Broken Bones - John Carson

 Broken Bones - John Carson

Pub. Date: Nov. 11, 2025

She read

DCI Liam Brodie is still wrapping up a serial killer case he solved three years ago when he is assigned temporarily to Major Investigations in Fife. Their DCI is missing and a child’s bones have been discovered beneath the floorboards of a home there. It turns out that his girlfriend, psychologist Ruth Calder, was a foster child in that home and remembers the treatment she received there as well as a child who went missing. 

This is the first in what is to become a series featuring DCI Liam Brodie. It is a fast-paced read with different storylines and intriguing plot lines. The twists and turns as the cases progress are interspersed with humor. 

I did feel that the backstories and introductions to the many characters could have been more developed. At times, I felt as though I had entered the story in the middle rather than at the beginning. Despite this, I enjoyed the characters, particularly Brodie, and look forward to the next installment. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @TheBoldBookClub for the DRC.

***

My Husband Next Door - K.L. Slater

 My Husband Next Door - K.L. Slater

Pub. Date: Oct. 28

She read

A college student has gone missing, suspected of having been abducted, which puts the community on edge. Married couple Sylvie and Matt have a unique living situation; they reside in separate homes just two doors apart. It works for them. Their arrangement is disrupted when retired nurse Brenda moves in across the street and insinuates herself into their lives. Initially, Brenda appears to be a blessing when Sylvie’s daughter gives birth and faces medical complications. Soon, it is apparent that she has taken over their lives, causing their world to unravel.

This psychological/domestic thriller/mystery is another page-turner from author K.L. Slater. Fast-paced, with a multi-layered storyline, there are hidden secrets here, along with some clues buried within the narrative, making it a gripping read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

****

The Killer Question - Janice Hallett

 The Killer Question - Janice Hallett

Pub. Date: Sept. 23, 2025

She read

Sue and Mal Eastwood were proprietors of a small rural pub which hosted a weekly trivia game. All was progressing well until the body of someone who had been kicked out of the pub was discovered in a nearby body of water. Around the same time, a mysterious quiz team began attending their contests, consistently able to answer all the questions, no matter how difficult Mal made them. They must have been cheating, but how? 

Sue and Mal have a secret; they are former police officers who left the force after being involved in a covert operation. In one revelatory evening, secrets are exposed and all the questions answered. 

The pub has now been deserted for five years when Dominic, their nephew, is sure there is a marketable story there and wants to make a documentary about them. 

With multiple timelines and told in an epistolary manner, including texts, emails, witness statements, and transcripts, this cleverly plotted tale is a bit slow in building momentum, but the twists and turns come fast at the end. The amusing exchanges among the diverse characters and the building tension create a compelling atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged and makes this a unique and entertaining read.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Atriabooks for the DRC. 

****

Brain Teasers for Memory Fitness - Julie Demyanovich

 Brain Teasers for Memory Fitness ; 90 day challenge to Strengthen Recall and Improve Cognitive Skills  -  Julie Demyanovich

Pub.  Date: Nov. 18, 2025

We exercise our bodies every day, shouldn’t we exercise our brains as well?

Here are 90 days’ worth of puzzles and games to help enhance brain function and memory.  They involve such skills as long- and short-term memory, visual recall, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They offer a blend of fun and challenge and include such activities as trivia, crosswords, Sudoku, and word games. 

I had an ebook Advanced Readers Copy, which was not the best way to experience these challenges.  In fact, it was frustrating.  But it whetted my appetite for more, and I intend to purchase the physical paperback for a more satisfying experience.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @ZeitgeistPublishing for the DRC.

*****

The Book Club Killer - Ross Greenwood

The Book Club Killer - Ross Greenwood

Pub. Date: Nov. 5, 2025

She read

Christmas is approaching. DI Barton is contemplating retirement when a case lands on his desk. After a meeting of a local book club, one of the members dies under suspicious circumstances. As Barton investigates, he uncovers hidden secrets among the members, making them all potential suspects. Time is of the essence before another death occurs. 

This is the eighth of the DI Barton books.  It is the second I have read, but it works well as a stand-alone.

A solid police procedural, I enjoy the protagonists in this series with their personal relationships and sarcastic humor. Barton is a leader with empathy and a sense of fairness. Greenwood’s writing draws you into this engrossing and fast-paced read. The story is told from different POVs, including that of the book club killer, which keeps readers guessing about the perpetrator’s identity.   

Thanks to @Netgalley and @TheBoldBookCLub for the DRC.

****

 

Fairy Mermaids - Shannon and Ryan Mills

 Fairy Mermaids Book Series - Shannon and Ryan Mills

She read

A series for young readers

Ocean Treasures Books 1-3

The Mullet Run

The Loggerhead Rescue

The Goliath Grouper

These are the first three books in a series about Coral, a fairy mermaid, and her friend Sandy as they explore the wonders that are found in our oceans. 

Fairies and mermaids have always been popular with children (and some adults too!), and these enchanting stories are beautifully illustrated with stunning colors. Each book is both entertaining and educational.  Children learn such things as what a reef is, how sea glass is made, and are introduced to many different sea creatures. At the end of each story, “fairy mermaid facts” are provided that provide further information about the sea and its inhabitants. 

Beyond the entertainment value, these books also impart valuable life lessons such as  what courage is, howw if we give everyone a chance, we just might find a good friend.

As someone who lives at the beach, I can attest to the authenticity of the information about the creatures (well, except for the fairy mermaids!).  I particularly liked the story about sea turtles laying eggs, and even though I have volunteered with them for many years, I learned something new about them in The Loggerhead Rescue!

These books would make a great gift for children to learn about and appreciate the wonders of the ocean. They are not only educational but also visually appealing, offering a chance to admire the beautiful illustrations.

Thanks to @fairy.mermaids for the DRC.

******

Introducing Mrs. Collins - Rachel Parris

 Introducing Mrs. Collins - Rachel Parris

Pub. Date: Nov. 4, 2025

She read

Introducing Mrs. Collins - Rachel Parris

Pub.  Date: Nov. 4, 2025

After his marriage proposal is rejected by Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Collins sets his sights on Charlotte Lucas. As she does not appear to have any other prospects, she accepts and looks forward to an uninspiring marital life. She lives a quiet and dutiful existence as the clergyman’s wife until a visitor arrives at Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s Rosings Park, introducing her to a new world.

For those familiar with Pride and Prejudice, this recounts the life of Charlotte Lucas after her marriage. It is an endearing story with mostly endearing characters. Perhaps a bit spicier than the writing in Jane Austen’s time, the tale is told with biting humor and witty social observations, especially concerning the plight of women. Flashbacks provide insight into the backstories of the main characters, helping to understand their journey. I must admit that my reactions to Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine were somewhat softened as their lives, thoughts, and feelings were revealed.

If only for a little while, this book allows readers to travel back to that world of Regency England, Jane Austen, and Pride and Prejudice. However, one does not have to be familiar with the original book to enjoy this read.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC

*****