The Anniversary - Alex Finlay

The Anniversary - Alex Finlay

Pub. Date: May 12, 2026

She read

Every May 1st in a small town in Nebraska, a serial killer abducts a young woman. Sometimes he lets her go after attacking her, often he does not. Jules Delaney is a victim in 1992, sexually assaulted, but released. Fear, among other emotions, prevents her from telling anyone. Meanwhile, Quinn Riley, a marginal friend of hers, is arrested after a fight that injures someone.

As the years pass, Jules and Quinn go their separate ways. She becomes a successful fashion model, while Quinn, upon his release from juvenile detention, joins the army and is wounded. He returns to his hometown as a private investigator, obsessed with trying to solve his mother’s murder. Eventually, they reunite, growing closer together as the guilty party in both cases is finally revealed. 

This is the sixth book I have read by Alex Finlay, and he never disappoints. The story begins as a slow burn, gradually progressing into an intriguing exploration of trauma, guilt, and healing. The tension builds over time, creating a captivating narrative.

I liked the technique of following two well-developed characters over a decade, revisiting them each May 1st and tracing the effects of that night in 1992 on both of them as well as their growth as the years progress. 

While the serial culprit is somewhat predictable based on a hint halfway through the book, it didn’t diminish the suspense of the story. An unexpected twist added to the gripping conclusion, making it a satisfying read.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @stmartinspress @Minotaur_books for the DRC.

****

 

Death on the Norfolk Express - Ross Greenwood

Death on the Norfolk Express - Ross Greenwood

Pub. Date: May 7, 2026

She read

After DS Ashley Knight suffers a devastating loss, she immerses herself in her next case. As she investigates the suspicious death of an elderly man on the historic Norfolk Express, another body is discovered tied to the railroad tracks. Fortunately, he escapes just in time before being hit by the train. This opens up a web of past larceny and crime as a major player in these transgressions is released from prison, and more bodies are discovered.

This is the sixth installment in the DS Ashley Knight Norfolk Murder series. It can be read as a standalone.  As a fan of mysteries and police procedurals, Ross Greenwood has become another go-to author for me.

Fast-paced, with an intriguing plot, twists, turns, red herrings, and quirky characters, this is a solid addition to the series. It was interesting learning a bit about the history of trains in the Norfolk area. I like the character of Ashley and enjoy the camaraderie among her and her team members.

Thanks to @Netgalley and @BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

****

 

The Cove - L. J. Ross

 The Cove - L. J. Ross

Release Date: May 5, 2026

She read

Gabrielle Adams, a happy and successful publishing house employee engaged to Mark, finds her life turned upside down when she is pushed onto the tracks of the underground by someone known as “The Tube Killer.” Miraculously, she survives, but the trauma leaves her with PTSD and OCD. She breaks the engagement with her unfaithful fiancé, quits her job, and moves to a small cove on the Cornish coast to help run a bookshop. There, she finds a romantic interest, and all seems good until she discovers that danger lurks even in this seemingly idyllic place.

What began as a cozy romance evolves into a gripping and suspenseful thriller, featuring unique and well-developed characters. This fast-paced and atmospheric read is filled with unexpected twists and turns. This would make a good beach read.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for the DRC.

****

Murder in Rome - TA Williams

 Murder in Rome - TA Williams

Pub. Date: May 2, 2026

She read

This is the fifteenth in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series. It is the second I have read, and it works well as a stand-alone.

Englishman Dan Armstrong, a retired DCI, now resides and works as a private investigator in Florence, Italy. His faithful sidekick is Oscar, an instinctively smart canine companion. Despite his recent marriage, Dan is called to Rome by an attractive TV celebrity, Tamsin Goodfaith, to investigate her uncle’s possible murder, suicide, or accident. She believes he was murdered.

The family home is a magnificent medieval castle inhabited by the four wealthy children of Tamsin’s uncle, three of whom are involved in the family business. When one of them is murdered, Dan collaborates with the local police to unravel the mystery, hopefully, before another family member meets a similar fate. 

This is a captivating and entertaining read with a mystery that keeps readers guessing. Oscar’s delightful presence enhances the enjoyment of the story, and, as always, he proves to be a valuable and reliable assistant. The history and scenery of Rome immerse the reader in the location, while the fast-paced resolution of the mystery enhances the overall enjoyment of the book.

I look forward to the next installment in this series.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks @TheBoldBookClub for the DRC.

****

The Fly Fishing Book - Steve Weinberg

 The Fly Fishing Book:An Artful Guide to Angling - Steven Weinberg

Pub. Date: May 5,  2026

She read

Angler and artist Steven Weinberg has written a clever and informative book on fly fishing.  It is easily understood, excellent for the beginner and a good reminder for the more advanced fisherman.The illustrations are remarkable. This book is instructional and visually appealing.What more could you  ask for?

Thanks to @NetGalley and #MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup for the DRC.

*****

The Seeker of Lost Paintings - Sarah Freethy

 The Seeker of Lost Paintings - Sarah Freethy

She read

In a captivating tale told in dual timelines, the story alternates between 1997 and 1940s Italy. In 1997, Beatrice Fremont, a young woman living in London, grapples with the loss of her mother, Maddelena, and the looming threat of losing her home if she can’t find the necessary funds to save it. Seeking guidance, she approaches an art dealer, Jude Adler, to examine some paintings and photographs left behind by her parents. Among them, he discovers what he believes to be a quarter of a painting by Caravaggio, igniting their investigation into the painting’s history and the missing pieces.

As the story unfolds, the narrative shifts back to wartime Italy, revealing the history of Maddalena and Beatrice’s father’s romance and the provenance of the painting. This historical backdrop provides a rich tapestry of context, enhancing the emotional impact of the unfolding mystery.

The novel delves into a wide range of themes, including art history, romance, family relationships, mysteries, secrets, wartime experiences. The beautifully crafted prose and intriguing plot make it a compelling read. The dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, creating a narrative that keeps the reader engaged. It is well researched, with richly drawn characters that add depth and emotional resonance to the story. While the narrative maintains a suspenseful tone, it also manages to evoke a profound sense of empathy and understanding, particularly through the personal stories of the characters who endured the horrors of wartime and occupation.

Sarah Freethy’s second novel is a testament to her talent as an author. Her debut novel, “The Porcelain Maker,” was equally well-crafted, beautifully written, and deeply moving. As she establishes herself as a prominent figure in the literary world, she is an author to follow.

Thanks to @Sarah.freethy and @SimonandSchuster for the DRC.

*****

Broken Circle - Matt Brolly

 Broken Circle - Matt Brolly

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

She read

This is the third installment of Matt Brolly’s latest series featuring DS Liam Kilshaw, set along the Cornish Coast. I’ve read all three of them, and while I believe this could be a standalone novel, reading the previous ones provides more context for the characters.

DS Kilshaw is a divorced former Marine grappling with PTSD stemming from a near-drowning incident during his service. The discovery of a teenage girl’s body, posed in a stone circle with her face covered in clay, sets the stage for a chilling investigation. Legend has it that the circle appeared when young females were turned to stone for dancing on the sabbath. As more dead youths are found in locations tied to local myths, Kilshaw collaborates with his boss, Maya, to unmask this cold-blooded killer.

Brolly once again weaves a captivating blend of myth and psychopathy in this gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read. Although there is a suspect in focus, there are enough red herrings to make the reader question who the perpetrator might be. The book is a fast paced, atmospheric mystery, thriller, police procedural. 

Liam is an intriguing character, and I particularly enjoy the working dynamic between him and Maya. Additionally, I found the exploration of the local legends fascinating.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

****