The Winds Further West - Alexander McCall Smith

The Winds Further West - Alexander McCall Smith

Pub. Date: July 29, 2025

She read

After facing professional and personal setbacks, Dr. Neil Anderson resigns from the University of Edinburgh and seeks solace on the cloistered Isle of Mull. There, he uncovers some treachery that caused his troubles and is urged by a close friend to seek revenge. Will he succumb to the desire for vengeance, or will the peace and tranquility of life on Mull, as well as all the hateful divisions in the world, influence his decision?

This standalone novel by the renowned Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith, best known for his #1 Ladies’ Detective Series, captivated me. It’s a heartwarming tale of healing amidst our divided times. McCall Smith’s signature perceptive and often poignant observations of life infuse the narrative with depth and wisdom. Even amidst the turmoil of a character or the world around them, reading McCall Smith’s work is always soothing. His characters are well crafted and impart profound philosophical and practical insights.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @aaknopf for the DRC.

*****

 

Bald is Beautiful - Carola Schmidt, Dian Ovieta (illustrator)

 Bald is Beautiful - Carola Schmidt, Dian Ovieta (illustrator)

She read

This is a “letter for a fabulous girl.” Beautifully and very colorfully illustrated, it is written for a young girl who has lost her hair to let her know that she is beautiful and she is loved. Bald is powerful. Accept yourself and be yourself!

This is a short inspirational read for anyone at any age going through the effects of losing their hair. One of the actions suggested is a hat and scarf shower. What a great idea!!!! Although the author emphasizes that a person can wear those items or not because bald is beautiful, it provides a nice option for friends to show support as well as have some fun together.  I think this is a great idea no matter what the age of the person going through this challenge. 

I love the message in this read.

*****

The White Crow - Michael Robotham

 The White Crow - Michael Robotham

Pub. Date: July 1, 2025

She read

Philomena McCarthy is the daughter of a notorious gangster who is leader of a local crime family. She severed ties with the family by becoming a police constable in London. Her marriage to a fireman brought a fragile reconciliation with her family. Now, her two worlds collide when, on patrol in the middle of the night, she finds a young child wandering, covered in blood. It seems, as part of a robbery of the child’s parents’ jewelry store, her mother has been killed and her father is found with a bomb strapped to him. Some evidence suggests Phil's family may be involved in the case. The investigation puts not only her career but also her life in jeopardy. 

I was first introduced to Philomena in 2021 in what was touted as a standalone novel, When You Are Mine. In my review at that time, I said that I hoped this would become a series. Well, wishes sometimes come true, as this is the second book in what is now being called a series featuring this character.

Robotham’s writing style and character development are captivating. The book boasts a colorful cast of characters and a rapidly paced, suspenseful plot that kept me utterly engrossed. I particularly enjoy Phil. Her strength and persistence which sometimes lead her to make questionable decisions. Perhaps these flaws will be rectified as she matures in her role. Despite the underlying darkness, humor is a constant presence throughout the book, making it a very entertaining read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @ScribnerBooks for the DRC.

****

The Unraveling of Julia - Lisa Scottoline

 The Unraveling of Julia - Lisa Scottoline

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

She read

Julia’s adoptive parents have died, and her husband is murdered protecting her from a mugger. As her life begins to unravel, foreshadowed, she believes, by her horoscope, she receives word that she has inherited a sum of money as well as a villa and vineyard in Tuscany. Julia has no idea who the woman is who left her this estate, but wonders if she could be someone related to her biological parent(s). She travels to Tuscany to investigate, where she learns her benefactor was quite eccentric, perhaps even paranoid. Julia soon finds her emotional state spiraling and her life in danger. 

Let me start out by saying that I don’t typically relish what I call fairy tale stories (suddenly inheriting wealth, etc.) or paranormal elements, but I have always enjoyed Scottoline’s writing so I wanted to read this, her latest work. Despite my reservations, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An engrossing read, I didn’t want to put it down. It is suspenseful and atmospheric, with twists, some spookiness, and a romance.  Astrology and supernatural events are integral parts of the story, as is the search of an adopted child for her roots, along with some information about real characters in Italian history. The characterizations are strong and diverse. Even if you are not a devotee of the paranormal, suspend your belief for a while and enjoy this well-written story.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @GrandcentralPub for the DRC.

****

You Belong Here - Megan Miranda

 You Belong Here - Megan Miranda

Pub. Date: July 29, 2025

She read

Beckett Bowery was asked to leave Wyatt College after a tragedy caused by her roommate called into question her complicity. It was difficult to leave; her parents taught at the school, and she grew up in a house adjacent to it. Now, 20 years later, daughter Delilah, against Beckett’s better judgement, attends Wyatt on full scholarship; her grandparents still reside in the same house in this small college town. When Delilah appears to go missing, the past returns to haunt Beckett. Danger ensues, and secrets are revealed.

Told in two timelines, the events of the past slowly unfold while the race is on to find Delilah. While this may not be my favorite Megan Miranda story, I couldn’t put it down, reading late into the night to finish it in one day. There are twists in this suspenseful, eerily atmospheric read which begs the question: how far will you go for your child?  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @ _SimonElement @MarySueRucciBooks for the DRC.

****

The Lake Escape - Jamie Day

 The Lake Escape - Jamie Day

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

She read

Julia, David, and Erika have been coming to Lake Timmeny, Vermont since childhood, their families owning adjacent houses. Their friendship has been long and enduring. This year may be different. David has built a huge glass house obscuring the view of the two others and has brought his young, sexy girlfriend along with his twin children. He has hired Izzy as a nanny, but she seems to be there under the shadow of a secret. The three friends have secrets of their own. The lake is notorious because two girls disappeared whereabouts unknown thirty years apart, leading to the legend “the lake takes them”. It is now thirty years since the last disappearance and another person goes missing. 

Told from two points of view with a bit of a convoluted plot this is a twisty, sinister trip through toxic relationships. There are twists galore, some unexpected, others easy to guess. With a plot that begs the question how well do we know our friends, it is a fast, engrossing read. As a comic break from the suspense, I enjoyed Julia’s musings of how she would post current situations to Instagram. Her comments are quite entertaining.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

The Blue Horse - Bruce Borgos

 The Blue Horse - Bruce Borgos

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025

She read

When two people are killed during a wild horse round up in Nevada, state and federal officers, including his girlfriend Detective Charlie Blue Horse, join county sheriff Porter Beck in investigating. In addition to trying to deal with the outside personnel while solving the murders, Covid is beginning to ravage the area and Porter’s sister goes missing. And just what does a lithium mining operation have to do the situation? There is danger everywhere.

This is the third in the Porter Beck mystery stories. Let me start out by saying I don’t typically chose books with horses in them, but I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and wanted to stay with it. I was rewarded with a suspenseful, action packed, thrilling ride through the west filled with a variety of colorful characters. I enjoyed that a variety of timely topics were touched upon by the plot, including environmental concerns around mining and rare earth minerals, the ethics of using modern methods to round up wild mustangs,  PTSD among our nation’s veterans and I love Porter’s “deputy" dog, Columbo.

Although part of a series, this would work as a standalone. Trigger warnings; there is violence against both humans and animals. There is also some questionable plausibility, but that didn’t take away from my being fully engrossed in the story.  

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

****