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.

****

Death at the Castle Gates - Nick Oldham

 Death at the Castle Gates - Nick Oldham

Pub. Date: June 2, 2026

She read

For safety reasons, Sergeant Jessica Raker has relocated her family from London to rural Lancashire, a move that has strained her relationship with her husband. Jessica and her team are on the hunt for a local criminal who puts their lives in danger. One of their beloved colleagues, Dougie Doolan, is battling cancer, and his final wish is for Jessica to solve a case that has haunted him for years. Additionally, there are loose ends from her previous case involving a childhood enemy who has risen to become the queen of crime in the area, as well as a DI who seems to have a personal vendetta against Jessica. All these elements converge for a lot of action in the town of Clitheroe.  

This fast-paced and engaging read had a compelling storyline and well-developed characters. I particularly admire Jessica, an all-too-human but dedicated individual grappling with personal issues while trying to make a way for herself in her new position. The camaraderie among the established team members is also noteworthy, and I couldn’t wait to see if DI Price and the annoying new team member, Ashley, would get their due.

There is a bit of the supernatural in this story, of which I am not a big fan, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the narrative.

This is the third in the Jessica Raker series. I read the second book, and while I don’t believe it’s essential to read the prior installments to follow the plot and characters, doing so would provide valuable background information. The ending leaves room for a potential third story, which I eagerly anticipate.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @SevernHouseImprint for the DRC.

*****

Marion - Leah Rowan

 Marion - Leah Rowan

Pub. Date: June 2, 2026

She read

Remember Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho (which was based on a book) where the very disturbed innkeeper kills the "fair maiden”? Well, what if the roles were reversed and instead of the woman dying, she kills the innkeeper? That is the opening premise behind this book. Marion is victim no more. She has stolen money and is on the run, but when Norm (Billings in this tale) strikes out at her, she fights back and kills him.  However, this is just the beginning of her female rage as she avenges personal wrongs.

There is a secondary interrelated storyline of a rookie private investigator looking for a young woman who has disappeared and may have stayed at the Billings Motel.

This is a compelling, if macabre read whose ending just might make you smile. I love the premise, but this not  a simple retelling of the Psycho story.  It is more of a reimagining, inspired by it. Sure, you will have to suspend belief, but isn’t that what fiction is sometimes about?

 The story explores complex themes such as maternal bonds, sexism, abuse, female retribution, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, family bonds and loyalty. At times, the pace does lag due to a lot of introspection as part of a decision making process, but the story does pick up making it an entertaining tale of horror and rage. 

****