The Oxford Detective Society - Faith Martin

 The Oxford Detective Society - Faith Martin

Pub. Date: Aug. 1, 2026

She read

Amanda “Monty" Montrose was the girlfriend of the lead singer of a fleetingly popular rock group in the 60s. Tragically, she died young, her questionable death ruled an accident. During her lifetime, the press relentlessly criticized her. Lyssa Moore, a writer specializing in biographies, is commissioned by a descendant of Monty’s to set the record straight about the young woman. As Lyssa begins researching, it seems there may be people who don’t want her looking into Monty's life. When Lyssa discovers her phone has been bugged, the woman who hired her begins acting strangely, and a man living in Lyssa’s building is tracking all of her comings and goings, her friends bind together to support her, forming what they call The Oxford Detective Society.

I am a fan of Faith Martin’s DI Hillary Green and Ryder/Loveday series and was excited to read this first installment of a new series featuring Lyssa Moore. 

With an intriguing plot, red herrings, twists, an Oxford setting, a nostalgic look back at the 60s and good character development, this was an enjoyable read. I like this new main character and the colorful cast of friends surrounding her. I look forward to the next installment, especially since there is a hint of a romance to come. 

This is an excellent opportunity to get on the ground floor of a promising new series by a renowned British author.

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

****

The Christmas Killer - Ross Greenwood

 The Christmas Killer - Ross Greenwood

Pub. Date: Sept, 2, 2026

She read

This is the ninth installment in the DI Barton mystery series. Although I have read a few of them, this would work as a stand-alone.

As Christmas approaches,  DI Barton is on sabbatical. He is called back to head the investigation into a brutal murder. After another murder occurs, the team is at a loss as to motive, but suspects it may be connected to the victims’ pasts and possible police corruption. Barton and the Major crimes team race against time to prevent further deaths and uncover the culprit and their motive.

Ross Greenwood is one of my go to authors, with DI Barton a favorite character. Barton is a leader with empathy and a sense of fairness. This is a captivating read which kept me engrossed until the very end. It is a solid police procedural with engaging and richly drawn characters.

The story is cleverly plotted, told from multiple perspectives, including that of the Christmas killer. This, along with red herrings and twists, keeps readers guessing about the perpetrator’s identity.  Atmospheric, there are chillingly vivid descriptions of the cold, ice and snow.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

*****

The Heights - Ian Rankin

 The Heights - Ian Rankin

Pub. Date: Nov. 3, 2026

She Read

When the nighttime concierge in The Heights, an ultra- luxury apartment tower overlooking Hyde Park, is murdered, suspicion falls on a variety of wealthy individuals, including an actress, a pop star, a gangster, an art dealer, a mysterious international heiress. Detective Sergeant Gillian Gish and her colleagues are charged with unraveling the hidden secrets of some of London’s elite. 

I have read a few of Ian Rankin’s novels before…most notably some from the John Rebus series. I found them to be engaging, fast paced reads. This book, however, was slow paced and rather bland. There are many characters which at times was a bit confusing.  I had to really concentrate to keep  them straight. 

Despite these shortcomings, the book serves as an insightful exploration of what Rankin refers to as “money London” and “UHNW” (ultra-high net worth), shedding light on the differential treatment often received by individuals in this category from officials.

I did enjoy the main character, DS Gish and would be eager to read more stories featuring her. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the DRC.

****

All Birds Have Anxiety - Kathy Hoopmann

 All Birds Have Anxiety - Kathy Hoopman

Pub. Date: Sept 24, 2026

She read

I love this book.

 Hoopman does an exceptional job of clearly explaining the feelings and physical symptoms of anxiety in a way that can be understood by children and yet also helpful for adults. She provides strategies for managing stress and anxiety. This approach is wonderfully non-threatening and offers a helpful way to cope with those worrisome feelings.

The accompanying bird photos are beautiful and perfectly illustrate the ideas being discussed.  Some are incredibly cute, even comical, and are sure to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults alike. 

This book is an excellent resource for parents, counselors and teachers. It is part of the  All Animals series that explores other topics such as autism spectrum and ADHD.

Thanks to @NetGalley and John Murray Press #SheldonPress for the DRC.

*****

Hanging and Burning - Walter Mosley

 Hanging and Burning - Walter Mosley

Pub. Date: Oct. 20, 2026

She read

At his grandmother’s request, private investigator Joe King Oliver embarks on a quest to find the granddaughter of one of her fellow cancer patients.This journey takes him from LA to New York and back again, revealing a dark history of gangsters and violence. 

