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.

*****

Buzz Books 2026: Fall/Winter- Publishers Lunch

Buzz Books 2026: Fall/Winter- Publishers Lunch

This is a sampler of books being published fall/winter 2026, with excerpts from some of them.  It provides a great opportunity to construct a TBR list for the coming months.

 I always look forward to the Buzz Books editions. I just finished this one and now have a list of books from favorite authors as well as some intriguing new titles for the fall/winter. Looks like I am “booked” through the winter.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers Lunch BUZZ Books for the DRC.

*****

It Could Have Been Her - Lisa Jewell

 It Could Have Been Her - Lisa Jewell

Pub. Date: June 23, 2026

She Read

Jane Trevally encounters  a small white dog one afternoon and discovers that its owner resides deep in Hampstead outside of London. Upon returning the dog to the strange man who lives there, she recalls once being at that house in a very dangerous situation. She later learns that the dog accompanied a young woman staying near where Jane lives and the woman has disappeared. Fancying herself a private investigator, she  embarks on a quest to find the missing woman, unraveling damning secrets along the way

This is a dark and twisted tale filled with dysfunctional individuals and relationships. There is a house of horrors, life long scars inflicted upon victims of trauma, and even the presence of an evil clown. 

Jewell’s storytelling is masterful, weaving an intricate plot amidst a diverse cast of characters The timeline shifts between the present and different years in the past, and the narrative alternates between various characters’ perspectives. Due to the multi-generational nature of the characters, readers may find it helpful to jot down a brief family tree for reference to keep track of names and relationships.

Fans of Jewell’s writing may recognize Jane as a minor character introduced in the author’s Don’t Let Him In.  As Jane seems interested in becoming a private investigator with her step son, Dexter as an assistant, could this be the beginning of new series? 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AtriaBooks for the DRC.

****

Bio-Logic Herbalism. Evidence-Based Natural Herbal Remedies & Home Apothecary Protocols for the Whole Family by Hazel Wells

Bio-Logic Herbalism. Evidence-Based Natural Herbal Remedies & Home Apothecary Protocols for the Whole Family

by Hazel Wells

 When I was growing up, I recall my mother having a book that served as a comprehensive encyclopedia of home and herbal remedies for various ailments. She frequently consulted it and relied on the straightforward suggestions provided to treat ailments. I believe that’s what I was seeking when I chose this book. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

Instead, it’s a detailed and all-encompassing roadmap for anyone aspiring to become a practicing herbalist. While I appreciate that it’s based on science and evidence, it was far too complex for practical everyday use by me.

However, it’s an excellent resource for those interested in exploring botanical medicine. It provides step-by-step instructions for various infused oils, tinctures, salves, tonics, syrups, and more, catering to different concerns and conditions. Additionally, it offers guidance on administering recommended remedies to children and addressing potential drug and medical interactions.

For those seeking simple herbal remedies, this book is not the best choice. Nevertheless, it’s a five-star read for those interested in delving deeper into botanical medicine.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksgoSocial for theDRC.

*****/**

The Secrets We Hide - Karin Slaughter

 The Secrets We Hide - Karin Slaughter

Pub. Date: June 18, 2026

She read

In this, the second installment in the North Falls series, Sheriff Emmy Clifton is still mourning the murder of her father and the recent death of her mother who had dementia. On the way from her mother’s funeral with her long lost sister, Jude, they hear gunshots. Stopping to investigate, they find a friend of Emmy’s, a former police officer, and her daughter shot. Tragically, the friend is dead, and the daughter is in critical condition. Amidst some unresolved family issues, Emmy faces challenges from an untrustworthy deputy who is running against her for sheriff, a small town with diverse opinions, abusive ex-husbands, drugs, and corrupt cops as she works to unravel a lot of history and find the culprit before the town turns on her. 

Karin Slaughter weaves together a captivating blend of mystery, thriller, family drama, police procedural, and a small-town saga. The plot is meticulously crafted, featuring unexpected twists, red herrings, intriguing puzzles to solve, and colorfully drawn characters. Emmy hails from a prominent clan deeply rooted in the area, and Slaughter captures well the claustrophobic atmosphere of an insular community where everyone knows each other’s business.

As this is only the second in the series, it’s not too late to go back and read the first installment, We Are All Guilty Here. It is not necessary to have read it prior to this book, but it is such a good series, you just might want to seek it out. 

*****

Beach Thriller - Jamie Day

 Beach Thriller - Jamie Day

Pub. Date: June 9,2026

She read

A Massachusetts beach town harboring secrets. An author grappling with writer's block forced to return to her dilapidated childhood summer cottage, where she tries to discover the truth behind her sister’s death. A juvenile delinquent seeking answers about her background finding refuge in the same coastal town. Amidst the backdrop of a wealthy family exerting its power, danger lurks, and an unseen watcher observes all.

This is another story of wealthy people behaving badly, albeit with lots of twists, one of which readers will figure out fairly early in the narrative. It is not a fast-paced read but the suspense builds as the story unfolds with its surprises and revelations. The plot, though somewhat convoluted and over-the-top, provides an entertaining summer read, perfect for pool or beachside relaxation. 

Thanks to  @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****