Her Lips are Sealed - Helen Phifer

 Her Lips are Sealed - Helen Phifer

Pub. Date: Sept. 28, 2026

A young woman living by herself is found murdered, her lips adorned with bright red lipstick. The killer leaves behind a chilling note warning of more victims to come, sealed with the imprint of the woman’s lips. When a second woman is found dead in a similar manner, with the same red lips and accompanying note, Detective Morgan Brookes and her colleagues are thrust into a race against time to uncover the culprit and prevent further deaths.

This is the nineteenth installment in the Morgan Brookes series, one of my must-read series. I’ve read most of them, and while each book contributes to the development of the recurring characters, this one could stand alone.

This is another of Helen Phifer’s engrossing, fast-paced, thrilling narratives. This was one time when I guessed the culprit right from the beginning, but that didn’t stop me from being glued to the story, unable to put it down. What truly resonates with me in this series is not only Madison’s capabilities and determination, but also her profound empathy. 

I enjoy the camaraderie and teasing relationships among her team. The tension of the case is balanced by moments of biting humor, adding depth to the narrative. Some new characters are introduced in this installment, and I hope to see them again in future episodes. 

This is a good series for fans of British police procedurals, mysteries, and thrillers, especially those that feature capable female detectives with amiable supporting characters.

****

This Door of the Seas - Val McDermid and Jo Sharp

 This Door of the Seas - Val McDermid and Jo Sharp

Pub. Date: Jan. 5, 2027

This is a fictional account of the Darién Scheme in 1698, which changed the course of Scottish history. Scotland was impoverished and famine-stricken. Word of a paradise at the junction between North and South America (present-day Panama) inspired the funding of five ships and 1,000 men to sail there to establish a trading colony. Unfortunately, the venture failed, with the majority of settlers dying and the dream abandoned.

Told in epistolary format, the story of the promise and the collapse unfolds through letters by Dr. James Wallace to his wife, Eliza, and to Geographer Royal Sir Robert Sibbald. Written by bestselling author Val McDermid and her partner, Geographer Royal Jo Sharp, this novella is well researched and a compelling read. 

The epistolary style was an excellent way to convey this account, which had a great impact on the history of Scotland, and of which I was unaware. The hope, the mishaps, the death and destruction, the relationships with England and Spain; it is all here, along with some interesting observations about slaves and indentured servants. This is a very worthwhile read. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic for the DRC.

****

Dina Gets Lucky - Uzma Jalaluddin

 Dina Gets Lucky - Uzma Jalaluddin

Pub Date: Oct. 27, 2026

Dina, Arshad, and Lucky are law students in Toronto. Lucky is in love with Dina, but too shy to speak up, so he asks Arshad to intercede. Arshad, having designs of his own on Dina, lies to Lucky, denying any interest on Dina’s part. Due to family circumstances, Lucky is forced to move to Chicago, where he must abandon law school and becomes a successful contractor.  Arshad marries Dina with designs on becoming a partner in her parents’ law firm.

Disgusted with Arshad after a few years of marriage, Dina divorces him but keeps it a secret, not wanting to disappoint her Islamic South Asian parents or interfere with her sister’s upcoming wedding. Much to her surprise, the wedding serves to reunite Dina with Lucky, and that attraction is still there. Will they have another chance at love?

This is a fun second-chance romance novel that features what has to be one of the most over-the-top wedding celebrations ever. It is a very entertaining read, with a look at the Desi culture in North America, showcasing delicious South Asian food and vibrant clothing.  There is a villain and a hero, chaos, family drama, some screwball comedy, and a somewhat satirical look at the world of influencers, of which Dina’s sister is one. While some readers may want to shake Dina into finally standing up for herself and coming clean with her family, I do understand her plight. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing for the DRC.

****

Cragside - LJ Ross

 Cragside - LJ Ross

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2026

She read

This is the sixth 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 Dec. 1, 2026.

DCI Ryan and his fiancée are invited to a Victorian murder mystery party at Cragside, where they are temporarily living on the grounds. All goes well until the lights go out and the owner’s valet is found dead. Thought at first to be an accident, secrets from the valet’s life are revealed, and soon there is another dead body.

With an interesting plot and well-developed characters, this is an atmospheric and compelling read. I enjoyed the camaraderie and relationships among the members of Ryan’s team. They are characters to whom readers can connect. 

The setting becomes a character almost of its own. For those not familiar with the north of England, Cragside is a real Victorian mansion with a significant history in Northumberland. Now managed by the National Trust, the house and extensive grounds are open to the public for visits. 

The ending foreshadows some bumps in the road ahead for Ryan, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for the DRC.

****

Murder in Bologna - TA Williams

 Murder in Bologna - TA Williams

Pub. Date: Nov. 5, 2026

This is the seventeenth in the cozy mystery series featuring Armstrong and Oscar. It can be read 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 student at the Art Institute in Bologna is found dead. The police rule it a suicide, but his father enlists the help of Dan to determine if foul play could have been involved. Soon Dan and Oscar are caught up in the world of a mobster, drug dealing, and fraud. 

This captivating and entertaining read boasts a well-crafted plot that keeps readers guessing and very likable main characters. 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 really enjoy this series, all of the books set in different locations.  I have only read four of them, but it is one series that I would like to go back and read the prior installments while eagerly awaiting where the next one will take me. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

*****

Tell Me Something True - Michael Robotham

 Tell Me Something True - Michael Robotham

Pub. Date: Jan. 5, 2027

She read

Described as a crime epic, I am not going to try to summarize this complex saga as a few sentence synopsis cannot do it justice. Beautifully written, it is an emotionally charged read….heartbreaking yet hopeful.

This is not a fast paced thriller, but rather a slow burn with layers gradually unfolding and moving between timelines of past (1988) and present. I find stories about injustices to be very disturbing, so this was a challenging read for me. 

The characters are richly developed, some of whom may linger in the reader’s mind long after finishing the book. The author paints a vivid picture of a small town with its share of petty issues, despicable characters, those struggling to make ends meet, and those displaying incredible compassion.

Do read the author’s note at the back for the interesting backstory to this narrative.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic for the DRC.

****

The Big Cats Dance Party - Alexander McCall Smith

 The Big Cats Dance Party - Alexander McCall Smith

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

The assistance of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency is sought to solve a problem at an elephant sanctuary in the north which will require a long trip and a few over night stays for Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, husband of Mma Ramotswe decides to make the trip with the women. 

That leaves assistant to the detectives Charlie in charge just as a wealthy client comes forward to seek assistance to find out why one of his enterprises seems to be making too much money. Will Mma Makutsi’s ominous predictions about Charlie come true or will the trust placed in him pay off? 

This is the twenty-seventh installment in the delightful and heartwarming No. 1 Ladies Detective series. All the beloved familiar characters are here. And, yes, the talking shoes do make a cameo appearance!

This is another uplifting addition to the series. While each new case presents an intriguing challenge, the true essence of the series lies in the joy derived from the interactions and musings of the main characters.. Mma Ramotswe’s gentle demeanor and unwavering optimism in finding the positive in even the most daunting situations offer a sense of comfort and solace. Her wisdom is profound in its simplicity.

This story is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening read, especially while sipping a soothing cup of tea. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and insightful observations will undoubtedly welcome this latest addition to his remarkable body of work.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AAKnopf for the DRC.

*****