It has been quite a while since I last read a Walter Mosley book, and although this is the fourth installment in the King Oliver series, it is the first I have read.

There are many characters who seem to drift in and out of the narrative. While I appreciated the vivid descriptions of the characters’ clothing choices, particularly Oliver’s, the story itself failed to resonate with me. Mosley fans will undoubtedly enjoy this addition to his extensive body of work, but it simply wasn’t for me.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.

***

Missing Molly - Natalie Barelli

 Missing Molly - Natalie Barelli

Pub. Date: Oct. 20, 2026

She read

Except for her occasional panic attacks, Rachel lives a quiet life with her daughter and partner. She works at a struggling local newspaper. To revive itself, the paper embarks on a podcast about a gruesome murder that occurred twelve years ago. A mother, father, and one daughter were found clubbed to death.  The youngest daughter, Molly, has not been seen since.  Someone was charged with the crime but never tried as he committed suicide. Initially, Rachel fights doing the podcast because she knows the truth as she is the Molly who is missing. However, she eventually joins in on the research, which puts her and others' lives in grave danger. 

While I thought it well written, this story troubled me. I couldn’t understand why Rachel wouldn’t simply quit her job and distance herself from the story instead of becoming so deeply involved and putting her, her daughter, and her husband’s lives at risk.  As she made one poor choice after another, I found it difficult to believe that she had survived on her own for so long, including a time when she lived on the streets.

Despite these reservations, I couldn’t put the book down. 

After I read the book, I discovered that it was originally published in 2018; I don’t know if it was updated for this new release in 2026.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @poisonedpress for the DRC.

****

Easy Anti-Inflammatory Diet Air Fryer Cookbook Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, CD, FAND

 

Easy Anti-Inflammatory Diet Air Fryer Cookbook -Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, CD, FAND

Pub. Date: Oct. 16, 2026

She read

Here are 100 step-by-step recipes that support an anti inflammatory diet and are made in an air fryer. The recipes are introduced with an over view of an anti inflammatory diet as well as tips for using an air fryer. 

The recipes are organized into sections by categories, and there are also useful charts such as air fryer cooking times and temperatures for a variety of foods. Each recipe also notes other diets it may satisfy, such as gluten-free, low/carb, and vegan. Many of the recipes look very tempting.

I read an advanced readers digital copy and would have preferred more photos; perhaps they will be included in the hard copy book. As someone who hates to cook, I also would have liked some even simpler recipes with very limited ingredients. Overall, this is a good introduction to using an air fryer to maintain a healthy, anti inflammatory diet. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @ZeitgeistPublishing for the DRC.

****

Split Screen - Lee Goldberg

 Split Screen - Lee Goldberg

Pub. Date: Oct. 20,2026

she read

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. 

Pavone has been sidelined to a desk job, and Eve is pushed into helping the new sheriff in town promote the department on social media. Part of that involves allowing the actress who portrays her in the TV series to do a ride-along. When the actress is shot by gunmen shouting “Die, Ronin, die”, Eve takes it upon herself to find them while also investigating the death of another actress, the murder of a local doctor, the questionable activities of a step-sister she never knew she had, and an explosion at the police shooting range. 

This is the seventh in the Eve Ronin series; I have read all of them, although this would work as a standalone.  Lee Goldberg’s books are well-written, fast-paced, and feature 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.

Eve is juggling multiple cases, and Goldberg seamlessly transitions from one to another. Eve is a great character - a loose cannon who is determined and unrelenting. 

I also enjoy the crossovers of other of Goldberg's series 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. 

I would recommend this series to fans of mysteries/thrillers/police procedurals, especially those featuring personable main characters. All of the books do work as standalone novels.

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

****

Bark Humbug - David Rosenfelt

 Bark Humbug - David Rosenfelt

Pub. Date: Oct. 27, 2026

This is the 34th in the Andy Carpenter series and its annual holiday installment. It would work as a standalone.  Andy is an irascible, but somehow charming defense attorney. He doesn’t really want to try cases and, fortunately, his wealth allows him to choose only those in which he believes. He has an interesting team with whom he works, including his wife, Laurie, a former police officer. He and Laurie also founded the Tara Foundation for rescue dogs, named for his loyal golden retriever. 

