Gone in the Night - Helen Phifer

 Gone in the Night - Helen Phifer

Pub.Date: Sept. 29, 2025

She read

This is the sixteenth installment in the Morgan Brookes series by Helen Phifer, an author who is a “must read” for me. While the books in this series do build upon each other, each one can usually be read as a stand-alone. There are a few references to earlier cases and life experiences in this one that may pique the interest of new readers and encourage them to revisit the series from the beginning.

The story begins with the gruesome discovery of a woman’s body, stabbed to death at an isolated campsite. She had shared her location on social media, leading to speculation about whether she had a stalker. When Morgan meets with the woman’s parents, she senses something amiss. The mystery deepens when it is found that the woman’s secret boyfriend is a local policeman. Tragically, another young woman, an influencer known for her constant updates, is found similarly murdered in a pop-up tent. Will Brookes’ team be able to solve the case before another woman falls victim?

The well-plotted story, a bit on the dark side, will keep readers guessing. The suspenseful and fast-paced narrative is incredibly engaging, and I couldn’t put it down. I like Morgan, a smart, capable, empathetic protagonist, and the convivial, teasing collegiality among her team. I also like her strong advocacy for women. Interspersed throughout the tension of the case are moments of biting humor that provide levity and balance. And, oh, the ending! I won’t reveal too many details, but I eagerly anticipate the release of the sequel.

I recommend this book/series for those who enjoy British police procedurals, mysteries, and thrillers featuring capable female detectives with amiable supporting characters.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

*****

The Widow - John Grisham

 The Widow - John Grisham

Pub. Date: Oct. 21, 2025

He and she read

Simon Latch, a struggling lawyer in a small town in Virginia, is on the brink of divorce and facing financial difficulties exacerbated by his gambling habit. An elderly widow claiming to be worth millions approaches him to draw up her will, and he sees an opportunity to finally make some money. When she dies in the hospital while recovering from an accident, Simon is accused of murdering her. The race is on to prove his innocence and find the real culprit. 

John Grisham knows how to weave a captivating tale. This isn’t my favorite of his books, perhaps because I really didn’t like the characters, although they are certainly richly drawn. Yet, I stayed up late into the night because I could not put the book down. 

Touted as his first mystery, there are lots of legal machinations as well. Mystery enthusiasts who like red herrings and twists will find them here. Grisham’s signature ability to capture the essence of small-town America is evident throughout the novel. This is a compelling read that is sure to become another bestseller.

Thanks to @netgalley and @DoubledayBooks for the DRC.

****

The Lines - Matt Brolly

 The Lines - Matt Brolly

Pub. Date: Oct. 15, 2025

She read

I am a fan of Matt Brolly’s DI Louise Blackwell mysteries, and this is the beginning of a new series featuring DI Liam Kilshaw.  Liam is a former Marine with PTSD from a near-drowning experience while in the service. When Liam and his fellow lifeboat volunteers recover the body of a young man drowned along the Cornish coast, it is the beginning of an investigation into the web of intrigue surrounding the county lines drug trade. 

Well plotted and multilayered, there are twists and turns in this suspenseful read, along with a touch of romance. Brolly’s novels are atmospheric and gritty at times, but not graphic. A fast read, I liked some of the new characters introduced and, in particular, the working relationship between Liam and his colleague, Maya. 

This is your opportunity to get in on the beginning of a new character-driven police procedural mystery suspense series.

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

****

Fallen Star -- Lee Goldberg

 Fallen Star - Lee Goldberg

Pub. Date: Oct. 14, 2025

She read

The corpse of a witness in a bribery scheme involving local businessmen and politicians is found encased in a fifty-gallon drum that washes up. A helicopter crashes in the hill below Eve Ronin’s house. Is there a connection?  Oh, and there is a Russian mobster, Eve heroically thwarts a flash mob robbery, and the sheriff, who is trying to take down the mayor, is covering up his own scandal.  

Eve Ronin is a minor celebrity, as some of her actions in the past were caught on video, went viral, and, much to the consternation of some in the LA County Sheriff Department, led to her early promotion to detective.  Much to her dismay, a TV series has been made based on her exploits. She is partnered with experienced detective Duncan “Donuts" Pavone who never passes up the opportunity for food. 

This is the sixth in the Eve Ronin series; I have read all of them. Obviously, I like Lee Goldberg’s writing. His books are well-written, fast-moving, with good character development. I particularly enjoy the humor displayed by some of the characters. While the actions and plots may sometimes stretch the imagination, they are  never too far-fetched.  This would work as a standalone. 

I enjoy the crossovers of other of Goldberg's characters that he includes. In this book, Eve has the opportunity to work with Sharpe and Walker, arson investigators from another of his popular series. Eve has appeared in some of the Sharpe and Walker installments. 

Incidentally, in a case of life imitating art, work has begun on an Eve Ronin TV series; the network to be announced. 

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

****

92 Quick & Healthy Recipes for Every Day - Maryna Verbyk

 92 Quick & Healthy Recipes for Every Day - Maryna Verbyk

She read

Pub. Date: Aug. 21, 2025

Note: I had an Advanced Reader copy and there were only 53 recipes in my copy; my review is based on this.

