Watch Us Fall - Christina Kovac

 Watch Us Fall - Christina Kovac

Pub. Date: Dec. 2, 2025

She read

Four friends from college who refer to themselves as “The Sweeties” share a beloved, somewhat decrepit house in Georgetown. Three of them are from wealthy families, but Lucy is not and, unbeknownst to the others, created a fictional background for herself. She is closest to Addie, who has just broken up with Josh, a rising star in the world of media and son of a former candidate for President. When Josh goes missing, the girls band together to try to discover what happened to him. The question is, can they trust each other? 

This psychological thriller is a study in grief, obsession, and self-delusion. There are twists, turns, and red herrings in the narrative. Atmospheric, the description of the snowstorm had me reaching for a warm blanket! The fast-paced writing is totally engrossing.  I didn’t want to put the book down, reading late into the night to finish it.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @SimonBooks for the DRC.  

****

Silent Bones - Val McDermid

 Silent Bones - Val McDermid

Pub. Date: Dec. 2, 2025

DCI Karen Pirie, Chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit, and her team are confronted with two chilling cold cases. A mudslide triggered by torrential rains uncovers the skeletal remains of an investigative journalist, long presumed to have murdered his fiancée and vanished. It transpires that he was murdered shortly after his fiancée, and the search intensifies to uncover the motive behind their deaths, which may have been related to one of his ongoing investigations.

When the brother of a man who supposedly died in an accidental fall turns up with evidence that it might not have been an accident after all, the team has its second case to investigate. 

Val McDermid is one of my go-to authors. This is the eighth in her Karen Pirie series; it is the fifth that I have read. It would work as a stand-alone.

McDermid’s signature style is evident in this cleverly plotted, engrossing, and fast-paced read, filled with secrets, twists, and turns. I enjoyed learning a bit about Scottish politics and some of the procedures that are unique to their justice system. 

I enjoy the main character, Pirie. She is portrayed as strong, intelligent, empathetic, and vulnerable. In her quest for truth and justice for victims’ families, she often makes no friends. DS Jason Murray, affectionately known as “The Mint”, is endearing.  DS Daisy can be both earnest and flippant. 

These complex cases lead to a thought-provoking ending that raises questions about the reality of seeking justice in the world of cold cases. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic @AtlanticCrime for the DRC.

*****

Gull and Bones - Sally Goldenbaum

 Gull and Bones - Sally Goldenbaum

Pub. Date: Nov. 25, 2025

She read

In the charming town of Sea Harbor, the popular resident Angus McPherron is about to turn 100, and the Seaside Knitters are planning a grand celebration. When Angus is discovered dead before the big day, the town is in mourning. The situation takes a darker turn when his close friend, Father Northcutt, is found bludgeoned unconscious in Angus’ cottage. Further investigation reveals that Angus had been poisoned, leaving the town in shock and disbelief.

Who would have done that to Angus? Could it be the enigmatic Annie who suddenly appeared in town, took a liking to Angus, and enjoyed brewing him special tea?  Or is there another culprit lurking in the shadows?

This is the eighth in the Seaside Knitters series. It is the first I have read. Although it did work as a standalone, I think it would have helped to have read some prior installments to provide more familiarity with the characters.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this book. There is also a lot of chitchat among them that seems to go on and on, and I think sometimes my eyes glazed over reading it. The emphasis in the book is more on the interaction among the townspeople than the actual mystery. 

Readers who like cozy small-town tales will enjoy this. For others, it may not be quite your cup of tea, which, yes, is a reference to the story!!!!!

There is a knitting pattern and a recipe included at the end of the book for readers’ further entertainment and perhaps inspiration.

Thanks to @Netgalley and @kensingtonBooks and #KensingtonCozies for the DRC.

***

Her Buried Past - Carolyn Arnold

 Her Buried Past - Carolyn Arnold

Her Buried Past - Carolyn Arnold

Pub. Date: Oct. 16, 2025

Detective Madison Knight has returned from her honeymoon to a new boss and a chilling case. Sidney Callahan, a past life therapist, has been brutally murdered in her remote home. Sidney was not just a therapist; she also ran retreats and was about to release a book featuring some of her historic cases. Could the murderer be someone close to Sidney, a disgruntled client, or someone unwilling to have their past life exposed?  Madison and her partner, Terry, find themselves in danger as they investigate the case.

This is the fourteenth installment in the Madison Knight series; it can be read as a standalone. I love Carolyn Arnold’s police procedurals and although Madison is not the most likable character, I understand her. She  sometimes comes off as curt and abrasive because she is so focused. She can be impetuous and tenacious.  Despite those flaws,  she is good at her job and has a strong sense of responsibility and justice. Fortunately,  Terry tempers that impetuousness when necessary.

