The Fallen Angel - Andy Maslen

 The Fallen Angel - Andy Maslen

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

In this, the seventh installment in the DS Kat Ballantyne series, Kat and her team investigate a gruesome ritualistic murder that occurred  inside Middlehampton Cathedral. Kat faces pressure from her superiors, corruption, church politics, and a tangled, deceitful web in trying to solve the case.

This is only the second in the series that I have read. Since a secondary plot involves Kat’s family, I would have benefited from more of an explanation of the background.

With an intriguing, fast-paced plot and colorful characters, this is a solid mystery/police procedural. I like Kat, a strong, capable female protagonist.

A new character is introduced as part of the investigative team.  Hannah Fellowes, who is neurodivergent, is an accomplished forensic specialist with a wicked, refreshing sense of humor. 

The ending left me with some discontent about justice being fully served. There also were some loose ends that left an opening for a sequel, to which I look forward. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing for the DRC.

****

Hollow Bones - Jodi Picoult

 Hollow Bones - Jodi Picoult

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

On Sept. 11, 2001, When Molly Fitzgerald was just two months old, her mother left for an appointment at the World Trade Center in New York City  and never returned. Despite having a loving stepmother, Molly always felt a deep sense of emptiness in her life. Now, as the head of the Rhode Island Department for Emergency Preparedness, she is happily married and awaiting the birth of her first child. When the unexpected occurs, her life is turned upside down. There is so much more to this story, but I don’t want to write anything additional to avoid spoilers. 

This is another great read from master storyteller Jodi Picoult, delving into the complexities of human emotions and the lasting impact of tragedy. 

Picoult has a way of instilling a sense of humanity in her characters that makes them seem real. It is as if one is reading a true story rather than fiction. Captivating, I spent an entire day on the couch reading because I couldn’t put it down. 

The story unfolds across multiple timelines, moving from past to present and among different POVs. It is a powerfully emotional story. There are twists and turns and characters who will stay with readers for a long time. 

As usual with a Picoult novel, the reader will learn about some diverse topics including 9/11 memorial, post partum psychosis, emergency services, some native American practices, commentary about some of the damaging effects of government policies. As with her previous works, Picoult’s research is meticulous, ensuring that the book is both informative and engaging.

Picoult fans will recognize characters from My Sister’s Keeper in this narrative. While the book does contain some trigger warnings, including child abuse and the devastating effects of post-partum psychosis, I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @RandomHouse @BallantineBooks

*****

One Split Second - Robert Dugoni

 One Split Second - Robert Dugoni

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

This, the twelfth installment  in the Seattle Cold Case Detective Tracy Crosswhite series, unfolds in two timelines. Tracy receives a call from a friend of hers, Sheriff Jenny Almond, who has been arrested for shooting an unarmed Vietnam veteran, Anthony Alvarez.

 Alvarez had been a suspect in a forty five year old case involving a missing girl. Jenny’s father, sheriff at the time, worked the case but it remained unsolved. He maintained contact with Alvarez until his own death and had helped the veteran receive assistance for his PTSD. Tracy and her husband, Dan, an attorney, rush to Jenny’s aid. Dan takes on Jenny’s defense, while Tracy tries to solve the old case.

I always look forward to Robert Dugoni’s Detective Tracy Crosswhite books and rely on them for solid mysteries and compelling  police procedurals. This one did not disappoint, with the addition of a legal thriller integrated into the narrative.

Dugoni’s books are well written with intriguing plots and good character development. This novel was another page turner that I didn’t want to put down. I enjoyed how the two timelines were seamlessly woven together as secrets were revealed. I  really like the character of Tracy and having her work together with husband Dan in the defense of her friend was an added bonus. 

While One Split Second works as a standalone, readers who enjoy mysteries and procedurals and are new to the Tracy Crosswhite series may want to go back and read the earlier books as well.

Thanks to @Netgalley and @AmazonPublishing @ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

*****

The Boat House - Fern Michaels

 The Boat House - Fern Michaels

Pub. Date: Aug. 24, 2026

She read

This is the second in the Twin Lights series by best selling author Fern Michaels.

