Her Last Kiss - Lisa Regan

 Her Last Kiss - Lisa Regan

Pub. Date: Oct. 20, 2026

She read

It has been thirteen years since Sylvia West was the sole survivor of “The Last Kiss” serial killer. She has finally agreed to an interview with Detective Josie Quinn’s journalistic twin sister, Tiffany. When Josie drives Tiffany to a follow-up interview with the survivor, she finds Sylvia’s strangled body with the killer’s signature lipstick mark and the house in flames. 

Over the years, the killer has struck throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and when another victim is found in Josie’s hometown of Denton, she must delve into those other cases to uncover clues as to the motivation and identity of the culprit. 

This is the twenty-fifth in the Detective Josie Quinn series, and I have read many of them. This can work as a standalone, however, as author Lisa Regan does an excellent job of filling in background information on the main players. In fact, each installment offers deeper insights into their histories and personalities.

This is yet another page-turner from Regan. It is difficult not to repeat the same accolades for this narrative as given to the prior ones, yet each story is unique and compelling. Well written, the suspense and suspicions mount as the plot progresses. And, oh, those twists!

I like how the repeating characters show growth and change with time and experience. Josie, despite all the travails she has met with in her life, is a strong, intelligent, though vulnerable woman. The introduction of Wren, a teenager Josie and her husband Noah are guardians of, provides opportunities for them to strengthen their relationship, grow as parents, and explore the impact of their backgrounds on their personalities.

Detective Turner, a relatively new and annoying character nicknamed “Douchbag” by Josie, reveals even more of his history and abilities and perhaps even some chance to redeem himself with the team.

If you’re a fan of well-written, character-driven, fast-paced police procedurals and thrillers, and you’re not familiar with author Lisa Regan, I highly recommend this book and series. I eagerly anticipate the next installment! 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BookOuture for the DRC. 

*****

The Little Lodge in Lapland - Annabel French

 The Little Lodge in Lapland - Annabel French

Pub. Date: Nov. 5, 2026

She read

Violet, an event planner in the UK, wins a December holiday in a charming lodge nestled in Lapland.  Despite a tumultuous encounter with a local named Rasmus, she can’t help but notice his striking appearance. As they get to know each other, with Rasmus showing her around the breathtaking countryside and Violet assisting him with a cause close to his heart, she falls for him and the wonderful community she discovers in this little town. Would she be willing to give up her uninspiring life in the UK, knowing that she can run her business from anywhere, to be part of this close community?

Although I am not a big romance reader, I enjoy Annabel French’s Floating Shop series and wanted to try something from her European Escapes series. I was not disappointed.

This is a sweet, enchanting romance with colorful characters and a captivating setting. It was so descriptively atmospheric that I went and made myself a cup of hot spiced chai even though it was 90 degrees outside at the time.

As in her other books, the location becomes a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the beauty and magic of the area. With vivid descriptions, the reader is transported to the beauty and magic of the Lapland setting. The enchanting atmosphere of this little town left me yearning for more.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

****

Bleed - Robin Cook

 Bleed - Robin Cook

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2026

She read

Jack Stapleton is a former ophthalmologist turned pathologist for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for New York City; his wife, Laurie Montgomery, is the Chief Medical Examiner. Jack finds himself entangled in a medical mystery when a former colleague, facing a lawsuit, seeks his assistance. The case revolves around a patient who succumbed to an infection following eye surgery. As Jack delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a disturbing pattern: the hospital where the surgery took place has been acquired by a profit-driven equity firm, and there have been an alarming number of other deaths attributed to infections at the facility.

The CEO of the equity firm, driven by a desperate need to raise capital to settle his divorce settlement and evade arrest, will stop at nothing to stay out of jail, and soon lives are in danger.

This is the 16th in the Jack Stapleton Laurie Montgomery series. It is the third I have read. It would work well as a standalone.

This is another fast-paced, engrossing medical thriller by best-selling author Robin Cook, who has been writing such tales since 1977. The book is filled with action, intersecting storylines, and a compelling theme that explores the detrimental impact of greedy corporations on American medicine. The narrative provides detailed information about bicycle routes in NYC, which is not as captivating as the medical mysteries, and there is some technical medical information which might be intriguing to some readers; others may be prone to skim over them. 

The protagonists are likable, well-developed characters. The theme of the book is alarmingly relevant.

****

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PutnamBooks for the DRC.

The Hollow - Michael Connelly

 The Hollow - Michael Connelly

Pub. Date: Oct. 27, 2026

She read

LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, now retired, spent a significant part of his childhood as a ward of the state at MacLaren’s Children’s center, a horrific and abusive environment. As a result of a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit, Harry, along with other former residents, is entitled to a substantial settlement. Harry doesn’t want the money, he just wants to solve the covered -up murder of a friend of his killed while at MacLaren. As Harry investigates, he relives some of his years at that institution while pursuing a diabolical fellow internee. Simultaneously, he becomes involved in a secondary, intertwined storyline involving the FBI’s search for some stolen weapons. 

