This Changes Everything - Lisa Scottoline

 This Changes Everything - Lisa Scottoline

Pub. Date: July 14, 2026

She Read

Julia, who has inherited a villa in Tuscany and resides there with her husband and three-year-old daughter, is on the phone with her best friend, Courtney, back in the United States. Courtney is about to enter her grandmother’s house in rural Pennsylvania when Julia has a frightening premonition and warns Courtney not to go in. She does, and is in time to see someone fleeing from the house who has just killed her grandmother. 

Julia flies to Courtney’s side to provide support and assistance. As they investigate the murder, they discover dark secrets hidden within the town. Soon Courtney is in trouble, there are more deaths, and Julia’s continued intuition puts her in danger as she uncovers a sinister plot and races against time to thwart it. 

I’ve been a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s writing for many years and have read most if not all of her books. This was not one of my favorites as I don’t usually choose books that involve the paranormal or having to suspend belief for some of the action. That said, I enjoyed the repeating characters and was especially happy  to see Bennie resurface…it’s been a long time. Well written, the plot and twists kept me engrossed, although I do admit to skimming over some of the pages. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the DRC.

****

The Quiet Kill - Robert Bryndza

 The Quiet Kill - Robert Bryndza

Pub. Date: July 9, 2026

She read

It is1987 in London, and Detective Jamie Day has just been promoted from a small seaside town constabulary to work with the Metropolitan Police. On his first unofficial day on the job, he finds a dismembered body. As more bodies of young men are discovered, Jamie, not totally sure of himself, works with his new colleagues to find the monster behind these heinous crimes. 

This is the inaugural installment in a new series by Robert Bryndza, whose thrillers/mysteries I enjoy, especially the Erika Foster and Kate Marshall books. This is a chilling case set in the context of 1987, a time when homophobia was rampant, and fear of AIDS was a pervasive concern. The technological advancements available to aid crime-solving were limited, with a fax machine serving as the pinnacle of technological sophistication. Bryndza’s mastery of fast-paced and riveting storytelling is evident throughout this gripping narrative.

Now is the time to get in on the ground floor of a new series from a best-selling author. It will be interesting to see the growth and maturation of the novice character, Jamie, as he gains experience and confronts the challenges of his new role.

TW: Male rape, gruesome murders

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Robertbryndza #RavenStreetPublishing

****

Love You More - Emily Griffin

 Love You More - Emily Griffin

Pub. Date: July 7, 2026

Billie moved on from her home in Wisconsin to medical school in New York City and along the way, lost her high school love, Mick. She has a successful medical practice in the city and is newly engaged to fellow doctor, Dean when she receives a call from Mick with news that changes everything. As she returns to her hometown, she faces some difficult choices involving friends, family, found family, and love. 

Beautifully written, this fast-paced read includes some tortuous and emotionally charged choices. While I’m a fan of second chances, the twist was a bit predictable, and I was disappointed and unsettled with the resolution of this particular story. Nevertheless, I would recommend this as a good summer beach read.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Randomhouse @BallantineBooks for the  DRC.

****

Dead Men Don't Play Fetch - David Rosenfelt

 Dead Men Don't Play Fetch -David Rosenfelt

Pub. Date: July 7, 2026

She read

Despite attorney Andy Carpenter’s desire to retire, he takes on a challenging case of a homeless physicist and veteran accused of murdering a wealthy but eccentric inventor and entrepreneur. There is damning evidence, but Andy believes in the accused’s innocence and works with his team to prove it. 

I always look forward to each addition to this series. In this, the thirty-third installment, the plot is well-paced and engaging, the characters colorful, the dialogue crisp, and the humor laugh-out-loud. And there are adorable dogs. What truly sets Rosenfelt’s writing apart is his ability to infuse humor throughout his stories, particularly through Andy’s witty and sarcastic remarks. This is an entertaining blend of mystery and legal thriller with comedic elements.

As a side note, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt, he and his wife actually have a real-life Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They’ve rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not adore this author?

Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

*****

The Floating Copenhagen Cafe - Annabel French

 The Floating Copenhagen Cafe  - Annabel French

Pub. Date: July 2, 2026

After discovering her boyfriend with another woman, Milly decides to take a sabbatical from her successful job. Her best friend offers her a place to stay in her canal house in Copenhagen with her house mate, Theo, while her friend is on a photo assignment. Theo is handsome but moody and remote. Despite her strong attraction to him, Milly works with Theo, using her social media skills to help make his less successful cafe more profitable. Along the way, she falls in love with Copenhagen, the hygge lifestyle, and Theo. Will she be able to give up her life in England and break through Theo’s defenses?

This is book three of the Floating Shop series. It is a captivating read with a sweet and enchanting narrative.The book is filled with colorful characters and charming settings, and Copenhagen itself becomes a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the beauty and magic of the city. I did think Milly was a bit annoying, but that did not take away from the charm of the story. 

I don’t read a lot of romances, but I am hooked on this series. Yes, they are all a bit formulaic, but it is a beguiling formula. A young woman, dissatisfied with something in her life, reinvents herself. Along the way she travels to a beautiful locale, is successful, and meets a handsome new man who may be a bit difficult at first. I think what I like most about the series, though, is that the author makes the setting really come alive with her striking portrayals. Copenhagen was never on my “must see" list, but now I really want to visit there. 

This makes a great escapist read for beach, summer, vacation, or any time. I can’t wait to see where the next installment takes me!

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

****

Storm Tide - Paul Doiron

 Storm Tide - Paul Doiron

Pub. Date: June 30, 2026

She read

This, the sixteenth in the Mike Bowditch series, finds Mike, a Maine game warden, facing a disciplinary hearing and his wife, Stacy, about to give birth. Following a fire that killed a man accused of killing his son and a gruesome accident resulting in another man accused of rape being run over by a train, it seems a vigilante may be pursuing justice.  When Mike and Stacy appear to be being stalked, the danger to him and his family becomes a pressing concern.

This is another action-packed episode in the life of Mike Bowditch and it does work as a standalone. An atmospheric read, the author conveys a good sense of place and danger.  Bowditch is a compelling character. Persistent, he can often be brash and annoying to others, yet displays a good sense of humor and caring. While some situations and actions may seem over-the-top, almost superhuman in their intensity, they contribute to the thrilling narrative. I hope that in future installments, Mike learns from his experiences and becomes less impulsive and reckless in his pursuit of criminals. After all, he is now a father.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

Birds of Prey -Harlan Coben and C.J. Box, Editors

Birds of Prey - Harlan Coben and C.J. Box, Editors

 Imagine inviting some of your favorite thriller authors to contribute a short story for an anthology you are publishing. That is exactly what Harlan Coben did, giving direction to develop a story using a bird of prey as inspiration.

What transpires is a collection of entertaining and sometimes unsettling tales written by eleven best-selling authors, including some of my favorites as well as some new to me. The stories are fast-paced with creative and surprising plot lines and twists. Each story is introduced by its author, along with an explanation of the bird chosen. This is a fun read. Proceeds from the book benefit the International Thriller Writers group.

The contributors are: 

-Tess Gerritsen
-C.J. Box
-Kathy Reichs
-Ace Atkins
-Heather Graham
-S.A. Cosby
-Hank Philippi Ryan
-Robert Dugoni
-Allison Brennan
-Gregg Hurwitz
-Kelley Armstrong


Thanks to @NetGalley and @PenzlerPub for the DRC.

*****