The privileged lives of Madison and Lincoln Taylor were shattered when they were college students; their father was arrested for fraud and the family lost everything. Now adults living in New York with successful careers, they inherited a derelict marina along the Navesink River in New Jersey from their estranged uncle.

They have renovated the boat house at the marina and settled into a nice comfortable life in a rented second home in Smuggler’s Cove.  While celebrating the grand opening of the boat house, there is a break- in and a treasure map once owned by their uncle is stolen. This sets the stage for a web of intrigue that unfolds in the tranquil shore town. Amidst the unfolding mystery, Madison and a charming Coast Guard captain find themselves drawn to each other.

While this is not my usual genre, I read the first installment and was hooked. Part romance and part mystery, this heartwarming story is an ideal choice for an escapist or beach read. 

While the ending may seem a bit rushed, with loose ends neatly tied up in a brief epilogue, I can’t help but wonder if it’s due to the fact that this book was written shortly before the author’s passing in 2025. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.

****

The Silent Appeal - Janice Hallett

 The Silent Appeal - Janice Hallett

Pub. Date: Aug. 25, 2026

She read

This is the second installment in The Appeal series. Although I did not read the first one, this one worked well as a standalone.

The Fairway Players are staging Agatha Christie’s The Hollow. Director Kevin MacDonald is juggling multiple responsibilities. His wife and co-chair, Sarah-Jane, is primarily occupied with babysitting their energetic three-year-old and worrying about her long-lost sister, who has returned with an air of mystery surrounding her. The cast includes familiar faces as well as some newcomers with shady pasts. A murder takes place, although the victim isn’t revealed until near the end of the book.  Two lawyers are tasked with unraveling this perplexing mystery.

All I can say is Brilliant! Written in an epistolatory style with the story unfolding via texts, emails, police reports, journal entries, notes, and similar communications, this book is creative, mysterious, and rollicking. Despite its length ( 464 pages), the writing technique keeps the pace brisk and engaging. This is an intriguing story with lots of quirky characters, suspicions, red herrings, twists, and chaos. 

What a fun read! It was a refreshing break from the typical narrative structure.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AtriaBooks for the ARC.

*****

The Shadow Friends - Tess Gerritsen

 The Shadow Friends - Tess Gerritsen

Pub. Date: Aug. 25, 2026

She read

This series features a group of retired spies who dub themselves “The Martini Club”and now reside in Purity, Maine. An infectious disease specialist is found dead at a conference organized by Ingrid Slocum, one of the club’s members. Tragically, a brutal murder of a hotel waitress follows, reminiscent of a case Ingrid handled in the past. When a colleague from that time reappears, Ingrid can’t resist going back into action to seek retribution for an earlier case that went awry. As Ingrid embarks on a journey into international intrigue, her fellow Martini Club members are left frantically searching for her.

This is the third in The Martini Club series by best selling author Tess Gerritsen. Although I have read and enjoyed the prior installments, this one does work as a stand alone. However, delving into the first two books will provide more background and a greater understanding of these characters.

This narrative is  fast paced, entertaining, and suspenseful. It is an engrossing read with great characters. They are bold, resilient, loyal, and indomitable, not to mention a bit geriatric. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series, eager to uncover the secrets that lie ahead for these formidable individuals.

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

****

Halloween Town - Joss Wood

 Halloween Town - Joss Wood

Pub. Date: Aug. 13, 2026

She read

 Moments before she is about to be married, Poppy McMaster escapes from her wedding venue through a bathroom window and, barefooted, flees to Halloween Town, where she spent happy times as a child. In Halloween Town, it is Halloween all year round, and some campy ghosts reside there. Poppy goes to her deceased grandparents’ inn, the only place she feels safe. The decrepit inn is now owned by Thom, her childhood protector and the estranged brother of the fiancé from whom she has fled. 

This is the second in the Halloween Town series; I did not read the first installment.

Mysteries, thrillers, and literary fiction are my go-to genres. I have been trying to expand my reading horizons and have read some charming romance novels.  While this book did have some humor I enjoyed, and the concept of a town that celebrates Halloween all year round was appealing, it just wasn’t for me.  I found it tedious.  I’m sure others will enjoy this narrative, but except for my commitment to finishing every book I start, it would have been a DNF for me.

Thanks to @NetGalley and #OneMoreChapter for the DRC.

**