The French Illusion - John Grisham

 Paul and Chelsea’s dream honeymoon to Paris is brutally interrupted when they are kidnapped and held for ransom. It is an unimaginable nightmare for them and their families. As numerous international agencies become involved in the search for them, it is revealed that they are not the only young couple to have been kidnapped while honeymooning in Paris. 

International suspense is not my usual genre of choice, but Grisham is such a talented storyteller that I couldn’t put this riveting narrative down. The fast-paced, short chapters and masterful plot kept me engaged from beginning to end.

While there are some descriptions of torture, if they trigger a warning for you, do what I do and skim over them. The ending did feel a bit abrupt, but after this tense and emotionally charged journey, it was acceptable.

Without giving away any spoilers, this book reminds us that even though they may be unrelated to you in your everyday life, your government’s actions have consequences. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @DoubledayBooks for the DRC.

*****

The Dying Light - Ann Cleeves

 The Dying Light - Ann Cleeves

Pub. Date: Sept. 29, 2026

She read

This is the fourth installment in the Two Rivers series featuring DI Matthew Venn. Although I have read and enjoyed all four of them, this would work as a standalone. 

It is summer in Devon and the weather is sizzling. A young woman is found dead, floating in the pool of a posh vacation home and her friend, the daughter of the owners of the home, is missing. As DI Venn and his team investigate, they suspect the families of the girls are concealing something. Is this a crucial clue that will lead to solving the case, or are other factors at play?

Well written, with strong character development, Cleeves will have readers guessing throughout. She prioritizes character-driven storytelling and plot-driven suspense over action-packed sequences. This is an engrossing read that I didn’t want to put down. It is atmospheric and a bit claustrophobic due to the small, rather insular community and the sultry weather.  

If you are unfamiliar with this series, you might recognize Cleeves name from her immensely successful Vera and Shetland books and TV series.  If you are a fan of  methodical, introspective, well plotted police procedurals with engaging characters, I highly recommend her books.  

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

*****

The Cortisol Cure - Dr. Erin Kinney

 The Cortisol Cure - Dr. Erin Kinney

Pub. Date: Sept. 22, 2026

She read

The stress hormone, cortisol, is receiving a lot of attention recently. In this book, a physician delves into its impact on our functioning and provides practical advice on developing a plan to improve both physical and mental well-being. The book uses patient histories to illustrate effective strategies for managing cortisol issues.

I appreciated the book’s organized approach, categorizing specific topics such as sleep, weight, and digestion. For those who benefit from reading about other people’s experiences, there are numerous examples.  Personally, I would have preferred a more concise and direct approach.

To truly benefit from the recommendations, lab work is recommended, as are a variety of supplements. There is a lot of repetition, but if the reader uses this book just by chapter headings (conditions of interest), that repetition is necessary.

There are some helpful tips and takeaways here. The extensive information provided makes repeated readings, note-taking, and underlining highly recommended. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the  DRC.

****

Murder at Christmas - TA Williams

 Murder at Christmas - TA Williams

Pub. Date: Aug. 5, 2026

She read

This is the sixteenth in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series. It is the third I have read, and it would work well 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 few days before Christmas, Dan, Anna, and Oscar are invited to an opulent alpine retreat in northern Italy. When someone is found dead, Dan must unravel whether it is suicide, an accident, or murder.  If it is murder, there is no shortage of suspects among the rancorous guests.

This captivating and entertaining read boasts a well-crafted plot 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 atmospheric descriptions of the scenery , weather, food, and wine immerse the reader in the locale.

I can’t wait to see where Dan and Oscar’s next mystery will take them.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

****

Our Noble Selves - Kate Atkinson

 Our Nobel Selves - Kate Atkinson

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

War reporter and former POW Harry Flynn is working on the preparations for the 1951 Festival of Britain, an event organized to showcase British achievements and boost morale after World War II. When a Frenchwoman with whom Harry has shared a drink disappears, suspicion falls on him. Could he have been responsible for her death?

Clever, witty, and with a cast of very colorful, quirky characters, this was a joy to read. Some of those characters were scary, others delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Festival and the items that were deemed important to include. Additionally, the book provided some insight into the political climate surrounding World War II in Britain and the Burma Railway.

 Well researched, many of the amusing anecdotes surrounding the festival that were mentioned were based on real events. The maps of the exhibitions and  features such as the names of suppliers of the various furnishings enhanced understanding of  the Festival. This was yet another captivating and mysterious joyride by Atkinson. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @DoubledayBooks for the DRC.

*****

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

*****