. For those not familiar with the north of England, Cragside is a real Victorian mansion with a significant history in Northumberland. Now managed by the National Trust, the house and extensive grounds are open to the public for visits. 

The ending foreshadows some bumps in the road ahead for Ryan, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for the DRC.

****

Murder in Bologna - TA Williams

 Murder in Bologna - TA Williams

Pub. Date: Nov. 5, 2026

This is the seventeenth in the cozy mystery series featuring Armstrong and Oscar. It can be read as a stand-alone.

Englishman Dan Armstrong, a retired DCI, now resides and works as a private investigator in Florence, Italy, and is married to Anna, a university professor. His faithful sidekick is Oscar, an instinctively smart canine companion.

A student at the Art Institute in Bologna is found dead. The police rule it a suicide, but his father enlists the help of Dan to determine if foul play could have been involved. Soon Dan and Oscar are caught up in the world of a mobster, drug dealing, and fraud. 

This captivating and entertaining read boasts a well-crafted plot that keeps readers guessing and very likable main characters. Oscar’s delightful presence enhances the enjoyment of the story, and, as always, he proves to be a valuable and reliable assistant. The atmospheric descriptions of the scenery, weather, food, and wine immerse the reader in the locale.

I really enjoy this series, all of the books set in different locations.  I have only read four of them, but it is one series that I would like to go back and read the prior installments while eagerly awaiting where the next one will take me. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

*****

Tell Me Something True - Michael Robotham

 Tell Me Something True - Michael Robotham

Pub. Date: Jan. 5, 2027

She read

Described as a crime epic, I am not going to try to summarize this complex saga as a few sentence synopsis cannot do it justice. Beautifully written, it is an emotionally charged read….heartbreaking yet hopeful.

This is not a fast paced thriller, but rather a slow burn with layers gradually unfolding and moving between timelines of past (1988) and present. I find stories about injustices to be very disturbing, so this was a challenging read for me. 

The characters are richly developed, some of whom may linger in the reader’s mind long after finishing the book. The author paints a vivid picture of a small town with its share of petty issues, despicable characters, those struggling to make ends meet, and those displaying incredible compassion.

Do read the author’s note at the back for the interesting backstory to this narrative.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic for the DRC.

****

The Big Cats Dance Party - Alexander McCall Smith

 The Big Cats Dance Party - Alexander McCall Smith

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

The assistance of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency is sought to solve a problem at an elephant sanctuary in the north which will require a long trip and a few over night stays for Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, husband of Mma Ramotswe decides to make the trip with the women. 

That leaves assistant to the detectives Charlie in charge just as a wealthy client comes forward to seek assistance to find out why one of his enterprises seems to be making too much money. Will Mma Makutsi’s ominous predictions about Charlie come true or will the trust placed in him pay off? 

This is the twenty-seventh installment in the delightful and heartwarming No. 1 Ladies Detective series. All the beloved familiar characters are here. And, yes, the talking shoes do make a cameo appearance!

This is another uplifting addition to the series. While each new case presents an intriguing challenge, the true essence of the series lies in the joy derived from the interactions and musings of the main characters.. Mma Ramotswe’s gentle demeanor and unwavering optimism in finding the positive in even the most daunting situations offer a sense of comfort and solace. Her wisdom is profound in its simplicity.

This story is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening read, especially while sipping a soothing cup of tea. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and insightful observations will undoubtedly welcome this latest addition to his remarkable body of work.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AAKnopf for the DRC.

*****

Her Last Kiss - Lisa Regan

 Her Last Kiss - Lisa Regan

Pub. Date: Oct. 20, 2026

She read

It has been thirteen years since Sylvia West was the sole survivor of “The Last Kiss” serial killer. She has finally agreed to an interview with Detective Josie Quinn’s journalistic twin sister, Tiffany. When Josie drives Tiffany to a follow-up interview with the survivor, she finds Sylvia’s strangled body with the killer’s signature lipstick mark and the house in flames. 

Over the years, the killer has struck throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and when another victim is found in Josie’s hometown of Denton, she must delve into those other cases to uncover clues as to the motivation and identity of the culprit. 

This is the twenty-fifth in the Detective Josie Quinn series, and I have read many of them. This can work as a standalone, however, as author Lisa Regan does an excellent job of filling in background information on the main players. In fact, each installment offers deeper insights into their histories and personalities.

This is yet another page-turner from Regan. It is difficult not to repeat the same accolades for this narrative as given to the prior ones, yet each story is unique and compelling. Well written, the suspense and suspicions mount as the plot progresses. And, oh, those twists!

I like how the repeating characters show growth and change with time and experience. Josie, despite all the travails she has met with in her life, is a strong, intelligent, though vulnerable woman. The introduction of Wren, a teenager Josie and her husband Noah are guardians of, provides opportunities for them to strengthen their relationship, grow as parents, and explore the impact of their backgrounds on their personalities.

Detective Turner, a relatively new and annoying character nicknamed “Douchbag” by Josie, reveals even more of his history and abilities and perhaps even some chance to redeem himself with the team.

If you’re a fan of well-written, character-driven, fast-paced police procedurals and thrillers, and you’re not familiar with author Lisa Regan, I highly recommend this book and series. I eagerly anticipate the next installment! 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BookOuture for the DRC. 

