Death Writ Large - Susie Dent

 Death Writ Large - Susie Dent

Pub. Date: Feb. 16, 2026

She read

In this second installment of The Clarendon Lexicographers series, the women who work at the Clarendon English Dictionary office once again assist the Thames Valley police when a suspicious death is discovered. The only clues are runes from an alphabet invented by a deceased fantasy writer. As more runes appear throughout Oxford marring historic buildings, the women use their knowledge to decipher the codes which suggest further deaths and a quest for revenge.

Well-crafted and literate, this novel shows a deep appreciation for linguistics. As in any compelling mystery, there are twists, turns, secrets, and hidden clues that must be interpreted. I enjoyed the character development and the camaraderie among the puzzle solvers, as well as the tentative relationship between lexicographer Martha Thornhill and DI Oliver Caldwell. The book also features mentions and descriptions of various landmarks around Oxford, which will resonate with anyone who has visited the city.

If you have an appreciation for lexicography, cryptic puzzles, literature, and mysteries that prioritize intellectual engagement over action, this book is an excellent choice for you. Each chapter begins with an obscure word and its definition, providing readers with an opportunity to expand their vocabulary.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookmarked (Sourcebooks Landmark) for the DRC.

*****

Echo Chamber - Matt Brolly

 Echo Chamber - Matt Brolly

Release Date: Jan. 12, 2027

She read

This is the fourth installment of Matt Brolly’s latest series featuring DS Liam Kilshaw, set along the Cornish Coast. I’ve read all 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. When a well-connected defense barrister is missing, the pressure is on to find him. Using AI, the victim was tortured by unrelenting sound and eventually found dead.  Clues sent to the investigative team reveal that his death has something to do with having set a murderer free. Soon other victims are targeted and the race is on to find the culprit and prevent further deaths.

This well-plotted and multilayered novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful read. Brolly’s novels are atmospheric and gritty at times, but not overly graphic. Liam is an intriguing character, and I particularly like the working dynamic between him and his boss, Maya. 

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

****

Dark Skies

 Dark Skies - LJ Ross

Release Date: Jan. 5, 2027

She read

This is the seventh 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 Jan. 5, 2027. Although I did read the sixth installment, this one can work as a stand-alone. 

In 1981, a young man is killed by two of his friends, leaving the body to be buried underwater. Thirty years later, the body is discovered, followed by another murder. It is up to DCI Ryan and his team to unravel the mysteries. Will his progress and reputation be hampered by the arrival of an old, duplicitous adversary who is now his direct superintendent?

With an interesting plot and well-developed characters, this is an atmospheric, fast-paced, compelling read. I enjoyed the camaraderie and relationships among the members of Ryan’s team. They are characters to whom readers can connect. Ryan’s compassion for and commitment to his victims and their families is admirable.

The setting of the Kielder Water and Forest Park is a real location in Northumberland, blending history and nature, as well as an ideal environment for stargazing.

The ending leaves some storylines open for continuation, and I look forward to reading the next installment. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPress for the DRC.

****

Moral Defense - Marcia Clark

 Moral Defense - Marcia Clark

She read

After having just finished this book, I discovered, via my blog, that I had read it some years ago.  Yet for some reason, it remained on my TBR… probably because I never entered my review on NetGalley.

As I (re)read it, nothing seemed familiar, and I did not remember it at all.  Below is what I wrote in my blog after the first reading with some afterthoughts from today. 

The second in the Samantha Brinkman series, it is the first one that I have read. I didn't feel I missed anything by not reading the first book in the series as the repeating characters’ backgrounds and personalities were filled in pretty well. The action moved along, with twists and turns as more and more of the plot was revealed. The story's action and characters were easy to follow. I probably will not seek out additional titles in this series as I didn't particularly like Samantha nor her freewheeling, personal forms of justice. I felt that as an attorney, she was almost as scary as the guilty parties introduced.

Afterthoughts today: 

I liked this story better than the first time, but still did not particularly care for the main character.  Despite my saying I probably wouldn’t read the third installment, I did. However, I did not read the fourth one. 

****

Repeat After Me - Fiona Barton

 Repeat After Me - Fiona Barton

Release Date: Feb. Feb. 23, 2027

She read

Josie, a lonely 50-something court usher scarred by tragedy, finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue when Natalie, a young actress, appears in her courtroom, accusing a man of sexual assault. When he is found not guilty, it affects Josie.  Traveling on the Tube one day, she is groped by a man who she identifies as Natalie’s offender. She seeks out Natalie to provide support (for both of them), and together they hatch a plan to seek revenge.  That plan soon spirals out of control.

This book delves into the complexities of insecurity, obsession, grief, narcissism, loneliness, and manipulation. It moves along slowly until near the end, which makes the read worthwhile. There are some twists. Neither character is particularly likable, but Josie’s vulnerability and neediness may evoke sympathy from some readers,  potentially overcoming their annoyance with her behavior.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @BerkeleyPub for the DRC.

***-*

Malice - Jonathan Kellerman

 Malice - Jonathan Kellerman

Pub. Date: Feb. 2, 2027

She read

Can it be that this is the 42nd in the Alex Delaware series and that I have read all of them? I think this was one of the first adult mystery series I started following.

In this installment, a bright, motivated but poor student is found murdered. He was shot, stabbed after death, and left away from the murder scene. Could the culprit be someone close to home, his jealous half brother with whom he has only recently become acquainted? When two more unrelated bodies are found, killed following the same MO, psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis are baffled as to the connection among the three victims. 

Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit with a unique twist as Milo is unconventional and Alex provides psychological insight. The stories follow a familiar rhythm, with the duo chasing leads, generating and discussing different theories, interviewing persons of interest, and enjoying a few good meals. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly vivid and entertaining, and he consistently presents fresh perspectives on cases. Whenever I open a Kellerman book, I find it difficult to put it down.  

This book can be read as a standalone, but if you are a fan of this series, it is always enjoyable to meet up once again with these characters. 

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

****

Scream City - Hannah Morrissey

 Scream City - Hannah Morrissey

Pub. Date: Jan. 26, 2027

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.

****