The mayor of Paterson, NJ, who is also a gubernatorial candidate, is gunned down along with one of his donors. The prime suspect is Jon, a former Marine raider, with PTSD. Jon’s sister tricks Andy into taking the case, which has evidence supporting both Jon’s guilt and innocence. As Andy's investigation proceeds, rampant political corruption is uncovered.

 Bark Humbug is an entertaining blend of mystery and legal thriller with comedic elements. With a solid plot, colorful characterizations, twists, turns, courtroom drama, and great humor, this is a very enjoyable, fast-paced read. What truly sets Rosenfelt’s writing apart is his ability to infuse humor throughout his stories, particularly through Andy’s witty and snarky remarks. This is one of the few series I have ever read (and I have read many) that consistently makes me laugh out loud.

I look forward to each addition to this series. It is one of my  “must reads” whenever a new one is available.  Every book is a delight.

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

*****

The French Illusion - John Grisham

 Paul and Chelsea’s dream honeymoon to Paris is brutally interrupted when they are kidnapped and held for ransom. It is an unimaginable nightmare for them and their families. As numerous international agencies become involved in the search for them, it is revealed that they are not the only young couple to have been kidnapped while honeymooning in Paris. 

International suspense is not my usual genre of choice, but Grisham is such a talented storyteller that I couldn’t put this riveting narrative down. The fast-paced, short chapters and masterful plot kept me engaged from beginning to end.

While there are some descriptions of torture, if they trigger a warning for you, do what I do and skim over them. The ending did feel a bit abrupt, but after this tense and emotionally charged journey, it was acceptable.

Without giving away any spoilers, this book reminds us that even though they may be unrelated to you in your everyday life, your government’s actions have consequences. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @DoubledayBooks for the DRC.

*****

The Dying Light - Ann Cleeves

 The Dying Light - Ann Cleeves

Pub. Date: Sept. 29, 2026

She read

This is the fourth installment in the Two Rivers series featuring DI Matthew Venn. Although I have read and enjoyed all four of them, this would work as a standalone. 

It is summer in Devon and the weather is sizzling. A young woman is found dead, floating in the pool of a posh vacation home and her friend, the daughter of the owners of the home, is missing. As DI Venn and his team investigate, they suspect the families of the girls are concealing something. Is this a crucial clue that will lead to solving the case, or are other factors at play?

Well written, with strong character development, Cleeves will have readers guessing throughout. She prioritizes character-driven storytelling and plot-driven suspense over action-packed sequences. This is an engrossing read that I didn’t want to put down. It is atmospheric and a bit claustrophobic due to the small, rather insular community and the sultry weather.  

If you are unfamiliar with this series, you might recognize Cleeves name from her immensely successful Vera and Shetland books and TV series.  If you are a fan of  methodical, introspective, well plotted police procedurals with engaging characters, I highly recommend her books.  

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

*****

The Cortisol Cure - Dr. Erin Kinney

 The Cortisol Cure - Dr. Erin Kinney

Pub. Date: Sept. 22, 2026

She read

The stress hormone, cortisol, is receiving a lot of attention recently. In this book, a physician delves into its impact on our functioning and provides practical advice on developing a plan to improve both physical and mental well-being. The book uses patient histories to illustrate effective strategies for managing cortisol issues.

I appreciated the book’s organized approach, categorizing specific topics such as sleep, weight, and digestion. For those who benefit from reading about other people’s experiences, there are numerous examples.  Personally, I would have preferred a more concise and direct approach.

To truly benefit from the recommendations, lab work is recommended, as are a variety of supplements. There is a lot of repetition, but if the reader uses this book just by chapter headings (conditions of interest), that repetition is necessary.

There are some helpful tips and takeaways here. The extensive information provided makes repeated readings, note-taking, and underlining highly recommended. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the  DRC.

****

Murder at Christmas - TA Williams

 Murder at Christmas - TA Williams

Pub. Date: Aug. 5, 2026

She read

This is the sixteenth in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series. It is the third I have read, and it would work well as a stand-alone.

Englishman Dan Armstrong, a retired DCI, now resides and works as a private investigator in Florence, Italy, and is married to Anna, a university professor. His faithful sidekick is Oscar, an instinctively smart canine companion.

A few days before Christmas, Dan, Anna, and Oscar are invited to an opulent alpine retreat in northern Italy. When someone is found dead, Dan must unravel whether it is suicide, an accident, or murder.  If it is murder, there is no shortage of suspects among the rancorous guests.