*****

The Little Lodge in Lapland - Annabel French

 The Little Lodge in Lapland - Annabel French

Pub. Date: Nov. 5, 2026

She read

Violet, an event planner in the UK, wins a December holiday in a charming lodge nestled in Lapland.  Despite a tumultuous encounter with a local named Rasmus, she can’t help but notice his striking appearance. As they get to know each other, with Rasmus showing her around the breathtaking countryside and Violet assisting him with a cause close to his heart, she falls for him and the wonderful community she discovers in this little town. Would she be willing to give up her uninspiring life in the UK, knowing that she can run her business from anywhere, to be part of this close community?

Although I am not a big romance reader, I enjoy Annabel French’s Floating Shop series and wanted to try something from her European Escapes series. I was not disappointed.

This is a sweet, enchanting romance with colorful characters and a captivating setting. It was so descriptively atmospheric that I went and made myself a cup of hot spiced chai even though it was 90 degrees outside at the time.

As in her other books, the location becomes a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the beauty and magic of the area. With vivid descriptions, the reader is transported to the beauty and magic of the Lapland setting. The enchanting atmosphere of this little town left me yearning for more.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

****

Bleed - Robin Cook

 Bleed - Robin Cook

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2026

She read

Jack Stapleton is a former ophthalmologist turned pathologist for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for New York City; his wife, Laurie Montgomery, is the Chief Medical Examiner. Jack finds himself entangled in a medical mystery when a former colleague, facing a lawsuit, seeks his assistance. The case revolves around a patient who succumbed to an infection following eye surgery. As Jack delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a disturbing pattern: the hospital where the surgery took place has been acquired by a profit-driven equity firm, and there have been an alarming number of other deaths attributed to infections at the facility.

The CEO of the equity firm, driven by a desperate need to raise capital to settle his divorce settlement and evade arrest, will stop at nothing to stay out of jail, and soon lives are in danger.

This is the 16th in the Jack Stapleton Laurie Montgomery series. It is the third I have read. It would work well as a standalone.

This is another fast-paced, engrossing medical thriller by best-selling author Robin Cook, who has been writing such tales since 1977. The book is filled with action, intersecting storylines, and a compelling theme that explores the detrimental impact of greedy corporations on American medicine. The narrative provides detailed information about bicycle routes in NYC, which is not as captivating as the medical mysteries, and there is some technical medical information which might be intriguing to some readers; others may be prone to skim over them. 

The protagonists are likable, well-developed characters. The theme of the book is alarmingly relevant.

****

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PutnamBooks for the DRC.

The Hollow - Michael Connelly

 The Hollow - Michael Connelly

Pub. Date: Oct. 27, 2026

She read

LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, now retired, spent a significant part of his childhood as a ward of the state at MacLaren’s Children’s center, a horrific and abusive environment. As a result of a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit, Harry, along with other former residents, is entitled to a substantial settlement. Harry doesn’t want the money, he just wants to solve the covered -up murder of a friend of his killed while at MacLaren. As Harry investigates, he relives some of his years at that institution while pursuing a diabolical fellow internee. Simultaneously, he becomes involved in a secondary, intertwined storyline involving the FBI’s search for some stolen weapons. 

For fans of Michael Connelly, this book is a quadruple treat. Not only is Bosch back, but we also have Ballard, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, and Harry’s daughter Maddie, although they play supporting roles.  Harry is the true star of this narrative.

The 26th installment in this series, it does work well as a standalone. However, if you have been following Bosch for a few years, I believe it will enhance your enjoyment of this read.

The book employs dual timelines, alternating between the present day and Harry’s past years following his mother’s death. Through the earlier timeline, readers gain more insight into Bosch’s formative history. Now older and retired, is doing some bird watching and is the recent recipient of a knee replacement. He may have slowed down physically, but he is as mentally sharp as ever.

Michael Connelly is one of the first authors of mysteries that I started following years ago. He is a master story teller. This, as is his past books, is well plotted with compelling story lines.

The action and unraveling of the mysteries unfold swiftly, building tension throughout the narrative. Harry is a great character…his grumpiness, his desire for justice, his view that “everybody counts or nobody counts”, his disregard for always following protocol.  He is a true maverick. I want fictional time to stop so that Harry remains with us for many more years.

As the author’s notes reveal, many of the events and locations in this story are real, although the characters and their actions fictional.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.

*****

Bring Them Home - Carolyn Arnold

 Bring Them Home - Carolyn Arnold

Pub.Date: Aug.  27, 2026

A husband, wife and daughter are missing. Detective Amanda Steele has a personal connection to the case as the husband is her daughter’s teacher. Video evidence emerges of an abduction. As Amanda and partner, Trent, investigate they are at a loss as to motive. After the charred remains of a body are discovered in a field, they uncover a clue related to another missing person from a ten year old cold case.

This is the sixteenth installment in the Prince William County (VA) Detective Amanda Steele series and I have read many of them. It can be read as a standalone as the author does a good job of filling in background information, including Amanda’s past history and references to some other cases she has worked.

This is yet another of Carolyn Arnold’s fast-paced, suspenseful mysteries. I always reserve one of her books for a day when I have nothing scheduled, knowing that I won’t be able to put it down. Arnold knows how to capture and maintain her readers’ interest.

Amanda, despite an earlier tragedy in her life, is a strong, capable, independent female protagonist. While she can be tough when necessary, she is also compassionate and empathetic. Amanda and Trent make a great investigative team and the their undeclared attraction for each other adds a layer of tension to the story. Their camaraderie is quite entertaining.

If you’re a fan of police procedurals or mysteries with well-crafted plots, good pacing, and strong character development, I highly recommend this book and series.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the  DRC.

*****