Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream - Alexander McCall Smith

 Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream - Alexander McCall Smith

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

She read

This is the eighteenth installment in the episodic series that chronicles the lives of the residents of 44 Scotland Road, Edinburgh. Although I’ve read all of Alexander McCall Smith’s #1 Ladies Detective Agency books and some of the Isabel Dalhousie series, this is my first foray into the Scotland Rd. series. While it worked well as a standalone, I’m sorry I didn’t get acquainted with the characters sooner.

The book is amusing, witty, and quirky.  Even the most mundane discussions become entertaining, and the author demonstrates great insight into the human psyche.  There are many characters to remember, but by the end of the book, I had them sorted and was familiar with all of them

Thanks to @NetGalley and @aaknopf for the DRC.

****

Ghost Town - Tom Perrotta

 Ghost Town - Tom Perrotta

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

She read

Successful author, the man once known as Jimmy Perrini, reflects on his pre-high school life in 1974 New Jersey. After his mother’s death, he feels lost and alienated from life, finding some solace in two relationships.  One is with a ne’er-do-well boy who spends his time smoking weed and driving around in his fast car, despite being underage. The other is with an older, bright girl from a dysfunctional family who introduces him to a Ouija board. 

Perrotta’s novel evokes a wide range of emotions.  It is nostalgic, wistful, poignant, melancholic, and hopeful, as well as a bit spiritual. Beautifully written, it resonates with anyone who has reminisced about their teenage self.

Having lived through the 70s in New Jersey, the author captures that era and environment realistically. I thoroughly enjoyed all the familiar locales mentioned by name in this narrative. This haunting story will linger in my mind for quite some time.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Scribner for the DRC.

****

False Witness - John Carson

 False Witness - John Carson

Pub. Date: April 5, 2026

She read

Seven years ago, there was a series of killings by someone given the moniker “The Embalmer,” followed by his disappearance. Now, he has resurfaced, and DCI Liam Brodie is called to Fife to assist in the investigation. As clues emerge, it appears that he may not have been as silent as initially suspected, potentially adopting a new modus operandi for his killings. As Liam delves deeper into the case, his life is in danger.

This is the second installment in the Liam Brodie series; I have read both. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers familiar with the prior book will have some background and insights into Liam’s character and some of the other characters.

This is a fast paced mystery/thriller. On the dark side, there are twists and red herrings. Fans of mysteries, solid  police procedurals, Scottish locations, and thrillers will enjoy this read. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @TheBoldBookClub for the DRC.

****

Gut Goals - Beth Rosen

 Gut Goals - Beth Rosen

Pub. Date: March 31, 2026

She read

Beth Rosen, a registered dietician, has written this book to help people understand and manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Affecting people of all ages, it causes abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Rosen provides a comprehensive explanation of the digestive system and offers a good overview of  the different types of IBS, distinguishing it from  IBD (Irritable bowel diseases such as Crohn’s or colitis). Symptoms are reviewed and there is emphasis on the FODMAP diet to manage IBS. Additionally, she discusses the influence of stress and the significance of sleep in managing IBS. Rosen provides a supportive and reassuring assessment of living with IBS and offers guidance on how to advocate for oneself when seeking diagnosis and treatment.

****

Mad Mabel - Sally Hepworth

 Mad Mabel - Sally Hepworth

Pub. Date: April 21, 2026

She read

Eighty-one-year-old Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick has resided on her small street for sixty years. A feisty curmudgeon to her neighbors, she has tried to keep her history hidden from them. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a neighbor dead in his house. The police suspect her, as she indeed has been known as “Mad Mabel”, the youngest person in Australia ever convicted of murder. However, as the story unfolds, the reader discovers her true history and character.

 Can a novel be a delightfully entertaining read with wit and sass and yet be heartbreaking? Read Mad Mabel to find out.

This clever and insightful story is told in two timelines: then and now. The characters are memorable, and there are twists and turns. I loved Mabel, a quirky, grumpy, endearing woman and Persephone, an annoying, yet captivating child. Despite some heart wrenching parts, this book was a joy to read. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @stmartinspress for the DRC.

*****

The Waitress - K.L. Slater

 The Waitress - K.L. Slater

Pub. Date: April 17, 2026

She read

Alicia finds herself entangled in a web of deceit, caught between two rich and influential men who want her to spy on each other. One is blackmailing and threatening her, while the other offers her a new glamorous life posing as his girlfriend as she seeks information to help him in his business endeavors. The driving force behind her treachery is the desire to protect and improve the lives of her son and sister, who is temporarily taking care of her nephew while Alicia navigates through her own personal struggles.

This is written in a style that is popular now, with fast-paced short chapters and multiple point-of-view narrations which some are calling “domestic noir.” The main characters aren’t  particularly likable, with some of them lacking any redeeming qualities. However, I did find one of the themes—the connection between wealth, power, and its abuse—to be quite relevant to our times.

I’ve read a few books by this author before and enjoyed them. This story has suspense and a twist, but I wouldn’t rate it as among her best. Nevertheless, I’ll definitely continue to seek out and read her other works.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

***

Go Gentle - Maria Semple

 Go Gentle  - Maria Semple

Pub. Date: April 14, 2026

She  read

Written in parts, this is the story of Adora Hazzard, who started out as a comedy writer and became a Stoic philosopher working for a wealthy family. Along the way, she married, had a daughter who is now a teenager, divorced, and formed a “coven" with some friends living in  The Ansonia, New York City.  Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a handsome, but mysterious man and becomes entangled in a possible international art fraud/terrorism plot.

The book delves into various themes, including art, philosophy, #metoo, mystery, intrigue, romance, relationships, and motherhood. While the plot may seem scattered to some, it ultimately does come together.

I particularly enjoyed the concept of a “coven” of middle-aged women living in the same apartment building and providing support to each other as they age in place. Additionally, I found the exploration of Stoicism to be a worthwhile aspect of the book. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @PutnamBooks for the DRC.

****

Death Times Seven- Anne Perry; Victoria Zackheim

 Death Times Seven - Anne Perry, Victoria Zackheim

Pub. Date: April 14, 2026

She Read

The seventh and final novel in the Daniel Pitt series, Daniel finds himself taking over the defense of a young man accused of murder when his associate, Toby, is called home because his mother and father have both been shot.  His mother is dead, his father unconscious, and the police are calling it a murder-suicide.

Daniel is torn between trying to prove his new client’s innocence despite the evidence and also attempting to prove Toby’s father innocent. His beloved wife, Miriam, a doctor of pathology, steps in to assist.

Anne Perry, who was a favorite author of mine, passed away in 2023 with this manuscript unfinished. Her friend and fellow author, Victoria Zackheim, stepped in to complete the story. 

This mystery/legal thriller boasts a compelling plot, suspenseful moments, criminal intrigue, and strong character development. It is particularly interesting to learn the state of forensic pathology in the early 1900s. Kudos to Perry for developing early on in the series female protagonists who are capable, strong, confident individuals. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @RandomHouse #Ballantine Books for the DRC.

****