This captivating and entertaining read boasts a well-crafted plot that keeps readers guessing. Oscar’s delightful presence enhances the enjoyment of the story, and, as always, he proves to be a valuable and reliable assistant. The atmospheric descriptions of the scenery , weather, food, and wine immerse the reader in the locale.

I can’t wait to see where Dan and Oscar’s next mystery will take them.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

****

Our Noble Selves - Kate Atkinson

 Our Nobel Selves - Kate Atkinson

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

War reporter and former POW Harry Flynn is working on the preparations for the 1951 Festival of Britain, an event organized to showcase British achievements and boost morale after World War II. When a Frenchwoman with whom Harry has shared a drink disappears, suspicion falls on him. Could he have been responsible for her death?

Clever, witty, and with a cast of very colorful, quirky characters, this was a joy to read. Some of those characters were scary, others delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Festival and the items that were deemed important to include. Additionally, the book provided some insight into the political climate surrounding World War II in Britain and the Burma Railway.

 Well researched, many of the amusing anecdotes surrounding the festival that were mentioned were based on real events. The maps of the exhibitions and  features such as the names of suppliers of the various furnishings enhanced understanding of  the Festival. This was yet another captivating and mysterious joyride by Atkinson. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @DoubledayBooks for the DRC.

*****

The Fallen Angel - Andy Maslen

 The Fallen Angel - Andy Maslen

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

In this, the seventh installment in the DS Kat Ballantyne series, Kat and her team investigate a gruesome ritualistic murder that occurred  inside Middlehampton Cathedral. Kat faces pressure from her superiors, corruption, church politics, and a tangled, deceitful web in trying to solve the case.

This is only the second in the series that I have read. Since a secondary plot involves Kat’s family, I would have benefited from more of an explanation of the background.

With an intriguing, fast-paced plot and colorful characters, this is a solid mystery/police procedural. I like Kat, a strong, capable female protagonist.

A new character is introduced as part of the investigative team.  Hannah Fellowes, who is neurodivergent, is an accomplished forensic specialist with a wicked, refreshing sense of humor. 

The ending left me with some discontent about justice being fully served. There also were some loose ends that left an opening for a sequel, to which I look forward. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing for the DRC.

****

Hollow Bones - Jodi Picoult

 Hollow Bones - Jodi Picoult

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

On Sept. 11, 2001, When Molly Fitzgerald was just two months old, her mother left for an appointment at the World Trade Center in New York City  and never returned. Despite having a loving stepmother, Molly always felt a deep sense of emptiness in her life. Now, as the head of the Rhode Island Department for Emergency Preparedness, she is happily married and awaiting the birth of her first child. When the unexpected occurs, her life is turned upside down. There is so much more to this story, but I don’t want to write anything additional to avoid spoilers. 

This is another great read from master storyteller Jodi Picoult, delving into the complexities of human emotions and the lasting impact of tragedy. 

Picoult has a way of instilling a sense of humanity in her characters that makes them seem real. It is as if one is reading a true story rather than fiction. Captivating, I spent an entire day on the couch reading because I couldn’t put it down. 

The story unfolds across multiple timelines, moving from past to present and among different POVs. It is a powerfully emotional story. There are twists and turns and characters who will stay with readers for a long time. 

As usual with a Picoult novel, the reader will learn about some diverse topics including 9/11 memorial, post partum psychosis, emergency services, some native American practices, commentary about some of the damaging effects of government policies. As with her previous works, Picoult’s research is meticulous, ensuring that the book is both informative and engaging.

Picoult fans will recognize characters from My Sister’s Keeper in this narrative. While the book does contain some trigger warnings, including child abuse and the devastating effects of post-partum psychosis, I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @RandomHouse @BallantineBooks

*****

One Split Second - Robert Dugoni

 One Split Second - Robert Dugoni

Pub. Date: Sept. 15, 2026

She read

This, the twelfth installment  in the Seattle Cold Case Detective Tracy Crosswhite series, unfolds in two timelines. Tracy receives a call from a friend of hers, Sheriff Jenny Almond, who has been arrested for shooting an unarmed Vietnam veteran, Anthony Alvarez.