Cleverly plotted, this is another addictive read by Arnold. She always pulls in her readers’ attention and doesn’t let go. There are twists, turns, and revelations in this suspenseful story. Flashbacks move the plot along, while smooth writing keep the pace flowing. 

If unfamiliar with Arnold’s writing, fans of police procedurals, crime novels, mysteries should check out this series as well as some of her others. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HibbertandStiles for the DRC.

****

At Midnight Comes the Cry - Julia Spencer-Fleming

 At Midnight Comes the Cry - Julia Spencer-Fleming

Pub. Date: Nov. 18, 2025

She read

Millers Kill Reverend Clare Ferguson and husband Russ Van Alstyne, recently retired as police chief,  and both military veterans, attend a Christmas parade when a white supremacist participant and others’ response to him escalates into a fight that Russ breaks up. Clare reaches out to the man’s wife, and the couple soon find themselves in danger as they investigate a local militia. 

This is the tenth in a series;  I have read only one prior installment. This would work as a stand alone. 

The writing is well-crafted, and the story engaging. Spencer-Fleming effectively captures the essence of small-town upstate New York. In referring to the supporting characters, the author frequently alternates between using their first and last names; initially, I had to pay close attention to distinguish who was who. When the manhunt moves outdoors and the militia is being tracked, there is a lot of run on detail and I found myself skimming a bit. 

Despite these minor issues, the topic of the story is important and timely. It’s also a bit frightening because it reflects reality.

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

****

Evil Bones - Kathy Reichs

 Evil Bones - Kathy Reichs

Pub. Date: Nov. 18, 2025

She read

Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan encounters pure evil when someone begins freakishly decorating and tacking up small dead animals in Charlotte, North Carolina. After the most recent display includes a dog, Temperance correctly anticipates that the culprit will start using human victims. Putting herself in danger, she works with detective “Skinny” Slidell to stop this horrifying criminal before there are more casualties.

This is the 24th installment in Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series.  While I’ve read most, if not all, of them, I believe this book could stand alone as Reichs does provide background information on recurring characters.

Reading another “Bones” novel is like visiting with an old friend.  A highly intelligent one who is prone to placing herself in perilous situations.

Be forewarned that there are grisly, sometimes graphically descriptive and disturbing passages in this narrative, as well as animal cruelty. 

I enjoy  Reichs’ writing. It is intelligent, and she has a knack for using words effectively. Tempe’s witty observations infuse the story with a dark sense of humor.  I always gain new insights from the “Bones” novels, whether it’s in the realm of forensic pathology or related to the plot. Reichs is a master at building suspense at the end of each chapter with tantalizing teasers that compel the reader to eagerly turn the page.

This is a fast-paced, engrossing read. While it does conclude abruptly, all the necessary explanations are provided in the final chapter. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @ScribnerBooks for the DRC.

****

Every Last One - Carolyn Arnold

 Every Last One - Carolyn Arnold

Pub. Date:  Nov. 18, 2025

She read

When a hospital is taken seize by gunmen and placed on lock down, FBI Special Agent Sandra Vos is called in to negotiate. All communication has been cut off and the lives of patients and professionals are in danger including a young girl about to undergo a life-saving heart transplant with a limited time for the surgery. Sandra’s personal tragedy—her brother’s death at the hands of a hostage taker—haunts her during every negotiation, pushing her to succeed with minimal collateral damage. Meanwhile, the police race to identify the gunmen and uncover their motive.

Carolyn Arnold is one of my go-to authors.  With over thirty books spanning six series and diverse genres, including strong police procedurals, cozy mysteries, and adventure novels, she’s a master of suspenseful storytelling.

This the second installment in a new series by Arnold. It can be read as a standalone and is yet another gripping thriller by her. I read it in one day as I couldn’t put it down. As the tension escalates, the human stories of the hostages and the hostage takers tugs at the heartstrings. 

Sandra is a strong, capable and likable protagonist, and her support team is equally appealing. I particularly liked how the investigators were able to identify the culprits and their motivations. While I don’t want to spoil the plot, there’s a concerning and relevant theme here that resonates with many people in the United States today.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

*****

Murder in Mykonos - Jeffrey Siger

 Murder in Mykonos - Jeffrey Siger

Release Date: November 18, 2025

She read

Athenian detective Andreas Kaldis has been removed from his position in that city and assigned as police chief on Mykonos. His new job takes an unexpected turn when the discovery of the remains of a female tourist leads to the gruesome finding of more bodies and the revelation that there has been a serial killer at work on the island. When another young woman tourist goes missing, the race is on to find her and save her from a tortuous death. There is no shortage of suspects, and the search is hampered by the political desire to keep news of a serial killer suppressed lest it affect the reputation of and thus business on the island.