Quick, easy, and healthy. That is for me. I loved this cookbook.  All of the recipes take less than 35 minutes to make and the number of ingredients needed for each one was not overwhelming. The approximate calories are listed.There are quite a few vegetarian options and I appreciated that those that required butter or oil only used small amounts. 

I have not had time to try any yet, but my priorities will be chicken avocado wraps (I grow my own avocados), garlic butter shrimp with rice, BBQ chicken flatbread, quick lemon garlic salmon, salmon with dill yogurt sauce, caprese stuffed chicken, and sweet potato black been tacos.  

This is my kind of cookbook…quick, easy, and healthy

Thanks to @NetGalley and #VictoryEditing for the DRC.

*****

The Proving Ground - Michael Connelly

 The Proving Ground - Michael Connelly

Pub. Date: Oct. 21, 2025

She read

Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, is back. Only this time he drives an electric sedan, reserving a Lincoln for special occasions. He is litigating civil law, not criminal. For those familiar with the series, Cisco, Lorna, and Maggie return as well.

A high school student has killed his former girlfriend after the chatbot he had established a relationship with validated his actions. Mickey is representing the victim's mother, who sues the chatbot company for damages, admission of complicity, and an apology. All of the plaintiffs and witnesses are in danger because there is a lot at stake for the AI business. How far will they go to end the case, and how will Mickey navigate the treacherous landscape of this unregulated technology to find a resolution to the case?

Michael Connelly is  another author whose books I have been reading for more years than I care to admit to. He has never disappointed. This is another five-star read, sure to be a best seller.

As  usual, this is well written with a clever, credible plot. It is relevant to our times, dealing with the controversy surrounding AI as well as  the LA fires as a subplot. This was an engrossing read.  I couldn’t put it down, staying up late into the night to finish. Suspenseful, with nail-biting twists and turns, I also learned more about the workings of AI. 

I love Mickey’s scheming, or should I say, strategizing, when he takes on a case. As a Connelly enthusiast, I enjoyed the references to Harry Bosch, Harry's daughter, and Renée Ballard.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the  DRC.

*****

Guilty by Definition - Susie Dent

 Guilty by Definition - Susie Dent

Pub. Date: Sept. 30, 2025

She read

Martha to grapple with the loss. Seeking solace, Martha fled to Germany but has now returned to Oxford, where she works at the Clarendon English Dictionary (CED). When a series of postcards and letters are delivered to CED and individual staff members with cryptic hints about secrets related to Charlie’s disappearance, it is up to Martha and her colleagues to unravel the mystery behind these enigmatic writings by decoding puzzles hidden within the correspondence. 

This well-crafted debut novel shows a deep appreciation for linguistics. As in any compelling mystery, there are twists, turns, secrets, and hidden clues that must be interpreted. I enjoyed the character development and the camaraderie among the puzzle solvers. 

If you have an appreciation for etymology, puzzles, literature, and mysteries that are more cerebral than action-packed, this book is for you. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookmarked for the DRC.

****

End Game - Jeffrey Archer

 End Game - Jeffrey Archer

Pub. Date: Sept. 24, 2025

She Read (will recommend it to him)

I have been reading books by Jeffrey Archer for more years than I would like to admit. This is the eighth and final installment in his William Warwick series, which I’ve read three of previously. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the entire series provides a comprehensive perspective on the characters.

Set in 2012, the London Olympics are about to commence, as are the nightmares for Commander William Warwick, head of Scotland Yard’s elite team. International forces conspire to sabotage the games, thus damaging Britain’s reputation.  

With a well crafted plot and well developed characters, this is an engrossing, fast-paced read. It is suspenseful and thrilling; just as one catastrophe is avoided, another emerges. 

There are 22 incidents in the book. Archer claims that 13 of them really occurred unbeknownst to the public. However, the true nature of these incidents remains a mystery, leaving readers eager to know the truth.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @HarperCollins360 for the DRC.

*****

One Fatal Flaw - Anne Perry

 One Fatal Flaw - Anne Perry

Published 2020

She read

This has been on my TBR for quite a while. It’s the third installment in the Daniel Pitt series by Anne Perry. Although I’ve read the series in an unconventional order, starting with numbers 4 and 6 first, this is the third book I’ve read. Daniel Pitt is the barrister son of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, the main characters in another Perry series.

A criminal is found dead in a fire, and another is accused of his murder. At the request of the accused’s girlfriend, Daniel convinces his firm to take on the case. He enlists the help of well-respected forensic expert Sir Barnabas Saltram, who testifies that the victim's broken skull was caused by the fire, not a blow to the head. After he is acquitted, the formerly accused dies under the same circumstances, and Daniel and his friend, Miriam fford Croft, someone also knowledgeable in forensics, are convinced Sir Barnabas is incorrect and set out to prove it. Will they regret crossing Sir Barnabas?