For fans of Michael Connelly, this book is a quadruple treat. Not only is Bosch back, but we also have Ballard, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, and Harry’s daughter Maddie, although they play supporting roles.  Harry is the true star of this narrative.

The 26th installment in this series, it does work well as a standalone. However, if you have been following Bosch for a few years, I believe it will enhance your enjoyment of this read.

The book employs dual timelines, alternating between the present day and Harry’s past years following his mother’s death. Through the earlier timeline, readers gain more insight into Bosch’s formative history. Now older and retired, is doing some bird watching and is the recent recipient of a knee replacement. He may have slowed down physically, but he is as mentally sharp as ever.

Michael Connelly is one of the first authors of mysteries that I started following years ago. He is a master story teller. This, as is his past books, is well plotted with compelling story lines.

The action and unraveling of the mysteries unfold swiftly, building tension throughout the narrative. Harry is a great character…his grumpiness, his desire for justice, his view that “everybody counts or nobody counts”, his disregard for always following protocol.  He is a true maverick. I want fictional time to stop so that Harry remains with us for many more years.

As the author’s notes reveal, many of the events and locations in this story are real, although the characters and their actions fictional.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.

*****

Bring Them Home - Carolyn Arnold

 Bring Them Home - Carolyn Arnold

Pub.Date: Aug.  27, 2026

A husband, wife and daughter are missing. Detective Amanda Steele has a personal connection to the case as the husband is her daughter’s teacher. Video evidence emerges of an abduction. As Amanda and partner, Trent, investigate they are at a loss as to motive. After the charred remains of a body are discovered in a field, they uncover a clue related to another missing person from a ten year old cold case.

This is the sixteenth installment in the Prince William County (VA) Detective Amanda Steele series and I have read many of them. It can be read as a standalone as the author does a good job of filling in background information, including Amanda’s past history and references to some other cases she has worked.

This is yet another of Carolyn Arnold’s fast-paced, suspenseful mysteries. I always reserve one of her books for a day when I have nothing scheduled, knowing that I won’t be able to put it down. Arnold knows how to capture and maintain her readers’ interest.

Amanda, despite an earlier tragedy in her life, is a strong, capable, independent female protagonist. While she can be tough when necessary, she is also compassionate and empathetic. Amanda and Trent make a great investigative team and the their undeclared attraction for each other adds a layer of tension to the story. Their camaraderie is quite entertaining.

If you’re a fan of police procedurals or mysteries with well-crafted plots, good pacing, and strong character development, I highly recommend this book and series.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the  DRC.

*****

The Swiss Agent - Anna Pitoniak

 The Swiss Agent - Anna Pitoniak

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2026

She read

When Amanda Cole, the CIA station chief in Rome, learns of a suspicious death in Capri and suspects a betrayal by a NATO official, she enlists the help of Kath Frost, a seasoned but unconventional CIA operative.

The investigation takes Kath back to Switzerland, where she harbors a questionable past that she initially refuses to divulge to Amanda. The story weaves together elements of Russian oligarchs, Kremlin deceit, secret Swiss bank accounts, and the looming fear that Kath has gone rogue.

This is the second installment in this series, the first being The Helsinki Affair which I read and enjoyed.  This story would work as a standalone, however. 

Told in three timelines, the early 70s, early 90s, and today, don’t expect an action packed thriller, but rather this is a character driven, slow reveal. As the narrative shifts among the timelines, it provides insights into the background and motivations of the main characters. Along the way, there are twists and turns.

This has a decent plot and not a lot of violence; what little occurs is not overly graphic. Although spy fiction is not my go genre, I continue to enjoy this female-centric spy series.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Simonbooks for the DRC.

****

A River Remembers - Lee Clark

 A River Remembers - Lee Clark

Pub. Date: Sept. 1, 2026

She read

When forensic entomologist Tegan McFarland returns to her hometown to bury the aunt who raised her, local authorities seek her expertise in examining the body of a murdered woman well known to Tegan. Soon it is discovered that her aunt was also murdered, and a third killing is suspect. As Tegan collaborates with the new sheriff in town, long-held family secrets are unveiled, and she finds that her own life may be in danger. 

This is the first installment of a new series by indie author Lee Clark. Clark’s atmospheric writing captures the essence of a small southern town as the mystery unfolds and secrets are revealed. The story is filled with red herrings and unexpected twists.

This may be the first book I have read that featured a forensic entomologist! I like the consistent use of chapter titles that relate to the content of each chapter. The development of the relationship between Tegan and the sheriff is intriguing, and I have to wonder if something will spark between them in the future. 

As the first book in a series, this book left me wanting to read more.  I am looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @ibpalovesindies for the DRC.

****