Originally published in 2008, this is the first in a fourteen-book series featuring Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis. It is being re-released in November 2025.

This was a suspenseful and riveting read. The picturesque setting of the island of Mykonos almost felt like its own character. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the island’s topography and cultural history. I also liked  Chief Inspector, Kaldis, who was one of the few likable characters in the story. However, the corruption, some of the police tactics, and the treatment of females were off-putting, and the narrative was a bit too graphic for my taste.

Some have said that this series is for fans of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri. I do enjoy both of these authors and their detectives, but I am not sure if this series is truly for me, although I am willing to try another one.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @SevernHouseImprint for the DRC.

***

Nash Falls - David Baldacci

 Nash Falls - David Baldacci

Pub. Date: Nov. 11, 2025

She read

Walter Nash, the reserved acquisitions leader for Sybaritic Investments, has worked tirelessly to achieve success, often sacrificing time with his family. Estranged from his father, he confronts some harsh realities when attending the man’s funeral and later is approached by the FBI to help expose illegal activities within his company. Soon his life spirals out of control, he faces tragic loss, and he must reinvent himself.

Baldacci has mastered the unassuming hero seeking retribution and justice. While the story strains credulity at times, it remains a suspenseful, action-packed, gripping ride. I won’t reveal any spoilers about the ending except to mention that this is billed as the first book in the Walter Nash series.  It’s undoubtedly going to be another bestseller.

Thanks to @Netgalley and @GrandCentralPub for the DRC.

****

False Witness - Phillip Margolin

 False Witness - Phillip  Margolin

Pub. Date: Nov. 11, 2025

She read

Attorney Karen Wyatt was framed by crooked police officers and a DA and imprisoned.  After exposing the corruption, she was exonerated, won a huge settlement and has returned to practicing law. She takes on the case of a man accused of stealing a Jaguar and killing the owner. Is he guilty or was it a set up? Then there is the congressman who went missing and claimed to have been abducted by aliens, financial shenanigans by the murder victim, a desperado motorcycle Gang, and it seems there is still corruption within the DAs office.

Over four decades since his debut novel, Phillip Margolin continues to captivate readers with his storytelling. This mystery/crime story/legal thriller has a plot that moves along at a brisk pace that keeps the reader engaged.  Initially, multiple storylines appear to diverge, but Margolin skillfully weaves them together by the end.

While I’m uncertain if this will be a new series to accompany Margolin’s popular Robin Lockwood series,  I do like the character of Karen, particularly her sense of fairness and justice, as well as her intelligence.  I also enjoyed her investigator, Morris, a former police officer. 

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

****

As They Lay Sleeping - Wendy Dranfield

 As They Lay Sleeping - Wendy Dranfield

Pub. Date: Nov. 6, 2025

She read

Madison Harper, a detective who spent years wrongly incarcerated, and her fiancé, Nate, a private investigator, are about to be married when a shot rings out at the ceremony, killing their officiant. The next day, Madison is assigned the double homicide of a mother and her young daughter, while Nate investigates the disappearance of a woman thirty years ago. 

This is the ninth in the Detective Madison Harper series; I have read three of them. This works as a standalone, although the main characters have significant histories that are only hinted at in this installment.

This is another suspenseful page-turner with twists and unexpected revelations. It is fast paced as Madison and her team race to prevent any further bloodshed. There are both multi- and interwoven plot lines, with some flashbacks that provide background.  Just a warning: get ready to meet some pretty despicable people. 

Wendy Dranfield’s Madison Harper has become another on my “must-read” list. I look forward to the next installment

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

****

Queen Esther - Clifford Irving

 Queen Esther - Clifford Irving

Pub. Date: Nov. 4, 2025

He and She read

Viennese-born and Jewish, Esther Nacht is an orphan who lost her father during his emigration to the US and her mother to anti-Semites in Portland, Maine. Through St. Cloud’s orphanage in that state, she is accepted into the New Hampshire Winslow family to care for their youngest daughter. She remains always curious about her Jewish heritage and the meaning of being Jewish.  The focus of the story shifts to Jimmy Winslow, who continues the quest for identity and understanding.

Irving’s latest novel is a sprawling, wordy narrative with multiple storylines, some of which feel repetitive. There are timely topics here, along with some interesting characters and some not so interesting. Despite the shift in focus to Jimmy, the core of the story remains Esther’s, centered around Jewish identity and the pervasive issue of anti-Semitism. I particularly valued the historical perspective of the Israel/Palestine conflict.

Fans of Irving will recognize references to some of his earlier characters and familiar themes. There are readers who will find this book masterful; others may well find it tedious.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @SimonBooks for the DRC.

***