Bad Honeymoon - Jessie Garcia

 Bad Honeymoon - Jessie Garcia

Pub. Date: Jan. 19, 2027

She read

Becca, a TV reporter in Minnesota, flies to Florida, enticed by a story that is sure to bring high ratings—a honeymoon gone wrong as recounted by the newlywed, Eve. After meeting with Eve initially, the woman ghosts Becca, and the reporter returns home disgraced. 

When a body is found on the beach Becca just visited, and all the evidence points to her, she is arrested. With her personal and professional reputation on the line and her own marriage in trouble, she and those close to her struggle to find out the truth.

While I’m not typically a fan of a wrongly accused plotline, I couldn’t resist this story after reading two other books by this author that I enjoyed. Admittedly, the story did make me cringe a bit, not due to the writing itself, but rather because of my own biases.

This is an entertaining, engrossing read. There are twists, turns, and a significant clue along the way. Told from multiple POVs, I enjoyed seeing the story unfold from the different characters’ perspectives. 

Bad Honeymoon would make a fun, easy read for vacation, a day at the beach, or just a lazy day at home.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

The Parkwood Murders - Chris Chibnall

 The Parkwood Murders - Chris Chibnall

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2026

She read

A dead body is found at Parkwood Holiday Village, a self-contained resort in the woods. It is up to Detective Nicola Bridge and her team to investigate. Money for resources is tight, police staffing is slim, time is a pressure as the guests want to leave, and there is no shortage of suspects. The case becomes more complicated when it is discovered that the body of a young woman disappeared from the resort five years ago. 

With an intriguing plot, this is an engrossing, fast-paced, entertaining read. A solid character-based police procedural, there are twists, turns, and red herrings.  Secrets and lies among the suspects will keep the reader guessing as to the culprit.

 I like Nicola, a capable individual dealing with personal issues while doing her best at her job. I also like Harry, her younger, less experienced partner who proves to be adept and the very quirky Mel.  

Written by the creator of Broadchurch, this is only the second in the series. It can be read as a standalone. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Vikingbooks for the DRC. 

****

The Inflammation Reset: The 28-Day Plan to Reduce Pain, Restore Energy, and Reverse Hidden Inflammation The Reset Series, Book 1 by Ron Yaffe

 The Inflammation Reset: The 28-Day Plan to Reduce Pain, Restore Energy, and Reverse Hidden Inflammation

The Reset Series, Book 1

by Ron Yaffe

Fatigued?  Achy? Brain fog? Weight you can’t lose? The culprit may be inflammation….inflammation that has been building up in the body for years. Inflammation caused by poor diet, stress, toxins, inadequate sleep. The author, a naturopath and functional medicine practitioner, explores the specifics that cause this inflammation and proposes a 28 day plant to reverse it. 

There are specific, realistic recommendations for reversing this trend.  I found the discussion of and plan for diet and exercise particularly instructive, as were the suggestions for specific blood tests to request from your physician.  Now, if only there were some magic to help improve poor sleep. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @victoryeditingngc for the DRC.

*****

Buddhist Practices for Calming Anxiety and Regulating Your Nervous System - Tim Desmond

 Buddhist Practices for Calming Anxiety and Regulating Your Nervous System

 Tim Desmond

Pub. Date: Jan. 12, 2027

This is a valuable introduction to some of the fundamental principles of Buddhism, particularly their relevance to managing anxiety. The concise chapters provide insights into understanding anxiety and practical techniques for dealing with it. 

What struck me while reading this was the overlap between some of the thoughts and practices proposed and the methods employed in cognitive psychology.  I intend to reread this book multiple times to fully grasp the processes and their practical applications. 

Thanks to @Netgally and @w.w.Norton for the DRC.

****

Arendal - Karl Ove Knausgård

 Arendal - Karl Ove Knausgård

Told over a 4-day weekend, the narrative begins on a frigid night in 1976. While on the way home to his wife and two children from a business trip, Syvert’s car breaks down in Arendal. Arendal is a place where he used to summer as a child, where he still has some acquaintances, and where his mother now lives. Forced to spend the night there, his time is filled with memories, thoughts, and fleeting encounters with people known and unknown to him. Overriding all is his mourning for the love of his life from whom he walked away. Is reclaiming that love possible? 

This is the fifth installment in the Morning Star series.  Although it has been recommended to read the entire series in order, I found this standalone novel to be a satisfying read on its own.

Introspective and somewhat morose, Syvert seems to be on a downward spiral of cigarettes, alcohol, memories, and an overwhelming sense of longing and trying to find his place in the world.  His thoughts may haunt the reader for a while after the story concludes. The narrative is a bit mystical with episodes of premonitions and déjà vu. The author skillfully creates an atmospheric and evocative environment, painting a vivid picture of biting cold and relentless weather conditions. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PenguinPress for the DRC.

****

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.

****