With an intriguing plot but inconsistent pace, this was another entertaining read by Perry, who has since passed away. Her detailed, descriptive language paints a strong picture of the characters and their environments, and there is fascinating insight into the life and times of early twentieth-century London. The characters, except, of course, for the villains, are charming. I especially liked the female protagonists, strong individuals on their own and proponents of women’s suffrage. Unfortunately, due to the times, they are held back from exhibiting their full worth. 

Thanks to @Netgalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC. 

****

The Alpenhaus - Cherilyn Christen Clough

The Alpenhaus -  Cherilyn Christen Clough

She read

This is the first in what is to be an historical fiction series, Where Lost Dreams Awaken, inspired by the lives of Amalia Grob and Peter Britt. 

In 1840s Glarus, Switzerland, Amalia meets Peter. Even though she is just approaching her teens, she knows she loves him and wants to marry him. Unfortunately, in those days, a young woman had to have her father’s permission to marry.  Herr Grob is a stern, devout man who wants his daughter to make the best match possible to secure her future, and Peter is not it. As she matures, Amalia’s love for Peter only grows. When her father learns of their plans to marry, he forbids it, and she ends up marrying her cousin, Karl Grob. Meanwhile, the destructive foehn winds wreak havoc on the livelihoods of many in the local community, prompting some to seek salvation in emigration to America.

Atmospheric, beautifully descriptive, and well researched, the author paints an accurate portrait of those times. As a Swiss descendant with numerous visits to Switzerland, I was impressed by the enduring relevance of many of the traditions depicted in the book. Indeed, I find myself indulging in a slice of birnbrot whenever I return to the country.

For a captivating and immersive narrative that delves into the life of the Swiss mountains in the 19th century, accompanied by a heartwarming true-life romance saga, don’t miss this charming read. I look forward to the next installment, eager to read of the remarkable journeys of Amalia Grob and Peter Britt, who went on to become a noted photographer and vintner in Oregon.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @ibpalovesindies for the DRC.

*****

And To All a Good Bite - David Rosenfelt

 And to All a Good Bite - David Rosenfelt

Pub. Date: Oct. 14

She read

Two years ago, Jeff Wheeler’s soon-to-be fiancée tragically lost her life in a gas explosion at her office. Jeff arrived at the scene right after the explosion but was only able to save a caged puppy he found in the lobby and later adopted. Consumed by grief and anger, he blamed his girlfriend’s boss for her death and never let go of his accusation. Now, he has been charged with killing that man and seeks out reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter to take his case. 

This is the 32nd in the mystery/legal thriller series featuring the irascible but somehow charming Paterson, New Jersey-based attorney Andy Carpenter. Independently wealthy, he and his wife, a retired member of the police department, operate the Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. Surrounded by a support system of colorful characters to assist, Andy takes on occasional legal cases when he thinks the accused is innocent.  

This installment has a well-paced and engaging plot. What truly sets Rosenfelt’s writing apart is his ability to infuse humor throughout his stories, particularly through Andy’s witty and sarcastic remarks. This is one of the few series I have ever read (and I have read many) that always has me laughing out loud. This is an entertaining blend of mystery and legal thriller with comedic elements. What more could you ask for?

As a side note, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt, he and his wife actually have a real-life Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They’ve rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not adore this author?

Thanks to @NetGalley and  @StMartinsPress @minotaur_Books for the DRC.

*****

Ghosts - Dolly Alderton

 Ghosts - Dolly Alderton

Pub. 2021

She read

In her early thirties, Nina and her friend Lola are the only ones of her group who are not married and starting families. She meets Max on a dating app and all goes well until he ghosts her after telling her he loves her. Amidst the heartbreak, she is also grappling with her beloved father’s descent into dementia.

This well crafted, captivating read may not be a recent release, but it remains relatable to women who have navigated the complexities of the dating scene and faced the challenges of caring for aging parents.

The narrative weaves a tapestry of emotions, evoking both sadness and hope with moments of humor that provide levity amidst the poignant observations about societal expectations on women and the aging process. The description of her father’s deterioration is painfully authentic for anyone who has experienced the anguish of witnessing a family member’s decline. While the story takes a weird twist near the end, it ultimately veers back on track and delivers a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @aaknopf for a digital copy.

****

Sharp Force - Patricia Cornwell

 Sharp Force - Patricia Cornwell

Pub. Date: Oct. 7, 2025

She read

The Phantom Slasher, a serial killer who uses advanced technology to terrorize before killing his victims, has claimed another casualty, someone Dr. Kay Scarpetta knew years ago. Kay and her Secret Service husband, Benton, cancel their Christmas trip to Europe to investigate.

Although this is the 29th in the series featuring Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta and her supporting cast, it would work as a standalone. The atmospheric settings create a spooky backdrop for the story. A fast, engrossing read, it is very scary in terms of what AI and advanced technology might hold for us in the future. I did find the ending a bit rushed. 

I get upset when professionals violate ethical standards in a story and was disappointed when Benton and Kay crossed a line by invading someone’s privacy. I lost a bit of respect for them and do wonder if there will be repercussions in future installments of this series. 

Fans of this series will welcome this new addition. Others new to it are in for a thrilling ride. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and #Grandcentralpublishing for the DRC.

****