Hope Rises - David Baldacci

 Hope Rises - David Baldacci

Pub. Date: April 14, 2025

She read

This is the second installment in the new Walter Nash series, which concludes the cliffhanger ending of the first book.

 Walter has completed his transformation into a new identity, Dillon Hope, and is collaborating with the FBI to take down Victoria Steers, the head of a crime syndicate and the woman responsible for the murder of his daughter. Posing as her bodyguard to glean information for her ultimate destruction, he develops an unexpected attachment to her.

Intricately plotted, there are twists, turns, and deceit in this thriller. 

Baldacci has mastered the hero’s quest for retribution and justice, crafting well-developed characters whose motivations are easily comprehendible. While the story strains credulity at times, it remains a suspenseful, action-packed, gripping, and entertaining read.

While this could work as a standalone, I recommend reading the first in the series, Nash Falls, for a deeper understanding of unfolding events.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GrandcentralPub for the DRC.

****

The Perfect Girl - Andy Maslen

The Perfect Girl - Andy Maslen

Pub. Date: March 31, 2026

She read

The body of university student Rosie Duggan, described as “a perfect girl” is found fallen from the roof of a car park. Although many are willing to ascribe it to a suicide, DS Kat Ballantyne is not convinced that it wasn’t homicide. As she and her partner investigate they find no shortage of possible suspects. They discover that Rosie is not the only “perfect girl” who has met a tragic end, and when another body turns up, they are certain they are dealing with murders.

This is the sixth book is the Kat Ballantyne series. While I am familiar with Andy Maslen’s Inspector Ford books, this is the first I have read in the Ballantyne series.  It works well as a stand alone.

This is a fast- paced, page turner and a solid police procedural. I like Kat; she is a strong, capable female protagonist and her partner, Tomski,  a serious assistant and support to Kat. Although I don’t try to, I did figure out the culprit early in the story, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story. The ending did leave things a bit up in the air.

I enjoyed this read and will definitely look for the next installment. 

Thanks to @NetGalley, @AmazonPublishing, #ThomasandMercer for the  DRC.

****

 

The Dangerous Shore - Sara Vladic

 The Dangerous Shore - Sara Vladic

Pub. Date: March 10, 2026

She read

Subtitled “How a Motley Crew of Scientists, Mobsters, Double Agents, Retirees, Volunteer Pilots (and a Boy Scout) Stopped the Invasion of America,” this comprehensive account delves into the assault on America during World War II. Readers will gain valuable insights into the buildup to America’s entry into the war, German U-boat activity off our coast, and Japanese attacks on American land during the war.

Unprepared for this assault on American shipping, this chronicle of how a group of Civil Air Patrol, other civilians, and even the Mafia united to defend our shores is fascinating. It also offers insight into the arduous task of cryptologists both in the United States and in Britain in deciphering the secret codes of the enemy. The extensive research that went into this book is truly impressive. Some of the dubious actions of the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover demonstrate how in our present times, some things haven’t changed.

History buffs and World War II enthusiasts will relish this account. For others, it provides a glimpse into significant aspects of our history about which many people are unaware. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @WilliamMorrowBooks for the DRC.

****

Buzz Books spring/summer 2026

 Buzz Books spring/summer 2026

She read

This is a sampler of books being published spring/summer 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 spring/summer. Looks like I am “booked” through the summer.

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

*****

Dead Woman Walking - Carolyn Arnold

 Dead Woman Walking - Carolyn Arnold

Pub. Date: Feb. 25, 2026

She read

 Prince William County (VA) Detective Amanda Steele is contacted by her half brother because the woman he has been seeing, Christine Lane, a realtor, is missing. Amanda and her detective partner Trent discover her dead body in a house that she was supposed to show a potential buyer. Naturally, suspicion falls on the lover of the victim and the pressure is on for Amanda to prove that her half brother, with whom she has a rocky relationship, is innocent.

The possible motive for the killing expands when Amanda meets the high powered defense attorney who owns the house. Could Christine have been the victim of mistaken identity?

Although this is the fifteenth in the Amanda Steele series and I have read many of them, it can be read as a standalone. Carolyn Arnold’s writing is known for  fast-paced, suspenseful mysteries, and 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.

Amanda is a strong, capable, independent female protagonist. Although she can be tough when needed, she has compassion and empathy in her heart. Despite their undeclared attraction for each other, Amanda and Trent make a great investigative team. 

If you’re a fan of police procedurals with well-written, flowing stories and good character development, I highly recommend checking out this series. 

Thanks to  @NetGallely and @Bookouture for the DRC.

*****

Someday This Will Be a Funny Story - Nora Ephron

Someday This Will Be a Funny Story - Nora Ephron

Pub. Date: March 10, 2026

She read

Nora Ephron was successful as an author, screenwriter, journalist, playwright, and film director.  She left this world all too soon in 2012. For those new to her work, it includes such classics as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and Silkwood. This book is a collection of short essays based on her writings.

Her observations and words of wisdom are humorous, inspiring, meaningful, poignant, and incredibly enjoyable. Having read most of her books, I was reminded of how brilliantly witty she was. My only disappointment is that this collection could have been longer, as she had so many relatable and insightful thoughts to share. 

Someday This Will Be a Funny Story would make a great gift to give a good friend or a significant woman in your life. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @aaKnopf for the DRC.

*****

 

Want to Know a Secret ? - Freida McFadden

 Want to Know a Secret?  - Freida McFadden

Pub. Date: March 3, 2026

She read

This is another psychological thriller by best selling author Frieda McFadden that turns things upside down. It is told from three perspectives, first from April’s and then from “best” friend’s Julie, and finally from a surprising third person. This unique format keeps the reader guessing, as the story initially takes one direction before revealing another. Who is the true villain here? The twist at the end, though a bit over-the-top, is amusing.

As I was reading this story, I kept thinking of it as mean girls become adults and move to Long Island. 

Fans of McFadden and what I refer to as “popcorn thrillers” will welcome this addition to her body of work. While some may find the first part of the book a bit slow, repetitive and the characters exaggerated, it’s worth persevering for the second part. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for the DRC.

****

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for the DRC.