 Alvarez had been a suspect in a forty five year old case involving a missing girl. Jenny’s father, sheriff at the time, worked the case but it remained unsolved. He maintained contact with Alvarez until his own death and had helped the veteran receive assistance for his PTSD. Tracy and her husband, Dan, an attorney, rush to Jenny’s aid. Dan takes on Jenny’s defense, while Tracy tries to solve the old case.

I always look forward to Robert Dugoni’s Detective Tracy Crosswhite books and rely on them for solid mysteries and compelling  police procedurals. This one did not disappoint, with the addition of a legal thriller integrated into the narrative.

Dugoni’s books are well written with intriguing plots and good character development. This novel was another page turner that I didn’t want to put down. I enjoyed how the two timelines were seamlessly woven together as secrets were revealed. I  really like the character of Tracy and having her work together with husband Dan in the defense of her friend was an added bonus. 

While One Split Second works as a standalone, readers who enjoy mysteries and procedurals and are new to the Tracy Crosswhite series may want to go back and read the earlier books as well.

Thanks to @Netgalley and @AmazonPublishing @ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

*****

The Boat House - Fern Michaels

 The Boat House - Fern Michaels

Pub. Date: Aug. 24, 2026

She read

This is the second in the Twin Lights series by best selling author Fern Michaels.

The privileged lives of Madison and Lincoln Taylor were shattered when they were college students; their father was arrested for fraud and the family lost everything. Now adults living in New York with successful careers, they inherited a derelict marina along the Navesink River in New Jersey from their estranged uncle.

They have renovated the boat house at the marina and settled into a nice comfortable life in a rented second home in Smuggler’s Cove.  While celebrating the grand opening of the boat house, there is a break- in and a treasure map once owned by their uncle is stolen. This sets the stage for a web of intrigue that unfolds in the tranquil shore town. Amidst the unfolding mystery, Madison and a charming Coast Guard captain find themselves drawn to each other.

While this is not my usual genre, I read the first installment and was hooked. Part romance and part mystery, this heartwarming story is an ideal choice for an escapist or beach read. 

While the ending may seem a bit rushed, with loose ends neatly tied up in a brief epilogue, I can’t help but wonder if it’s due to the fact that this book was written shortly before the author’s passing in 2025. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.

****

The Silent Appeal - Janice Hallett

 The Silent Appeal - Janice Hallett

Pub. Date: Aug. 25, 2026

She read

This is the second installment in The Appeal series. Although I did not read the first one, this one worked well as a standalone.

The Fairway Players are staging Agatha Christie’s The Hollow. Director Kevin MacDonald is juggling multiple responsibilities. His wife and co-chair, Sarah-Jane, is primarily occupied with babysitting their energetic three-year-old and worrying about her long-lost sister, who has returned with an air of mystery surrounding her. The cast includes familiar faces as well as some newcomers with shady pasts. A murder takes place, although the victim isn’t revealed until near the end of the book.  Two lawyers are tasked with unraveling this perplexing mystery.

All I can say is Brilliant! Written in an epistolatory style with the story unfolding via texts, emails, police reports, journal entries, notes, and similar communications, this book is creative, mysterious, and rollicking. Despite its length ( 464 pages), the writing technique keeps the pace brisk and engaging. This is an intriguing story with lots of quirky characters, suspicions, red herrings, twists, and chaos. 

What a fun read! It was a refreshing break from the typical narrative structure.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AtriaBooks for the ARC.

*****

The Shadow Friends - Tess Gerritsen

 The Shadow Friends - Tess Gerritsen

Pub. Date: Aug. 25, 2026

She read

This series features a group of retired spies who dub themselves “The Martini Club”and now reside in Purity, Maine. An infectious disease specialist is found dead at a conference organized by Ingrid Slocum, one of the club’s members. Tragically, a brutal murder of a hotel waitress follows, reminiscent of a case Ingrid handled in the past. When a colleague from that time reappears, Ingrid can’t resist going back into action to seek retribution for an earlier case that went awry. As Ingrid embarks on a journey into international intrigue, her fellow Martini Club members are left frantically searching for her.

This is the third in The Martini Club series by best selling author Tess Gerritsen. Although I have read and enjoyed the prior installments, this one does work as a stand alone. However, delving into the first two books will provide more background and a greater understanding of these characters.

This narrative is  fast paced, entertaining, and suspenseful. It is an engrossing read with great characters. They are bold, resilient, loyal, and indomitable, not to mention a bit geriatric. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series, eager to uncover the secrets that lie ahead for these formidable individuals.

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

****